Local band climbs its way to the top

By Matt Coller
STAFF WRITER

Jason Milton pushes the jet-black hair out of his eyes and reaches into his milk crate full of vinyl records. He pulls out classics — The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan.

Milton’s love for vinyl and unruly hair are not all that make him unique among his collegiate peers. He is also the lead singer and guitar player for the popular Rochester-based rock band, The Demos.

When the band formed in 2003 in Webster, Milton didn’t really know how to play an instrument or have any experience with a band.

“A bunch of kids at school were bored,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything but sing, so that’s what I did.”

Milton’s current bandmates consist of Cal Sanders on bass, Tom Ruby on lead guitar, Ryan Farnung on drums and Nic Milton, Milton’s brother, on keys.

“We’ve seen some kids come and go, but with these five, we’re like brothers,” Milton said.

The early years of their teenage expression showed few signs that this garage band would separate themselves from the field, but in 2006 they caught a break. National recording artist Cracker was playing Water Street Music Hall and The Demos were offered a spot to open.

“After we played that show, that was the time when we really started getting serious,” Milton said.

They put their time, talent and money together and created their debut album, Alone With You, which was released in early 2007 and has received outstanding reviews.

Their growing popularity landed them on the radio show, “Unsigned Talent,” which airs on 98.9 The Buzz.
Co-host and Rochester music guru Frank Deblaze said, “I get behind a lot of bands here in Rochester, but this is honestly my favorite band in town.”

Milton and Sanders are responsible for writing all of the songs. Their use of harmonies and uncommon melodic style has been compared to The Beatles.

“I write songs that I want to hear at any given moment, I get this urge to hear a song, but it doesn’t exist yet, so I write it,” Milton said.

Writing songs and performing aren’t Milton’s only responsibilities. He is also a communications major at the College at Brockport and works at the television station WXXI in Rochester.

“I’m not sure what I want to do in the future,” he said. “Getting a major record deal might be a little unrealistic. I could see myself working for a commercial television station in New York City or something — I love the city life.”

No matter where the future takes him, Milton said that music will always be a part of him.

“I don’t write music, it just kind of finds me,” Milton said.

Despite Milton’s hectic life, The Demos are moving forward. They’ve started pre-production meetings for their new album and have other endeavors in the works. They are recording a Christmas single and filming a Christmas movie.

“Its going to be similar to Help — just us running around doing random things,” he said.

They will also be found running around the Water Street Music hall where they play at least one show every five weeks. Spending so much time with each other on the road, in the studio and on stage might eventually lead to some hostility, but The Demos aren’t poised for the next episode of “Behind The Music.”

“Being in a band can be like having five girlfriends,” Milton said. “It’s hard to keep everyone happy, but we’ll usually wake up the next day and forget why we were fighting. We’re definitely like family.”

Substantial musical backgrounds have assisted in the success and chemistry of the group. Nic Milton, on piano and organ, is classically trained since the age of 8. Lead guitar player Tom Ruby is a music major at Nazareth College, but doesn’t play the guitar in college. He plays the euphon (also called the baritone).

Milton started teaching himself the piano in 2001. After the band formed taught himself the guitar. He also understands music theory, but at times wishes he didn’t.

“I feel like music theory stunts creativity sometimes,” Milton said. “It’s like, I know I’m doing this wrong, but I don’t care.”

He lists Elliott Smith as someone who has influenced his use of unorthodox chord structures. Looking through his crate of vinyls he pulls out a wide variety of music from Cheech and Chong to The Strokes, currently his favorite band.

“If its good, I love it,” Milton said. “My influences come from everywhere, old and new. I don’t think just because something was made before 1979 doesn’t mean its better than something now.”

The Demos have become part of that something now, and are a local hit. They hope their upcoming album will swing them toward even more success and possibly a record deal.

Come out and catch The Demos’ next concert March 14 at the Water Street Music Hall in Rochester.

To find out more about The Demos or purchase their album, Alone With You, visit their Web site www.thedemos.net or visit www.myspace.com/thedemos.

Milton puts away all of his Led Zeppelin albums; it’s time to write a paper. Before he turns to his book, he says, “Music is so alive.” A fitting description of himself and The Demos.