New music, more than once in Blue Moon

Original music, the breath and bane of many amateur musicians, works to the benefit of Blue Moon Revue. With a blend of constant collaboration, creation and some covers -- not to mention more than a sprinkle of musical aptitude -- Blue Moon Revue swirls its sound into an unmistakable blend.\n"We are very dedicated to the music ... more so than the public view of musicians' lifestyle," says keyboardist Drew Scalerio. \nNearly 2 years old and with 12-15 hours of practice a week, Blue Moon Revue has built a structure for advancement. These musicians concentrate on growth and quality, not settling for less than the potential they believe they have. Ultimately, they will be musicians. Perhaps they won't be together and will have to take day jobs, but these students will be playing music. They came to IU with the idea of forming a band.\nAlong with Scalerio, the band includes senior David Sullivan on lead guitar and sophomores Matt Marshall on vocals and rhythm guitar, Andy Salge on vocals and bass, Dan Hirons on drums and Matt Frick on percussion and banjo.\nWith roots in "rock, funk and soul," says bassist Salge, the musicians all come from different backgrounds. Salge claims it comes out it different ways.\n"We're trying to do cool music with ... a pop edge that relate to everybody," says Salge. "Writing songs that relate to people is the most important thing."\nScalerio and Salge say Blue Moon Revue feels the people who go to a show will leave happy. Although they have critics just as every band does and aren't at the top of the Bloomington "charts," they hope the diverse background and honesty of the music appeals to every different type of person.\nBlue Moon Revue is a true band, not a musician with a backing setup. There is no leader of the group, and the members work together with ideas. Four of the six members live in the same house. Blue Moon Revue tries to expand this friendliness to other local bands, looking to create a tight-knit scene instead of an area for competition. \nAt the house, Blue Moon Revue self-recorded its first CD, 1108 Sessions, in the fall of 1999. Recorded after the band was together for about five months, the album is an exercise in successful amateurism. Although only a burned copy, the disc is quality with a mix of groove and soul. The song "Streetlight" was even chosen for the upcoming Live From Bloomington. Although satisfied with their product, these musicians are ready to put out something new.\nAfter gaining experience and fusing as a band, Blue Moon Revue is in the studio again, this time a professional one.\n"We're going to be slowly doing songs, taking weekends to work on one song," says Salge. "We have no idea how long it's really going to take." Salge also says they plan on taking time off from recording to practice more and play some shows.\nAs for being selected for Live From Bloomington, the band was pleased. Salge says it is nice to receive recognition for working so hard. He predicts being featured will also help get the band's name around.\nThe group hopes the release will promote Blue Moon Revue's performances. Salge believes it is hard for local bands that concentrate on original music to fit into the scene, although possible as Danagas has shown. Many of the local venues host cover bands, and while the group enjoys playing covers, it's not the band's concentration. While playing covers can make the band better, its heart seems to be in its own songs.\nThis honesty is Blue Moon Revue's strength. It gives the band life and potential. While practicing, Salge and Scalerio say they feel they realize only one-forth of their ideas. With the Blue Moon Revue's talent, intuition and dedication, I would have to agree with what Salge says while discussing the band's future.\n"We're going on forever."\nBlue Moon Revue will play Friday at the Cellar Lounge, 123 S. Walnut St.; Feb. 17 at Kilroy's Sports, 319 N. Walnut St.; March 2 at Uncle Fester's, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. and April 21 at Calm Fest.