7      D   a   y   s       T  o   r   n

January, 2003

Web site:
http://www.7daystorn.com
Sound clips from the 7 Days Torn debut album are available on http://www.7daystorn.com.

Since October 16th of 2000, 7 Days Torn has been building a solid fan base with hook-laden modern rock. Anthony Hurley's lyrics and distinctive vocal style form a unique signature for the band. Laying down the stage on which Anthony stands are Mykal Drexler on lead guitar and backing vocals, Chris Idleman on bass, and Justin Lee on drums and backing vocals.

The subject of the conversation often turned to Anthony when I spoke with Mykal about the band. A catalyst for creativity among his band mates, Anthony is described as creative, inspiring, and moving. "He is untarnished. He has not been molded or told how he should write or play," Mykal commented.

Although Anthony often spurs the creativity, each band member contributes their respective part to the music. Chris works closely with Anthony, and is instrumental in the music composition. Justin, otherwise known as JBird, has been compared to a metronome with his ability to be dead-on and consistent in his performance on drums. He and Mykal provide arrangement, additional input and distinctive riffs. "It's a challenge to write music with three great musicians," said JBird. Each member of the band, in their own way, described the personality of the whole band as a bunch of friends having fun playing for dedicated, loyal fans.

The band formed in halves. Anthony and Mykal met in 1998 when Mykal was playing in a pool league. Mykal had just been through a horrific car accident, and performed his first gig with what was then known as Mason-Dixon, while sitting on a bar stool. "The only thing that made me want to get up and walk is music. There is nothing in my life I'd rather do...I do not have a backup plan," said Mykal.

At the beginning, the band had as many as ten different names for ten different shows. Prior to the arrival of Chris and JBird, the band settled on 7 Days Torn. Though the band name was no more than the combination of words from three different band names, it took on a personal meaning for Mykal related to the time he spent recovering from his car accident.

Chris and JBird had been playing together since their early teens. Chris had previously played in a band named Gypsy Rhoads with Bo, who later sung in a modern rock band called Stone Dragons. Chris and JBird played with the Stone Dragons for a year, and were asked to join 7 Days Torn at the same time...

Together, Anthony, Mykal, Chris, and JBird are what Mykal termed an "Eclectic family... We are four very different individuals who work well together. Our musical backgrounds are varied. None of us have anything in common. There is some divinity in (being able to play and create together.)"

Psycho-Mike (part of 7Days Torn management, webmaster, and pyro-technician) chimed in, "I could be listening to Finger 11 with Chris one moment, and then go listen to Elvis with Anthony the next."

The most gratifying part of being in 7 Days Torn for Anthony is "being able to write original music that people get to hear." For JBird, it is "doing what I love in the band I love." The band is not about the attention that results from playing. "What we need is what the 4 of us give to each other when we play," said Mykal.

Mykal's best memories of being in the band are from when they took a trip to Los Angeles to make their promotional video. Mykal and "Psycho Mike" drove across country and spent 3 1/2 days meeting people on the road broadcasting their CD from their truck on Radio7, an FM radio station. Photos from their trip and a description of Radio7 are available on their web site, http://www.7daystorn.com.

Other miscellaneous facts and comments...

Descriptions of his bandmates...

• Anthony - Creative, aspiring, inspiring, moving, coffee enthusiast who always owns a 4 wheel drive vehicle
• JBird - Backbone, strength, band bouncer, sporty and athletic - Everyone gets along with JBird.
• Chris - Reserved, creative, instrumental in songwriting process, GQ Guy. Acura (and no, they won't tell me the story behind it.)
• Mykal - Eccentric, opinionated, non-conformist, Skater guy, makes REALLY bad jokes

Featured Artist - Created by TheLab – Local Area Bands
http://www.thelab-pa.com + angela@thelab-pa.com ©2003 Angela D. Francisco