Land O' Lakes Teens Are 'Rock Revivalists'

If you’re looking for a good story behind the name of his band, Stonegrey, guitarist Tristan Dusek said you won’t find it.

“I knew that would come up eventually,” the 17-year-old said of the question regarding the moniker's meaning. “I couldn’t tell you. Stonegrey just came up and we liked it. There’s no real meaning to it.”

The local four-piece band, which formed as Culprit in 2010, plays a blend of alternative and rock, calling themselves “rock revival” and citing influences such as Alice in Chains, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. All Stonegrey members are either recent Land O’ Lakes High School graduates or current attendees. 

The band’s lineup also consists of singer Eric Whitener, 19; bassist Nick Mitchell, 16; and drummer Tyler Dusek, Tristan’s 19-year-old brother. Stonegrey has performed at local battle of the band competitions, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Land O’ Lakes and have opened up for the ‘80s hair band Enuff Z’nuff at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg.

Having underage members can cause some challenges, Tristan said.

“It’s hard to get into the venues just to play some of the venues,” he said.

Stonegrey has recorded a handful of original tunes and will record another four or five songs in the near future, Tristan said. They also perform covers when they play live, including “Even Flow” and “Alive” by Pearl Jam and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.

Tristan, who first picked up the guitar at age 5, cut to the chase when asked where Stonegrey’s members are looking to take the group.

“We want to make it what we do for the rest of our lives,” he said. 

Upcoming Gig

Stonegrey is scheduled to perform May 25 at The Local 662 in St. Petersburg with Blaine the Mono, Sunshine & Bullets and 2nd Day Broadcast. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. 

For more information, and to listen to Stonegrey online, visit www.stonegreyband.com on the web. 

***

Sign up for the Land O' Lakes Patch email newsletter to get our top headlines delivered straight to your inbox so you won't miss a thing!