30 Helens
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
30 HELENS: Bringing it together
RedEye
Published April 17 2007
It's not always simple to merge a solo act into a band. Listen to the single "Up And Down" from their upcoming and as-yet-untitled album.
Singers are often faced with a difficult choice when it comes to pursuing success in a band or as a solo artist.
Chicago's Dave Wagner, the frontman for local pop/funk group 30 Helens, is familiar with both scenarios.
As a solo artist, Wagner won Bar1's "Big Break" contest in 2005. While the win brought some attention his way, he admits that record labels weren't beating down his door after the win.
"Nowadays, it seems like everyone and their mother is a singer," he said of the saturated market. "People tend to dismiss you when you tell them you sing."
But Wagner wasn't dismissed by area musicians when he embarked on a search for bandmates, and he's enjoying his new company. "There are no egos in the group," he said of 30 Helens. "Working with them is a blast."
Wagner said that he and his bandmates have a "personal dynamic" when it comes to writing songs, and he feels the proof is in the music. "The result of writing and combining all of our musical backgrounds gives us a sound that's all our own."
- Will Fresch is a RedEye special contributor.
- Chicago Tribune
Discography
30 Helens "Agree": Released April, 2009
Photos
Bio
30 Helens is an energetic 7-piece original rock band formed by former Chicago Idol Winner Dave Wagner.
Wanting to add a new twist to the Chicago music scene, founder Dave Wagner came up with the 30 Helens concept. Blending a myriad of influences, 30 Helens dares to be different.
30 Helens blends Dave's award winning vocal talent with some of Chicago's best musicians. Each of the seven artists is from varying musical backgrounds allowing 30 Helens to seamlessly write and play across several musical genres.
Collectively 30 Helens has played venues such as The House of Blues, Cleveland's Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Double Door, Ravinia, Lincoln Center in NYC, St Lucia International Jazz Festival, Walt Disney World, Broadway, Yankee stadium, and Houston Summit just to name a few.
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