Stoutonia

Issue date: 2/25/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Matt Wicket

Local pop rockers, Cadence, just released their debut EP, "The Distance," on Feb. 19 and are on their way to finding their niche in the Chippewa Valley scene. Guitarist Derek Hageness is currently in his fourth year here at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and is optimistic about the bands future.

"School is basically my security. I didn't want to come back to school when I was in my 30's. I wanted to get it done now so I have a degree to fall back on," said Hageness, a student in the multimedia design program.

The group definitely has reason to be excited. Over the summer, they spent three weeks recording with Matt Robnett of Playwork Productions, who has produced some major names such as The Starting Line, Four Year Strong and Valencia.

"It was an enlightening experience for all of us, because the first week we spent in pre-production where [Matt Robnett] worked with us on our songs and made changes, and we wrote our single 'I'm Not Scared' with him during this time. It made all of as musicians so much tighter and more locked in to what was going on," said Hageness. "We grew so much individually as musicians that it made the whole group so much tighter than it was before we got there. Now when we write we think, 'what would Matt do?'"

Now, Cadence has their first EP recorded, and the band is ready to hit the scene hard. They plan to play several local shows and build up a fan base in the Chippewa Valley, then broaden their horizons and go on tour next summer. So far, the band has done most of its own planning, booking, design work and logistics, presenting challenges for the young group.

"The business part of being in a band is what people never see and never hear about; they see the glamorous part of it," said Hageness. "Our band is a family of best friends, and we love each other like a family, we eat like a family and we fight like a family. With so many creative minds in one group of people, you're bound to have disagreements."

Although the five friends may have disagreements at times, their strong relationship is a key asset to their success.

"Adam, Derek and myself have been best friends since high school, and Hannah has really clicked into our family. Travis is still relatively new, so time will tell, I suppose," said Hageness.

The bond between the band mates comes across in their songwriting, as well. They write mostly cheery, upbeat, feel-good songs. The positive energy of their new EP flows from start to finish, with Hannah Connolly's powerful voice carrying it through.

"Our lyrics have many different meanings, such as overcoming self-doubt, getting out and moving on for the better and celebrating life," said Hageness.

You can catch Cadence at one of their many upcoming shows, listed below. Find up-to-date news and events information at www.wearecadence.com.

Cadence - Upcoming Shows

March 5 - The Warehouse - EP release show, 5 p.m.
March 8 - First Avenue/7th Street Entry, 6 p.m.
March 18 - The Beat Coffee House, 6:15 p.m.

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