Band blends influences to create dynamic sound

By Alicia Swan
Staff Writer

Somewhere near Purdue, two or three times a week, a group of five people gather to make music in a house with disturbingly pink walls.

They call themselves Rendered, and their sound is unparalleled. The band will perform at 9 p.m. in the basement of the Purdue Memorial Union, in the La Posada. They are part of the Bean Cellar free concert series presented by Purdue Student Union Board.

Rendered has incredible chemistry. Even though the members have been together for only one semester, they act like old childhood friends.

Bassist Matt Kreager, a junior in the Schools of Engineering, spread flyers across campus at the beginning of the year, interviewed a series of aspiring rockers and finally brought together Render’s current line-up.

Mike Deuerling, a sophomore in the Schools of Engineering, plays drums heavily laced with rock influences. Amy Cook, a senior in the School of Education, assumes the part of the jazzy female vocalist. Affected heavily by classic rock, Joe Dodd, a freshman in the Schools of Engineering, authoritatively strums the guitar.

The last of the ensemble, saxophonist Gerrad Bailey, a junior in the Schools of Engineering, was the only member Kreager knew prior to first semester this year. "I met him freshman year in the dorms, and we jammed a little bit."

Kreager says the band is a part-time endeavor. The other members say that working with a band is almost like being in a class because while it is fun, it is also a lot of work.

Thus far, Rendered has performed only a couple times. In one of those instances they jammed for a Salvation Army charity held by Alpha Phi Omega in a church basement.

However different, these individuals meld when they come together. Kreager says that their music is a blend of funk, jazz, blues and rock. Each member brings his or her own distinct style and influences to the band.

The demo released this week to local bars and other venues in the area is magnificent. Cook sings like a songbird while the instruments behind her harmonize with her. She conveys emotion with a bittersweet accuracy. The music is cutting edge and riveting.

All in all, the band is exactly what the music industry should be hoping for. Rendered gets along well, is heavy on inspiration and talent and low in expectation and arrogance.

For now their performance is free, but with this talent, it probably will not be for long.

For more information on Rendered, e-mail Matt Kreager at jazzbass@purdue.edu.

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