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Looking for something different musically? Pennsylvania’s indie/alternative act, the Illuminati, is pushing the envelope of modern music with their unique collage of sonic intensity.  The genres change from song to song, but elements of 60s psychedelia, punk, funk, blues, reggae, grunge, jam, jazz, and even country can all be found. The moods and socially- conscious lyrics range from humorous and cynical to dark and powerful. Front-man, Stephen Musti asserts that the band endeavors to "genuinely transcend the boundaries of modern music classification . . . Our influences are diverse and the music reflects that."  

The Illuminati launched in 2003 with the five-song EP, Because, and they released their debut full-length album, Love and War, in 2006.  On display is the band’s imaginative songwriting as well as their ability to move seamlessly from one style to another--while always maintaining their immediately recognizable sound. Both recordings have received international acclaim, airplay and sales.  Their live performances have captured an underground following and regional attention.

Although primarily an original act, the Illuminati does cover other people’s music in live situations. Songs by artists as diverse as Gnarls Barkley, the Cure, Iggy Pop, and Pink Floyd have all received the signature llluminati treatment. Although the arrangements are often different, most audiences will be familiar with the majority of cover material.

Few bands can legitimately profess the expansive repertoire and the distinctive vision that the Illuminati inherently possess.  Rather than attempting to modernize 70's punk, regurgitate 80's new wave, or resurrect other “retro” genres, the Illuminati borrows from the past in order to create something new, yet marketable.  They are willing to work with broad-minded and progressive labels, agents, promoters and club owners who understand that the American (and global) populace demands alternatives to watered-down corporate radio.

STEPHEN MUSTI (SANCHINO)
Vocals/Guitarr/Keys Email Steve
Although I began writing music around the age of 19, it wasn't until about 1997 that my songs began to contain real meaning and substance. Inspiration came to me in one of the most improbable places--school. I had gone back to college to study communications and was required to take Government and Politics 101 and 201. The classes interested me enough for me to change my major (and my more). Sometime later that year I acquired a copy of Against Empire by Michael Parenti which introduced me to many sad truths about globalization and direct and indirect effects it has had on our world.

No American wants to believe that the US populace (which is often uninformed, misinformed, ignorant, and/or ambivalent) allows our legislators to permit our corporations to exploit the wealth, resources, and labor of other nations (and our own). But unfortunately it is true. In the name of democracy, our government financially and militarily forces the world's people into economic servitude. they do so with little or no scrutiny by the American "liberal" press. The truth is not what we want to hear.

Currently, one percent of our population owns over 40% of our wealth. Meanwhile, almost 20% of our population lives below the poverty level. Every day that our middle class grows smaller, the closer we come to economic collapse.

Martin Luther King Jr. stated shortly before his assassination that "a man who has not found something he is willing to die for is not fit to live." Through words, actions, and music, we must fight for social and economic justice - domestic and international.

PLEASE. educate yourself and vote. Do it for yourself, your children, and for the sake of the entire world. The current "leaders" of our great nation have allowed our Constitution to be perverted to benefit large multi-national corporations (and occasionally their shareholders). Only through peaceful activism and revolution can we take back our country and true democracy. The time to act is yesterday! Please check out the organizations that we have listed on our links page for more information.

 

DANA DELONG (EL DINYO)
Drums Email Dana


Ever since I can remember, I was always into music. My parents always listened to rock and roll, and I loved the sound and volume of it. At and early age, I found that drums were what caught my ear, and what made it really rock.

I kept to myself while growing up, staying in my room, listening to record after record with my headphones on, to keep my parents happy and at the age of five, I saw my first live band - the Jordan Bros. at a fair in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. From that point on, I knew I wanted to play the drums.

I begged my parents for a set of drums but, it didn't work. So, in elementary school my parents talked me into trying the snare drum, but I quickly became bored. I wanted the whole set. After high school, I bought my first set, and with what little knowledge I had, I taught myself how to play. After watching so many drummers on video, practicing all the time to Zeppelin, Floyd, the Doors and other great artists, I was finally able to keep a beat. During this time, I started creating my own beats, and had alot of fun playing in general

After a few years, I felt I was ready to play in a band. Shortly thereafter I met an inspiring guitar player, Steve Musti. We got together a couple of times to collaborate, and somehow we could tell that we would be jamming together. Within a year, Steve called me up and asked if I would join his band. I gladly accepted, and we've been jammin' together ever since.
 

AARON HOKE (A-HO)
Guitar/Keyboard Email Aaron
HeyOOO! It all started with piano lessons when I was 6 years old...12 years later I picked up an acoustic guitar and I haven't been able to stop playing music since.

I have a Bachelor's in Business Management Major from Penn State, with concentrations in Information Systems. However, my collegiate career started out as an American History major, hence my interest in American economics and other social issues. Americans have a right to know how politicians are reacting to wealthy, corporate campaign contributions and demoralizing our great nation.

For those who are interested in more musical stuff! I play a Taylor acoustic, BC Rich Exclusive, Fender Telecaster, and when I am playing bass, I use an Ibanez Sound Gear. I am also way into pro audio gear.

God Bless. 
 
MATHEW BOYER (EL POLLO LOCO)
Bass Email Matt
I've been playing for 20 years, and I simply couldn't imagine living without it. I am fortunate enough to be in a band with some of the coolest people on the planet, and I get to meet new people all the time. It is truly on of the greatest things a person could ever do. If anybody reading this is not a musician, go get a guitar, get a bass, get some drums, hell, get a kazoo, go find some good people and see what could happen.