Dryve
Encyclopedia
Dryve was an alternative
/roots
/pop
/rock
band from San Diego
, California
. The band's unusual instrumentation - including a Hammond organ
, accordions, and a harmonica
- gave them a unique sound. The San Diego music scene is well known for producing Christian rock
bands such as Switchfoot
and P.O.D.
, and despite its brief national life Dryve produced what the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music calls "stellar examples of Christian rock
at its best."
duos merged to create one group. The first consisted of Paul Donovan (guitar, vocals) and Cory Verner, (guitar, vocals) childhood friends who had played together since about 1990, and the second of Keith Andrew (drums) and Steve Pratschner (guitar). With the addition of David (keyboard, sax, organ) and Michael Pratschner (upright and regular bass guitar), both brothers of Steve Pratschner, the band's lineup was complete. By the fall of that year that had recorded their first demo, dubbed South. In November 1994 they released their independently produced debut, Hum. The release lead to some local recognition: The first track, "Happy Song", won the 1994 San Diego Songwriter's Guild contest, and the album was nominated in the "Best Rock Album" category at the 1995 San Diego Music Awards
.
Dryve became well known locally, and between 1995 and 1996 Dryve played 90 shows in the San Diego area. During this time they opened for acts such as Possum Dixon
, Sonia Dada
, and Jeff Buckley
. Their break came in 1996 after opening for Black Eyed Sceva, later known as Model Engine
, at a local show. They signed with SaraBellum Records and soon began touring the country. Their first national tour was in the fall of 1996 with labelmates Black Eyed Sceva and the Dime Store Prophets
.
February 1997 saw the release of what was to be the band's only nationally distributed album, Thrifty Mr Kickstar. In support they toured with Sixpence None the Richer
and Model Engine. In June of that year Dryve was featured at the Cornerstone
Christian music festival. Thrifty was critically acclaimed, and took the title of "Best Adult Alternative Album" at the 1997 San Diego Music Awards
. Their song "Nervous" received some radio airplay alternative rock stations and charted on Contemporary Christian music stations, peaking at #22. The band's final tour began in October 1997 with The Call
.
and ((Tremolo)) and did a tour in the UK and Europe . Cory set up a home studio where he writes and records his own music and also plays at his home church.
Keith Andrew has probably been the most musically active since the breakup of Dryve. He played with Justin Stevens, formerly of Dime Store Prophets
for a few years and toured with him a number of times to places such as Europe, UK and Russia. In 2001 Keith got involved with a band in Los Angeles
called 'Parlour' (later to be changed to Marjorie Fair
) who quickly got courted and signed by Capitol Records
. Unfortunately, the business end of things grew very shady and unethical so Keith left the band. Also based in Los Angeles, Keith Andrew worked with a band called The Paper Dolls who did a number of showcases for major labels including Interscope
, Capitol and Virgin Records
. They also worked with a few top name producers such as Dave Jerden
(Alice in Chains
, Jane's Addiction
) and Damon Elliot (Pin
k, Macy Gray
). Currently, Keith is playing with a band called The Tallships based out of San Diego. The Tallships are signed to a European label called Minority Records and completed a seven country European tour in Summer 2006.
commented that "the only band that sound like Dryve is Dryve!" Other reviewers classified their sound as melodic rock similar to Tom Petty
, R.E.M.
, or the Wallflowers
. Their most popular song was called "Rain". It has been played by worship groups in churches throughout the country. Part of its appeal was the lengthy, dreamy, yet powerful guitar solo by Steve Pratschner. As described by The Lighthouse: "It starts off slow and worshipful... Then it grows and grows to a full extended instrumental jam of praise."
Other standout songs included "Nervous": a "near perfect hit single", and "Television": an angst-tinged hard rock tune.
Lyrically Thrifty included songs touching topics such as sin, pride, hope, and despair, while managing "to avoid the sometimes confusing lingo of the evangelical Christian subculture".
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
/roots
Roots rock
Roots rock is a term now used to describe rock music that looks back to rock's origins in folk, blues and country music. It is particularly associated with the creation of hybrid sub-genres from the later 1960s including country rock and Southern rock, which have been seen as responses to the...
/pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
/rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from San Diego
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. The band's unusual instrumentation - including a Hammond organ
Hammond organ
The Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond in 1934 and manufactured by the Hammond Organ Company. While the Hammond organ was originally sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to the wind-driven pipe organ, in the 1960s and 1970s it became a standard keyboard...
, accordions, and a harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
- gave them a unique sound. The San Diego music scene is well known for producing Christian rock
Christian rock
Christian rock is a form of rock music played by individuals and bands whose members are Christians and who often focus the lyrics on matters concerned with the Christian faith. The extent to which their lyrics are explicitly Christian varies between bands...
bands such as Switchfoot
Switchfoot
Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream...
and P.O.D.
P.O.D.
Payable on Death is an American Christian metal band formed in 1992. The band's line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels. Their Christian faith is an important part of their music.They have released seven studio albums and...
, and despite its brief national life Dryve produced what the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music calls "stellar examples of Christian rock
Christian rock
Christian rock is a form of rock music played by individuals and bands whose members are Christians and who often focus the lyrics on matters concerned with the Christian faith. The extent to which their lyrics are explicitly Christian varies between bands...
at its best."
History
The band was formed in 1993 when two folkFolk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
duos merged to create one group. The first consisted of Paul Donovan (guitar, vocals) and Cory Verner, (guitar, vocals) childhood friends who had played together since about 1990, and the second of Keith Andrew (drums) and Steve Pratschner (guitar). With the addition of David (keyboard, sax, organ) and Michael Pratschner (upright and regular bass guitar), both brothers of Steve Pratschner, the band's lineup was complete. By the fall of that year that had recorded their first demo, dubbed South. In November 1994 they released their independently produced debut, Hum. The release lead to some local recognition: The first track, "Happy Song", won the 1994 San Diego Songwriter's Guild contest, and the album was nominated in the "Best Rock Album" category at the 1995 San Diego Music Awards
San Diego Music Awards
The San Diego Music Awards are an awards show held annually in San Diego, California to recognize the best bands and artists in local music. The awards have been held since 1991 and were originally organized by the city's main local music publication, , which eventually became the alternative...
.
Dryve became well known locally, and between 1995 and 1996 Dryve played 90 shows in the San Diego area. During this time they opened for acts such as Possum Dixon
Possum Dixon
Possum Dixon was an American alternative rock band. Fronted by singer/songwriter/bassist Rob Zabrecky, the group's neo-new wave pop and post punk style first appeared among a string of early independently released 7 inch singles and on their self-titled debut on Interscope Records in 1993...
, Sonia Dada
Sonia Dada
Sonia Dada is a Chicago-based rock/soul/rhythm and blues band, which tours with anywhere from six to eight members. The band formed in 1990, when founding member Daniel Pritzker heard three future members singing in a subway station...
, and Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley
Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Buckley , raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was the son of Tim Buckley, also a musician...
. Their break came in 1996 after opening for Black Eyed Sceva, later known as Model Engine
Model Engine
Model Engine was an alternative rock band based in Santa Barbara, California. Prior to 1997 the trio, consisting of Jeremy Post, Brad McCarter and Brent Nims were known as Black Eyed Sceva. Confusion over the meaning of the name and its constant mispronunciation led the band to change its moniker...
, at a local show. They signed with SaraBellum Records and soon began touring the country. Their first national tour was in the fall of 1996 with labelmates Black Eyed Sceva and the Dime Store Prophets
Dime Store Prophets
Dime Store Prophets was a Christian modern rock band which was active during the mid- to late-1990's.-Musical career:Singer/Songwriter Justin Stevens and Engineer/Producer/Songwriter Masaki Liu originally formed the band Radiation Ranch, a "roots" rock band with strong rockabilly influences...
.
February 1997 saw the release of what was to be the band's only nationally distributed album, Thrifty Mr Kickstar. In support they toured with Sixpence None the Richer
Sixpence None the Richer
Sixpence None the Richer is an American rock/pop band that formed in New Braunfels, Texas, eventually settling in Nashville, Tennessee. They are best known for their songs "Kiss Me" and "Breathe Your Name" and their covers of "Don't Dream It's Over" and "There She Goes". The name of the band is...
and Model Engine. In June of that year Dryve was featured at the Cornerstone
Cornerstone Festival
Cornerstone Festival is a Christian music festival put on by Jesus People USA and held annually around the 4th of July near Bushnell, Illinois. In a given year, many artists that play at Cornerstone also play at other events such as Creation Festival and mainstream festivals and tours such as the...
Christian music festival. Thrifty was critically acclaimed, and took the title of "Best Adult Alternative Album" at the 1997 San Diego Music Awards
San Diego Music Awards
The San Diego Music Awards are an awards show held annually in San Diego, California to recognize the best bands and artists in local music. The awards have been held since 1991 and were originally organized by the city's main local music publication, , which eventually became the alternative...
. Their song "Nervous" received some radio airplay alternative rock stations and charted on Contemporary Christian music stations, peaking at #22. The band's final tour began in October 1997 with The Call
The Call (band)
The Call was an American rock band from Santa Cruz, California active from 1980 to 2000.-Biography:The Call formed in Santa Cruz in 1980 by vocalist/guitarist Michael Been, Scott Musick, and Tom Ferrier. Been and Musick were originally from Oklahoma...
.
Post Break Up
Dryve broke up in 1998 but its members have continued to pursue other projects. Paul Donovan is singing and playing guitar in a San Diego band called The Midwinters. Michael Pratschner continues to play bass guitar at his home church in Encinitas, CA. Steve Pratschner teaches guitar lessons, leads worship at his home church, and continues to write and record his own music. He, along with Keith Andrew, played with Justin Stevens, formerly of Dime Store ProphetsDime Store Prophets
Dime Store Prophets was a Christian modern rock band which was active during the mid- to late-1990's.-Musical career:Singer/Songwriter Justin Stevens and Engineer/Producer/Songwriter Masaki Liu originally formed the band Radiation Ranch, a "roots" rock band with strong rockabilly influences...
and ((Tremolo)) and did a tour in the UK and Europe . Cory set up a home studio where he writes and records his own music and also plays at his home church.
Keith Andrew has probably been the most musically active since the breakup of Dryve. He played with Justin Stevens, formerly of Dime Store Prophets
Dime Store Prophets
Dime Store Prophets was a Christian modern rock band which was active during the mid- to late-1990's.-Musical career:Singer/Songwriter Justin Stevens and Engineer/Producer/Songwriter Masaki Liu originally formed the band Radiation Ranch, a "roots" rock band with strong rockabilly influences...
for a few years and toured with him a number of times to places such as Europe, UK and Russia. In 2001 Keith got involved with a band in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
called 'Parlour' (later to be changed to Marjorie Fair
Marjorie Fair
Marjorie Fair is an indie rock/shoegaze American band formed in New Jersey by musician Evan Slamka, and based in Los Angeles, California. Their sound is somewhat reminiscent of The Doves or The Beatles, however, with a more psychedelic rock sound...
) who quickly got courted and signed by Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
. Unfortunately, the business end of things grew very shady and unethical so Keith left the band. Also based in Los Angeles, Keith Andrew worked with a band called The Paper Dolls who did a number of showcases for major labels including Interscope
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
, Capitol and Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
. They also worked with a few top name producers such as Dave Jerden
Dave Jerden
Dave Jerden is an American record producer, engineer and mixer who mostly works with artists in the alternative rock, punk rock and metal genres....
(Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
, Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band's original line-up featured Perry Farrell , Dave Navarro , Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins . After breaking up in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001, both times...
) and Damon Elliot (Pin
Pink (singer)
Alecia Beth Moore , better known by her stage name Pink , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress....
k, Macy Gray
Macy Gray
Macy Gray is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, famed for her distinctive raspy voice, and a singing style heavily influenced by Billie Holiday and Betty Davis.Gray has released five studio albums, with her fifth studio album, The Sellout,...
). Currently, Keith is playing with a band called The Tallships based out of San Diego. The Tallships are signed to a European label called Minority Records and completed a seven country European tour in Summer 2006.
Style
Dryve brought a unique sound to the San Diego music scene and beyond. For instance, few bands use a Hammond organ, but even fewer bands tour with one. They also mixed two male vocalists, harmonica, and accordion into their songs. The resulting sound was so unusual that Cross RhythmsCross Rhythms
Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England.-History:The roots of what was to become Cross Rhythms go back to two separate sources which merged in 1991. In 1983, broadcaster Chris Cole started a 30-minute weekly Christian music radio show on Plymouth Sound FM, a...
commented that "the only band that sound like Dryve is Dryve!" Other reviewers classified their sound as melodic rock similar to Tom Petty
Tom Petty
Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
, R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
, or the Wallflowers
The Wallflowers
The Wallflowers is a rock band from Los Angeles, California, fronted by Jakob Dylan. Formed in 1989 and originally known as The Apples, the ensemble has gone through numerous personnel changes with Dylan the only constant....
. Their most popular song was called "Rain". It has been played by worship groups in churches throughout the country. Part of its appeal was the lengthy, dreamy, yet powerful guitar solo by Steve Pratschner. As described by The Lighthouse: "It starts off slow and worshipful... Then it grows and grows to a full extended instrumental jam of praise."
Other standout songs included "Nervous": a "near perfect hit single", and "Television": an angst-tinged hard rock tune.
Lyrically Thrifty included songs touching topics such as sin, pride, hope, and despair, while managing "to avoid the sometimes confusing lingo of the evangelical Christian subculture".
Discography
- 1994: Hum (independent, Reviews: The Phantom Tollbooth)
- 1997: Thrifty Mr Kickstar (Sarabellum Records, Reviews: The Phantom Tollbooth, Cross Rhythms, Youthworker)
Members
- Keith Andrew - drums
- Paul Donovan - guitar, vocals
- David Pratschner - keyboard, sax, accordion, Hammond B3 organ
- Michael Pratschner - bass guitar (regular and upright bass)
- Steve Pratschner - guitar
- Cory Verner - guitar, vocals