Reality Addiction

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Break Band Reviews of the Week: Reality Addiction & Cherry S/T

This weeks bands we reviewed were: 

Cherry S/T [Fan Choice]: http://www. myspace. com/cherryst
Reality Addiction: http://www. myspace. com/realityaddiction

*I’m not sure if Noelle is writing this week. If she is I will update the blog with her review!
**Don’t forget to suggest more bands for us to check out!


Dani’s Review
Cherry S/T is an electronic rock band from Boston, MA. They are our second fan suggested Break band review, and I have to say again, I'm very impressed with our fan suggestion. This band had the perfect mix of electronic, pop catchy beats, and rock edge. Their vocals are also something that works very well for them and only enhances the band. They are not for everyone but, If you like electronic music, I would recommend giving Cherry S/T a chance. I would love to see this band live one day to see how their sound translates on stage, and if their live show is just as good as their recordings.

Reality Addiction was our random band of the week but I went through several random break bands before settling with this band. I think they have a lot of potential. I find all their songs to be very calming. Their vocals are amazing, I love their singers voice, it’s very soothing and even though the songs are recordings on a myspace when I listen to them I feel like the band could be in the room. They also remind me of bands that I grew up listening to when I was younger. I think that sense of nostalgia I get from their music makes me like them even more. I think if someone gave this band a chance they could prove to the world that they can make. I think their music is a lot better than some signed bands and with the right attention and help I think they could make it in the scene.


Mike’s Review
Cherry S/T:
Metro Station could learn quite a lot from Cherry S/T. If Metro Station took it easy with the electronics, and focused more on rock (A new singer would do MS good too), they still wouldn’t rock like Cherry S/T. These guys rock! Catchy songs that make you want to get up and dance.
Favorite Tracks:
What I’ve Become
Let It Go

Reality Addiction:
Wow! I think I just found my new favorite unsigned band! There honestly wasn’t a single song I didn’t like on their myspace (And with giving us 6 songs to listen to, is pretty impressive). A great example of what mainstream rock is missing out on. Reality Addiction belongs in the same category as Daughtry and John Mayer. With a good agent these guys could seriously top the charts.
Favorite Tracks:
People Die Building Bridges
Smokescreen


Catherine’s Review
Cherry S/T:
This band just got a new fan; me. I'm extremely impressed. This guy has a really good voice. I'm loving the vocals. Every song is catchy. "Survive the Night'" is great but "Nightmares in 3D" is my favorite. I just played it 3 times in a row. I would love to see this band live one day. It's about time a good band came around.

Reality Addiction: There is no doubt that this band has potential. They're very good, just not my kind of taste. The vocals are great; his voice just pulls you in. I found everything about this band, vocally and instrumentally to be very relaxing and soothing. Different but a good different.


Sharon’s Review
Cherry S/T: I fell in love with them the first 5 seconds into "Nightmares in 3D". Music and vocals are both up to par with the current rock music on the radio. It's nice for once to hear a band that I don't feel like I've heard a thousand times before. I definately expect them to make it deep into the competition.

Reality Addiction: "The Story of You and I" is your classic soft rock song that 5 years or so from now will be on Buzz Ballads. The whole band could use a little work and the songs a little tweaking but overall okay. Definate potention.



- The Boozler is the official fan page/guide of the Bamboozle festival.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Break Band Reviews of the Week: Reality Addiction & Cherry S/T

This weeks bands we reviewed were: 

Cherry S/T [Fan Choice]: http://www. myspace. com/cherryst
Reality Addiction: http://www. myspace. com/realityaddiction

*I’m not sure if Noelle is writing this week. If she is I will update the blog with her review!
**Don’t forget to suggest more bands for us to check out!


Dani’s Review
Cherry S/T is an electronic rock band from Boston, MA. They are our second fan suggested Break band review, and I have to say again, I'm very impressed with our fan suggestion. This band had the perfect mix of electronic, pop catchy beats, and rock edge. Their vocals are also something that works very well for them and only enhances the band. They are not for everyone but, If you like electronic music, I would recommend giving Cherry S/T a chance. I would love to see this band live one day to see how their sound translates on stage, and if their live show is just as good as their recordings.

Reality Addiction was our random band of the week but I went through several random break bands before settling with this band. I think they have a lot of potential. I find all their songs to be very calming. Their vocals are amazing, I love their singers voice, it’s very soothing and even though the songs are recordings on a myspace when I listen to them I feel like the band could be in the room. They also remind me of bands that I grew up listening to when I was younger. I think that sense of nostalgia I get from their music makes me like them even more. I think if someone gave this band a chance they could prove to the world that they can make. I think their music is a lot better than some signed bands and with the right attention and help I think they could make it in the scene.


Mike’s Review
Cherry S/T:
Metro Station could learn quite a lot from Cherry S/T. If Metro Station took it easy with the electronics, and focused more on rock (A new singer would do MS good too), they still wouldn’t rock like Cherry S/T. These guys rock! Catchy songs that make you want to get up and dance.
Favorite Tracks:
What I’ve Become
Let It Go

Reality Addiction:
Wow! I think I just found my new favorite unsigned band! There honestly wasn’t a single song I didn’t like on their myspace (And with giving us 6 songs to listen to, is pretty impressive). A great example of what mainstream rock is missing out on. Reality Addiction belongs in the same category as Daughtry and John Mayer. With a good agent these guys could seriously top the charts.
Favorite Tracks:
People Die Building Bridges
Smokescreen


Catherine’s Review
Cherry S/T:
This band just got a new fan; me. I'm extremely impressed. This guy has a really good voice. I'm loving the vocals. Every song is catchy. "Survive the Night'" is great but "Nightmares in 3D" is my favorite. I just played it 3 times in a row. I would love to see this band live one day. It's about time a good band came around.

Reality Addiction: There is no doubt that this band has potential. They're very good, just not my kind of taste. The vocals are great; his voice just pulls you in. I found everything about this band, vocally and instrumentally to be very relaxing and soothing. Different but a good different.


Sharon’s Review
Cherry S/T: I fell in love with them the first 5 seconds into "Nightmares in 3D". Music and vocals are both up to par with the current rock music on the radio. It's nice for once to hear a band that I don't feel like I've heard a thousand times before. I definately expect them to make it deep into the competition.

Reality Addiction: "The Story of You and I" is your classic soft rock song that 5 years or so from now will be on Buzz Ballads. The whole band could use a little work and the songs a little tweaking but overall okay. Definate potention.



- The Boozler is the official fan page/guide of the Bamboozle festival.

When you hear the words “music scene,” you instantly think about major US cities like New York, Miami and Los Angeles. However, when it comes to the musical landscape of America, it’s impossible not to mention New Jersey. We were hard pressed to think of one city within this diverse state that stands out the most. So, we decided the Garden State’s chapter of Scene & Heard, would cover the whole state since it has so many important cities, venues and bands.

Back in the day Newark, NJ was a huge jazz hotspot, producing names like Count Basie, Wayne Shorter and Dizzy Gillespie. And who could forget the most famous music figures of all time, Mr. Frank Sinatra, who began his music career in NJ and NYC. The 1980s claimed its place in the state’s music timeline thanks to Jersey heavyweights Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Whitney Houston. The hip hop realm also finds its roots here courtsey of “Rapper’s Delight” (widely considered the first recorded rap song) and artists such as Redman, Salt ‘n’ Pepa and Naughty By Nature. Jersey is even home to punk rock legends The Misfits, The Bouncing Souls and The Casualties as well as newcomers My Chemical Romance and The Gaslight Anthem.

While the major players and huge venues are obvious focal points of any major city in New Jersey, we’ll mention some of the smaller places known for housing up-and-coming talent and even giving some of these big names their start. First off, the name The Stone Pony probably rings a bell. Bon Jovi and Springsteen both played early shows at this small venue in Asbury Park. Yet despite it’s notoriety, it still remains a somewhat intimate setting. Over in Hoboken, Maxwell’s hosts acts like Greg Laswell and Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers. The venue also features art shows and other non-musical events.


Reality Addiction at Bamboozle '09
As for musical acts, Elizabeth, NJ’s Reality Addiction is a powerful alt/rock band with a great live set. They’ve perfected this show at venues in Jersey like Mexicali Live and the previously mentioned Stone Pony. “[These venues] both have a lot of good music going on throughout the week,” comments the band who declare both places as their favorite Jersey venues to play as well as a reliable place for a visitor to stop by. The band also talked about how the dominance of the emo, screamo, metal and classic rock genres. “It seems that our particular sound has given us a kind of edge and originality at the venues here.”

When speaking with the band, one fact was reinforced over and over— being based in the New Jersey music scene gives a band the opportunity to be part of two other scenes as well, NYC and Philadelphia. “Being so close to major music cities like [that gives] us a wider local fan base from NJ, PA and NYC.”

Obviously, New Jersey’s proximity to major markets like NYC and PA gives artists the opportunity to cultivate their careers in those cities. Through such opportunities, the band has been able to share the stage with Max Bemis of Say Anything and Ben Kenney of Incubus. They said,“Being a part of shows with national acts has given us a reputation of credibility with other bookers and event planners.” The band was also a part of the Bamboozle festival in 2009 and had their music featured in the indie film Prime Of Your Life. Reality Addiction’s music can even be heard on Delta Airlines Flights this summer as part of an elite lineup that includes only 11 other artists.

Check out Reality Addiction’s OurStage profile and stay updated on the band’s future shows. They will be getting airplay and giving in-studio performances for 105.5 WDHA “The Rock of New Jersey” as part of a Jersey-based rock radio show. Whether it’s your destination or you’re just passing through, Jersey has the sound and reputation to satisfy any concert-goer.
- Ourstage.com/Jay Schneider

http://blog.music180.com/?p=738 - Music180.com

http://blog.music180.com/?p=738 - Music180.com

PRESS RELEASE: 04 Jun 2007 http://www.indymedia.org/en/2007/06/887019.shtml

The 5 man, New Jersey-based pop/rock band, 'Reality Addiction' has just released its dynamic new self-titled EP.
I confess-I’m addicted! I stumbled onto Reality Addiction via the famous twin duo Evan and Jaron. The twins had just gotten a MySpace, and asked their mailing list subscribers to come visit. So, I slap-dashed a profile together so I could hang out with them. Evan Lowenstein and I were chit-chatting about heaven-knows-what, and along came a band I had never heard of, Reality Addiction, saying they were going to be opening a show for Evan and Jaron. I went over to their MySpace, as I will listen to anybody once, and began to listen to their music. I was simply floored, and thought, ‘WHO are these guys?’ I played every track they had up, and although I rarely directly contact any band, ever, I sent them a note saying how impressed I was, etc. They had such a professional, tight sound, a unique vibe, they had ‘IT’. I became a huge fan. So will you! So, onto some info about the band…


Reality Addiction is an alternative rock-pop band from New York, New York. Formed in 2005, Reality Addiction has become well known through performing at various venues across the New York and New Jersey area. The group consists of: Dustin W. (Lead Vocals/Guitars), Ben Antelis (Drums/Vocals), Max Green (Piano/Vocals), Joe Goldglantz (bass), and Robby Tal (Lead Guitar). They have just come out with their first self-titled EP. I love it so much that I wanted to be certain my review wasn’t swayed by my ‘addiction’. So, I decided to conduct a survey, sending Reality Addiction tracks across the world, to people of every age group, from all walks of life!

Here is what people had to say about Reality Addiction:

Jim W., a high school science teacher from Louisiana: “Sounds like Counting Crows, only better.”
Pauline K., a domestic goddess from Canada: “ They sound like John Mayer mixed with 3 Doors Down.”
Diane Cameron, a jazz/R&B singer : “They sound like Evanescence meets James Taylor.”
Hope S., a poet from Australia: “They sound a little like Nickelback…good stuff.”
Wendy S., a broker’s assistant from CA: “ They sound kinda like The Fray.”
Scott I., a high school student from PA: “Bangin’!”
Colleen, a league Scrabble player from Canada: “I LOVE IT!”
Tristan Waterkeyn, a singer/songwriter from South Africa: ‘They have a very good sound.’
Kelvin K., a high school student from PA: “I liked the song.”


The EP is so strong-there isn’t a song on it that cannot stand on its own. Even seasoned groups usually have at least one song per album that is either weak or ‘filler’. There is no filler here; nothing is weak. Each song is different; each is tight. The EP slams open with ‘Close To You’, a song that epitomizes the band-tight, strong, lyrical and driven. The next track, my personal favorite, ‘Messed Up Miracle’ simply melts over you. The gorgeous vocals and profoundly touching lyrics brought tears to my eyes upon first hearing it. ‘Still Watching’ follows, a song that you will quickly groove along to. Get ready for the amazing John Mayer-worthy guitar intro to ‘Outside the Window’, a hard, driving track. ‘I Miss That You’, the next song, is a beautifully played, harmonic blend of songwriting skill and vocal talent. ‘Smokescreen’ follows, another tune heavily laced with the John Mayer flavor and a bit of extra energetic punch. The EP closes a strongly as it opened, with the trademark, ‘Close To You (acoustic)’, my second favorite song on here. The entire collection , in my opinion, is solidly put-together; the singing, songwriting, musicianship, and engineering of the EP, Reality Addiction, equals or surpasses anything on the commercial market today.
Reality Addiction. Get addicted!

Cindy L. D'Adamo

President and CEO LadyLake Management

http://upnextmusic.net/?page_id=468 - to view article - Cindy L. D'Adamo

PRESS RELEASE: 04 Jun 2007 http://www.indymedia.org/en/2007/06/887019.shtml

The 5 man, New Jersey-based pop/rock band, 'Reality Addiction' has just released its dynamic new self-titled EP.
I confess-I’m addicted! I stumbled onto Reality Addiction via the famous twin duo Evan and Jaron. The twins had just gotten a MySpace, and asked their mailing list subscribers to come visit. So, I slap-dashed a profile together so I could hang out with them. Evan Lowenstein and I were chit-chatting about heaven-knows-what, and along came a band I had never heard of, Reality Addiction, saying they were going to be opening a show for Evan and Jaron. I went over to their MySpace, as I will listen to anybody once, and began to listen to their music. I was simply floored, and thought, ‘WHO are these guys?’ I played every track they had up, and although I rarely directly contact any band, ever, I sent them a note saying how impressed I was, etc. They had such a professional, tight sound, a unique vibe, they had ‘IT’. I became a huge fan. So will you! So, onto some info about the band…


Reality Addiction is an alternative rock-pop band from New York, New York. Formed in 2005, Reality Addiction has become well known through performing at various venues across the New York and New Jersey area. The group consists of: Dustin W. (Lead Vocals/Guitars), Ben Antelis (Drums/Vocals), Max Green (Piano/Vocals), Joe Goldglantz (bass), and Robby Tal (Lead Guitar). They have just come out with their first self-titled EP. I love it so much that I wanted to be certain my review wasn’t swayed by my ‘addiction’. So, I decided to conduct a survey, sending Reality Addiction tracks across the world, to people of every age group, from all walks of life!

Here is what people had to say about Reality Addiction:

Jim W., a high school science teacher from Louisiana: “Sounds like Counting Crows, only better.”
Pauline K., a domestic goddess from Canada: “ They sound like John Mayer mixed with 3 Doors Down.”
Diane Cameron, a jazz/R&B singer : “They sound like Evanescence meets James Taylor.”
Hope S., a poet from Australia: “They sound a little like Nickelback…good stuff.”
Wendy S., a broker’s assistant from CA: “ They sound kinda like The Fray.”
Scott I., a high school student from PA: “Bangin’!”
Colleen, a league Scrabble player from Canada: “I LOVE IT!”
Tristan Waterkeyn, a singer/songwriter from South Africa: ‘They have a very good sound.’
Kelvin K., a high school student from PA: “I liked the song.”


The EP is so strong-there isn’t a song on it that cannot stand on its own. Even seasoned groups usually have at least one song per album that is either weak or ‘filler’. There is no filler here; nothing is weak. Each song is different; each is tight. The EP slams open with ‘Close To You’, a song that epitomizes the band-tight, strong, lyrical and driven. The next track, my personal favorite, ‘Messed Up Miracle’ simply melts over you. The gorgeous vocals and profoundly touching lyrics brought tears to my eyes upon first hearing it. ‘Still Watching’ follows, a song that you will quickly groove along to. Get ready for the amazing John Mayer-worthy guitar intro to ‘Outside the Window’, a hard, driving track. ‘I Miss That You’, the next song, is a beautifully played, harmonic blend of songwriting skill and vocal talent. ‘Smokescreen’ follows, another tune heavily laced with the John Mayer flavor and a bit of extra energetic punch. The EP closes a strongly as it opened, with the trademark, ‘Close To You (acoustic)’, my second favorite song on here. The entire collection , in my opinion, is solidly put-together; the singing, songwriting, musicianship, and engineering of the EP, Reality Addiction, equals or surpasses anything on the commercial market today.
Reality Addiction. Get addicted!

Cindy L. D'Adamo

President and CEO LadyLake Management

http://upnextmusic.net/?page_id=468 - to view article - Cindy L. D'Adamo

ONLINE MAGAZINE ARTICLE:
Friday, June 01, 2007
http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/

New Music Review: Kate Voegel and Reality Addiction

MySpace Records has a Winner with Kate and...

...Should Take a Look at Indie Band, Reality Addiction

Around the Pacific Northwest, namely Seattle, WA, it is a sunny and warm day. It's one of those relaxing days where thrash or punk is out of place. So a bit of music that is easy on the ears and soothing to the heart is on today's review list.

Reality Addiction is a mix of rock, pop and acoustic. From the three listings they had on their MySpace site, I'd say soft rock, which suited my mood just fine. With finely blended acoustics, wrapped lightly with drums, keyboards and electric guitars, the New Jersey natives can roll and rock with the best of them. The musicality is matched by the smooth and haunting vocals of lead singer Dustin W. and the insightful, purposeful lyrics. Smokescreen was my favorite of the three offered and I hope that the group has some driving tunes to match the smooth ones in their arsenal (and put them up on the site quickly.)

Those in the New York and New Jersey areas undoubtedly already know about this gem and apparently quite a few in Israel as well.

For the rest of us though, take a listen and risk a little addiction in your reality, their site is at
http://www.myspace.com/realityaddiction

CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
- Little Dogs Media

ONLINE MAGAZINE ARTICLE:
Friday, June 01, 2007
http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/

New Music Review: Kate Voegel and Reality Addiction

MySpace Records has a Winner with Kate and...

...Should Take a Look at Indie Band, Reality Addiction

Around the Pacific Northwest, namely Seattle, WA, it is a sunny and warm day. It's one of those relaxing days where thrash or punk is out of place. So a bit of music that is easy on the ears and soothing to the heart is on today's review list.

Reality Addiction is a mix of rock, pop and acoustic. From the three listings they had on their MySpace site, I'd say soft rock, which suited my mood just fine. With finely blended acoustics, wrapped lightly with drums, keyboards and electric guitars, the New Jersey natives can roll and rock with the best of them. The musicality is matched by the smooth and haunting vocals of lead singer Dustin W. and the insightful, purposeful lyrics. Smokescreen was my favorite of the three offered and I hope that the group has some driving tunes to match the smooth ones in their arsenal (and put them up on the site quickly.)

Those in the New York and New Jersey areas undoubtedly already know about this gem and apparently quite a few in Israel as well.

For the rest of us though, take a listen and risk a little addiction in your reality, their site is at
http://www.myspace.com/realityaddiction

CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
- Little Dogs Media

(Front page article)

'Reality Addiction' creates light rock sound

By Sarah Morrison


Dustin Widofsky had a goal in mind when he started his music career a few short years ago.

"Music is one of the only things that I can connect to and understand," the Highland Park native said. "I want to express myself. I want to make people think about things that they usually wouldn't think about. I want to do for others what other musicians have done for me: to help people think, connect, and understand."

Dustin found musical partners in his high school friend Ben Antelis and college roommate Max Green. With the addition of Ben's friend Robby Tal in 2006, Reality Addiction was born.

Armed with a will to bring their talents to the world, the four friends blended together to create a light rock sound. And it's a sound that people love: with over 35,000 MySpace music plays, concerts at famous venues like The Stone Pony and The Living Room, and the chance to open up for famous acts such as Evan and Jaron and The Moshav Band, the sky isn't even the limit for these four.

The success only continued on June 19, when the band released their self-titled EP in their guitarist's backyard in Deal. Close to 100 people came to rock out to Reality Addiction's new tracks and hang out with the band.

"The cops came in twice to check on the noise level," Widofsky said with a laugh. "Considering Deal is hard to get to, a lot of people came to support us. There was live music, there was a barbeque, and we sold lots of our CD's."

Widofsky was certain that he would be involved with music all his life even as a little child. Despite not being interested in classical viola training, he studied the sound of the musicians who had the biggest impact on his life, which include Eric Clapton and John Mayer. His ability to write clever lyrics and come up with melodies literally had everyone around him singing.

Antelis also came from a very musical background. His father was the bassist for guitarist Yossi Piamenta, which left Antelis no stranger to music growing up. He took drum lessons from musicians who played with famous names such as Jason Mraz and John Mayer. With these influences, Ben rapidly developed a mastering of the drums and a unique sense of professionalism which made him the producer on most of Reality Addiction's songs.

"He's a musical genius," Widofsky said about his musical partner and friend. "He helps shape songs into things that we didn't know we wanted. He'll produce it and make it a marketable and incredible song."

Max Green began to study piano in Toronto, Ontario, at a very young age. He trained at the Suzuki School of Music. He frequently found himself listening to the piano parts of Billy Joel songs and figuring out how to play the melodies. After mastering many classical pieces, he began to focus more on modern piano and began training with the piano giant Gershon Wachtel.

"I met Max through a friend when I spent a year in Israel," Widofsky said. "He was exactly what we wanted."

Although there were three talented musicians in their loop, Reality Addiction felt that something was still missing. Antelis had a friend who was classically trained in guitar and piano that he could not stop raving about. After Dustin and Max heard him play, there was no question that Robby Tal would be the Reality Addiction lead guitarist.

"He's absolutely incredible," Widofsky said. "He adds a lot to our sound."

Reality Addiction has played many shows for many fans. They played in Israel several times, opening for The Moshav Band.

"The Moshav band really liked us," Widofsky said. "They told us how they usually dislike their opening bands, but they got really into us!"

They also won Battle of the Bands in Staten Island while playing under the name City Across The Street. Through this contest, they won recording time at the College of Staten Island and were interviewed on CSI's radio show.

In addition to those achievements, Reality Addiction has played to audiences at The Stone Pony at the New Jersey shore, Googie's Lounge, The Living Room, and Lion's Den in New York City. They also played at the Schottenstein Cultural Center with famous Jewish pop act Evan And Jaron.

Reality Addiction aren't slowly seeping onto the music scene. They're spilling out uncontrollably onto stages and iPods across the N.Y./N.J. area.

"We have several reviews in online magazines," Widofsky said. "That's our primary focus right now. We're not a jam band. We're out to write commercial songs; to write what the public will listen to without being musically constrained. Right now, we're hard at work making press kits to send to record companies and magazines."

"We've gotten comments from fans about how the music inspires them," Widofsky said.

That's exactly what Reality Addiction set out to do.

view article here - http://thejewishstate.net/july20realityaddiction.html - The Jewish State

(Front page article)

'Reality Addiction' creates light rock sound

By Sarah Morrison


Dustin Widofsky had a goal in mind when he started his music career a few short years ago.

"Music is one of the only things that I can connect to and understand," the Highland Park native said. "I want to express myself. I want to make people think about things that they usually wouldn't think about. I want to do for others what other musicians have done for me: to help people think, connect, and understand."

Dustin found musical partners in his high school friend Ben Antelis and college roommate Max Green. With the addition of Ben's friend Robby Tal in 2006, Reality Addiction was born.

Armed with a will to bring their talents to the world, the four friends blended together to create a light rock sound. And it's a sound that people love: with over 35,000 MySpace music plays, concerts at famous venues like The Stone Pony and The Living Room, and the chance to open up for famous acts such as Evan and Jaron and The Moshav Band, the sky isn't even the limit for these four.

The success only continued on June 19, when the band released their self-titled EP in their guitarist's backyard in Deal. Close to 100 people came to rock out to Reality Addiction's new tracks and hang out with the band.

"The cops came in twice to check on the noise level," Widofsky said with a laugh. "Considering Deal is hard to get to, a lot of people came to support us. There was live music, there was a barbeque, and we sold lots of our CD's."

Widofsky was certain that he would be involved with music all his life even as a little child. Despite not being interested in classical viola training, he studied the sound of the musicians who had the biggest impact on his life, which include Eric Clapton and John Mayer. His ability to write clever lyrics and come up with melodies literally had everyone around him singing.

Antelis also came from a very musical background. His father was the bassist for guitarist Yossi Piamenta, which left Antelis no stranger to music growing up. He took drum lessons from musicians who played with famous names such as Jason Mraz and John Mayer. With these influences, Ben rapidly developed a mastering of the drums and a unique sense of professionalism which made him the producer on most of Reality Addiction's songs.

"He's a musical genius," Widofsky said about his musical partner and friend. "He helps shape songs into things that we didn't know we wanted. He'll produce it and make it a marketable and incredible song."

Max Green began to study piano in Toronto, Ontario, at a very young age. He trained at the Suzuki School of Music. He frequently found himself listening to the piano parts of Billy Joel songs and figuring out how to play the melodies. After mastering many classical pieces, he began to focus more on modern piano and began training with the piano giant Gershon Wachtel.

"I met Max through a friend when I spent a year in Israel," Widofsky said. "He was exactly what we wanted."

Although there were three talented musicians in their loop, Reality Addiction felt that something was still missing. Antelis had a friend who was classically trained in guitar and piano that he could not stop raving about. After Dustin and Max heard him play, there was no question that Robby Tal would be the Reality Addiction lead guitarist.

"He's absolutely incredible," Widofsky said. "He adds a lot to our sound."

Reality Addiction has played many shows for many fans. They played in Israel several times, opening for The Moshav Band.

"The Moshav band really liked us," Widofsky said. "They told us how they usually dislike their opening bands, but they got really into us!"

They also won Battle of the Bands in Staten Island while playing under the name City Across The Street. Through this contest, they won recording time at the College of Staten Island and were interviewed on CSI's radio show.

In addition to those achievements, Reality Addiction has played to audiences at The Stone Pony at the New Jersey shore, Googie's Lounge, The Living Room, and Lion's Den in New York City. They also played at the Schottenstein Cultural Center with famous Jewish pop act Evan And Jaron.

Reality Addiction aren't slowly seeping onto the music scene. They're spilling out uncontrollably onto stages and iPods across the N.Y./N.J. area.

"We have several reviews in online magazines," Widofsky said. "That's our primary focus right now. We're not a jam band. We're out to write commercial songs; to write what the public will listen to without being musically constrained. Right now, we're hard at work making press kits to send to record companies and magazines."

"We've gotten comments from fans about how the music inspires them," Widofsky said.

That's exactly what Reality Addiction set out to do.

view article here - http://thejewishstate.net/july20realityaddiction.html - The Jewish State

As the last lyrics linger in the air, the music begins to fade. With these final notes, the crowd begins to applaud.

Despite the fact that the band has only recently become famous, Reality Addiction's front man and fellow band members insist it has been a long journey full of ups and downs just to get to this point.

"I began my musical career at a very young age. I took up instrument after instrument. Unfortunately, like most young kids, I lacked patience and kept quitting time and again," singer Dustin Widofsky said.

"As I grew older, I started listening to the tunes of: Third Eye Blind, The Goo Goo Dolls, and 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon, Nine Days, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and John Mayer. I also began refocusing my efforts on playing the guitar and listening to music not as a fan, but with a musical ear. Even then I wasn't secure with where I was at musically," he said.

It wasn't until the latter years of high school that things began to change. During that time Dustin met some very talented people who inspired him to "keep the faith," and to continue playing the guitar. Among those who helped him was aspiring drummer Ben Antelis. Ben, the band's future drummer, came from a musical background and possessed a unique and natural talent -- the talent to teach.

"I kept telling him stick with it. 'I said if I can play so can you.' I pushed him to listen, learn, and most importantly, let himself grow as a musician," he said.

Very much like Dustin's guitar skills, the close relationship between these two musicians evolved as they took their musical talents to the next level and began playing and composing music together. But, this was just the beginning.

After a year of achieving success abroad, the trio came back home to their Jersey roots and began recording songs under the name Reality Addiction.

It was during this time that Ben discovered the bands' future guitarist Rob Tal; an exceptional musician from Oakhurst. Rob's emotionally driven style of playing appealed to the duo tremendously and he joined the mix, allowing Reality Addiction to become even more of a reality.

After a couple of years, the addition of an incredible bassist, more than 60,000 plays on their My Space, and gigs at some of NJ and NY's most popular venues, Reality Addiction released their self- titled EP this past June and are on the road to a very promising future.

So what is about Reality Addiction that has fans hooked?

"It could be quite a few things," said Jonathan Schevelowitz, the band's bassist and newest member.

"I think we offer a unique blend of musicianship and powerful lyrics. Though the music we play is geared toward everyday people, the messages in our songs are left open for people to interpret as they like, thus making it unique. This also allows people to be able to relate to us," he said.

"Yeah… we're not into forcing the meaning of a song onto people by saying: 'this is a song about when I broke up with my girlfriend,'" added Widofsky.

Though only time will tell if fans continue to crave more of what Reality Addiction has to offer, what remains to be seen is how long it will be before Dustin and his posse are etched forever in the pantheon of musical greatness.

by Elie Korbman
- Union County College

As the last lyrics linger in the air, the music begins to fade. With these final notes, the crowd begins to applaud.

Despite the fact that the band has only recently become famous, Reality Addiction's front man and fellow band members insist it has been a long journey full of ups and downs just to get to this point.

"I began my musical career at a very young age. I took up instrument after instrument. Unfortunately, like most young kids, I lacked patience and kept quitting time and again," singer Dustin Widofsky said.

"As I grew older, I started listening to the tunes of: Third Eye Blind, The Goo Goo Dolls, and 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon, Nine Days, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, and John Mayer. I also began refocusing my efforts on playing the guitar and listening to music not as a fan, but with a musical ear. Even then I wasn't secure with where I was at musically," he said.

It wasn't until the latter years of high school that things began to change. During that time Dustin met some very talented people who inspired him to "keep the faith," and to continue playing the guitar. Among those who helped him was aspiring drummer Ben Antelis. Ben, the band's future drummer, came from a musical background and possessed a unique and natural talent -- the talent to teach.

"I kept telling him stick with it. 'I said if I can play so can you.' I pushed him to listen, learn, and most importantly, let himself grow as a musician," he said.

Very much like Dustin's guitar skills, the close relationship between these two musicians evolved as they took their musical talents to the next level and began playing and composing music together. But, this was just the beginning.

After a year of achieving success abroad, the trio came back home to their Jersey roots and began recording songs under the name Reality Addiction.

It was during this time that Ben discovered the bands' future guitarist Rob Tal; an exceptional musician from Oakhurst. Rob's emotionally driven style of playing appealed to the duo tremendously and he joined the mix, allowing Reality Addiction to become even more of a reality.

After a couple of years, the addition of an incredible bassist, more than 60,000 plays on their My Space, and gigs at some of NJ and NY's most popular venues, Reality Addiction released their self- titled EP this past June and are on the road to a very promising future.

So what is about Reality Addiction that has fans hooked?

"It could be quite a few things," said Jonathan Schevelowitz, the band's bassist and newest member.

"I think we offer a unique blend of musicianship and powerful lyrics. Though the music we play is geared toward everyday people, the messages in our songs are left open for people to interpret as they like, thus making it unique. This also allows people to be able to relate to us," he said.

"Yeah… we're not into forcing the meaning of a song onto people by saying: 'this is a song about when I broke up with my girlfriend,'" added Widofsky.

Though only time will tell if fans continue to crave more of what Reality Addiction has to offer, what remains to be seen is how long it will be before Dustin and his posse are etched forever in the pantheon of musical greatness.

by Elie Korbman
- Union County College

Reality Addiction Debut Album

MAYBE NOW YOU'LL LISTEN

Review: Ozglobal~Indieportal-Myspace

When I first heard this band I was instantly struck by the professional sound and thought immediately, this is no ordinary garage band!

For a debut album, from a relatively young, unknown band (but not for long), this album has burst onto the market carrying everything the ep promised and so much more than we would even expect from a fully seasoned Major league band. In my opinion, RA are already there.

Here we have a set of 12 tracks that is impossible to fault in any way. Not only are the lyrics of every song superbly written, but each and every one, led with perfect vocals from the lead singer/guitarist, Dustin Widofsky, with expert back up harmonies, the music, all of it drums, guitar and strings etc, are all top class.

"People Die Building Bridges" leads us into a journey of love, coloured by introspective and retrospective views of romance, perhaps best expressed by everybody's favourite track, "Something Like That", sure to become a number 1 hit for RA.

Indeed there are several songs on this album, including "Almost Beautiful" another favourite of the peeps already, "The Story of You and I" and "A Little Light Please" I predict to make it to the charts. "No Way to Lose" is a social statement, reflecting the plight of youth in today's world.

There is a raw emotion that is the signature of this band and is drawn through the entire album, but is most evident in "Bleeding Through" and "Silent World"

Each track tells a story to which all of us can relate, the "thing" that seems to be the magic of this extraordinary band. This album is a fully matured master work on every level. There is no direction but up, for Reality Addiction from here - and the stratosphere is looming!

Congratulations RA on the launch of this brilliant debut album!

MJ Ozlglobal~Indieportal




- Ozglobal~Indieportal-Myspace

Reality Addiction Debut Album

MAYBE NOW YOU'LL LISTEN

Review: Ozglobal~Indieportal-Myspace

When I first heard this band I was instantly struck by the professional sound and thought immediately, this is no ordinary garage band!

For a debut album, from a relatively young, unknown band (but not for long), this album has burst onto the market carrying everything the ep promised and so much more than we would even expect from a fully seasoned Major league band. In my opinion, RA are already there.

Here we have a set of 12 tracks that is impossible to fault in any way. Not only are the lyrics of every song superbly written, but each and every one, led with perfect vocals from the lead singer/guitarist, Dustin Widofsky, with expert back up harmonies, the music, all of it drums, guitar and strings etc, are all top class.

"People Die Building Bridges" leads us into a journey of love, coloured by introspective and retrospective views of romance, perhaps best expressed by everybody's favourite track, "Something Like That", sure to become a number 1 hit for RA.

Indeed there are several songs on this album, including "Almost Beautiful" another favourite of the peeps already, "The Story of You and I" and "A Little Light Please" I predict to make it to the charts. "No Way to Lose" is a social statement, reflecting the plight of youth in today's world.

There is a raw emotion that is the signature of this band and is drawn through the entire album, but is most evident in "Bleeding Through" and "Silent World"

Each track tells a story to which all of us can relate, the "thing" that seems to be the magic of this extraordinary band. This album is a fully matured master work on every level. There is no direction but up, for Reality Addiction from here - and the stratosphere is looming!

Congratulations RA on the launch of this brilliant debut album!

MJ Ozlglobal~Indieportal




- Ozglobal~Indieportal-Myspace