Alyssa Jacey / Damn Handsome
Diamonds In The Rough
By: Amanda Markell
Last updated October 5th , 2009

Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new artists in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present Alyssa Jacey and Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits, two talented groups from Cali that are looking to bring the pain and good vibes to the music industry!

Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits
Representin' San Francisco, California
 
Background Check: A politically outspoken trio from Northern California, Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits are often told they resemble mega-punk group Green Day, who originate from the same area. "It's an honor," said vocalist Rob Barrett. "We're not afraid to say what we think." Drummer Jonathan Rodgers met Rob two years ago after his casual in-store playing at Guitar Center caught Rob's attention. "It was a weird ironic thing because I grew up in a rock background," Rob said. "I'd heard of Led Zeppelin but couldn't name a single song, whereas Johnathan staked his life on rhythm and blues." Once bassist Jack Dumon joined, the trio had compiled their tastes into a unique structured sound.
 
The Goods: Currently the band is working on a full length debut album. Their self-titled four song EP, that's available right now, has already caught attention at their local shows. The song ‘Pink Flamingoes' has helped build Damn Handsome's reputation during live shows. They use the song to involve the audience. "Last time a guy with a Mohawk was doing the jitterbug onstage with his girlfriend," Rob said. "It's not very typical of a punk show."  Damn Handsome has always strived on originality with their material and over all image. "Dead Kennedys and all them had something to say that wasn't just bubblegum lyrics that don't mean anything," said Rob. "We like to have lyrics that say we're part of the world and we really care."
 

From Major To Indie: Previously, Rob has been with a band signed to major label Warner. After seven years, the band came to the conclusion that once they were signed it didn't mean the work was over. "We thought we could lay back and make it happen," he recalls. "Unless you're a performing band, major labels will only put so much effort into you and then you just owe them a bunch of money." Damn Handsome thrives on the lessons learned from Rob's former band and plans to embark on a west coast tour this fall. ~ Amanda Markell

To check out or to purchase Damn Handsome's self-titled EP, click here.


Alyssa Jacey
Representin' Rancho Santa Fe, California

Background Check: Born in Rancho Santa Fe, the California girl known as Alyssa Jacey has been up and down the Western coast trying her hand at everything from university studies to hip-hop instructor. But what she found most fulfilling in all her career adventures – music.  The multi-talented twenty-four year old says her style of singing/songwriting isn't a cut and dry formula. "Back in 2005 I called it, ‘A glass of Pop, a shot of Country and a hint of Soul.' In 2006 it was Pop/Soul/Folk Rock. It's pretty much the same now, but throw in Acoustic and you've got the right mix." The influences she drew from include some of the most honored of female vocalists. "Growing up I listened to Mariah Carey, Amy Grant and Paula Abdul cassette tapes," she says. "I've written over 180 songs," she explains. "I taught myself how to play drums and sing at the same time, and I'm currently teaching myself piano."


The Goods: Now equipped with the musical skills, and a shining sense of humor to combat the downsides, she's proven herself a hot commodity – from opening a show for Paula Cole to finally recording a full-length album.  DIY in work ethic, she adds, "I booked that entirely by myself and have booked every single show I've ever done." As for recording, she admits, "I tried this in 2007 but the studio, who I had a "handshake agreement" with, took off with all my music out of state right when we were finishing up the project. This year I've been working on the full-length record at a studio in LA.  We've already completed the first 3 songs in only 6 sessions.  It's going really well."


Movie Star And Shark Hunter?: She won't go that far, but Jacey isn't kidding when mentioning multiple job experiences. "I have worked mostly in retail and restaurants," she recalls, adding,  "But in 2000 while at college my first year, I was doing commercial voice-overs for TV and radio.  I danced in Super Bowl 37 (Pre-Game, National Anthem and Half-Time shows), I've driven a train, I've scuba dived with sharks, I have been in a handful of Indie Films and one major film with Burt Reynolds and Lauren Holly." ~ Christian Cipollini

To check out or to purchase The Soul, click here.

[Tags] Feature, POP, Punk, Rock