They are a confident bunch of guys who are working very hard to get noticed. They’re playing the local tri-state area indie rock circuit, and in several weeks they will release their new full-length album.
The boys from Bayonne who make up 14A are on a mission: major exposure. So far they are playing their cards right. The five-member group still maintains their day jobs, they practice relentlessly, they perform regularly in New York City and the surrounding area and when their album Karma debuts, 14A will embark on a big publicity campaign. They will first go to radio stations and then have a CD release party in the fall.
Led by frontman Kevin Boyle, a tall guy with a tremendous rock voice, 14A are scheduled to play at the Lion’s Den in New York City on July 16 at 8:30 p.m.
"We always write originals. We don’t do covers at all," said Boyle during a recent interview.
Boyle claims there is no formula for writing songs, that the band just gets together and either jams or brainstorms ideas for music.
"With music, I can communicate with people lyrically from life experiences," he said.
The band has strong influences from bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, and a good mixture of rock melodies. They met during their school days in Bayonne. Several of the guys went to the same high school, and most of them grew up together. Boyle’s band-mates include Jack Mitch, Frank Pawlowski, Fernando DePina and Danny Scals. Since ’97, they have performed locally. Last spring they took part in a benefit show at the Blue Room in Secaucus, now Love Sexy, where they rocked the house. With power songs like "Lifeline" and "Ghost Town," 14A exhibited a powerful stage presence and the ability to play quality music.
Trying to breakthrough the mainstream has proved to be harder than expected. Boyle and DePina are their own promoters, and getting a response from local media and industry people is their number one challenge.
"We are pretty persistent," DePina said. "If they saw us live they’ll love us. Our ultimate goal is for people to come out and see us."
Catch 14A at the Lion’s Den on 214 Sullivan St., in New York City on July 16 at 8:30 p.m. For more information on the band visit www.14a-music.com. q