Cinder Road

CINDER ROAD knows how to push the right buttons and tug on the heartstrings to win over the
masses. Playing their radio friendly collection of songs equally matched by their charismatic
chemistry, this band merges old school rock sensibility with a modern, pop metal approach —
underscored by a unique flavor of attitude and presence reminiscent of the 80s arena rock era.
Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Cinder Road consists of Mike Ruocco (vocals), Chris Shucosky
(guitar), Eric Jung (bass) and Mac Calvaresi (drums). Neighbors, Ruocco and Shucosky formed
the band as kids, taking the name of their own street as soon as they learned how to play. They
soon began touring as a cover band in high school, says Ruocco, the bands charismatic front
man, “We sometimes played as many as six shows a week in high school, playing colleges,
clubs, parties or any other gig we could get. Weʼd be falling asleep in class from all the touring.”
In 2004, the band joined forces with Armed Forces entertainment and have toured Japan, South
Korea, Guam, Greenland, Cuba and Europe in support of the troops.
Soon the seasoning at such a young age paid off, when the band caught the attention of Union
Entertainment Group, the management team behind multi-platinum selling Canadian Band
Nickelback. CINDER ROAD soon found themselves in the studio with veteran producer Marti
Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Ozzy Ozbourne) and the debut album, “SUPERHUMAN”,
was born. “We pinch ourselves every day. Itʼs been a dream come true,” says Ruocco.
The CD is a mix of High-octane rockers and heartfelt ballads that, according to Ruocco, “Create
an experience running the gamut of emotions.” The 11 tracks on “SUPERHUMAN” are definitely
staggering in their passionate range. Ruocco maintains a simple philosophy when it comes to
music. “Each song is an extension of my emotions. Theyʼre like my children.”
“SUPERHUMAN” was released on the Independent label Caroline in June of 2007 to critical
acclaim. The album spawned 2 top 40 single at active rock, “Get In Get Out” (#25) and
“Shouldʼve Known Better” (#39). The band toured non-stop in 2007 and 2008 in support of the
album including stints with Kiss, Candlebox, Puddle Of Mudd, Alice Cooper, The Warper Tour
etc. The band was also personally chosen by 2006 American Idol finalist, Chis Daughtry to
support his sold out US tour.
In November of 2008, “SUPERHUMAN” was released in Japan. The first single “Shouldʼve
Known Better” is currently #20 on the Japanese top 40 chart. The band also won the fan voted
Famecast 2008 online competition "Rock Fenon 2008" taking home $30,000 in prize money.
Whatever lies in their future, CINDER ROAD has set their sites high. That is, if the bandʼs
frontman has anything to say about it. “People go to rock shows to be entertained. They donʼt
want to hear about politics or look at some depressed kid in a dirty T-shirt. We need to change
that. Remember the big arena rock shows? The days of pyro, big light shows, huge stages,
ramps, swings, and all that crazy stuff? We want to bring that back.”