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By Jessica Savrock
- For Blue MagazineOn the music scene, if you stop somewhere between rock and punk, you’ll find Agony Hill.
Hailing from Corning, NY, Agony Hill can be compared to the likes of bands such as Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance and Fallout Boy.
“[We have] an energetic, entertaining and humorous stage show backed by great music,” said lead vocalist Eric Bleiler. “A concert-sized sound and light show helps round out the package.”
The band has been together since the late 1990’s and released its first full-length album A.B.M.R. in 2001. Currently working on their fourth album, the members of Agony Hill play a mix of covers and original music.
“Our set list depends on the club we’re playing, as some folks and/or certain areas are more into a certain style or prefer to hear more originals,” said Bleiler. “We attempt to cater to every and any crowd.”
“Our set list contains genres from country to metal,” he added.
The band’s original song “Just Add Alcohol” became a regional club favorite, and some frequently-played covers include Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me,” Pat Benetar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and Breaking Benjamin’s “Diary of Jane.”
We’ve befriended so many bands, and we may have borrowed a thing or two,” said Bleiler. “Our uniqueness comes from our personalities and how we’ve blended them into our stage show and music.”
Agony Hill has shared this stage with several famous bands, including Drowning Pool and Adema. Bleiler credits this success with hard work and putting themselves in the right position.
“Constantly playing and writing new music helps as well,” he said. “Befriending other bands and maintaining a standard relationship with all the folks that continue to follow and support our band.”
According to Bleiler, two music conferences have helped mold the band into what it is today.
“The NXNE in Toronto, Canada and an Independent Music Conference in Montreal, Canada gave us positive feedback from record labels,” he said. “[They let] us know that we did indeed have what it takes and gave us their advice on what we needed to do in order to accomplish more success in the music industry.”
Agony Hill is rounded out by Patrick “Spam” Mullen on guitar, Joe Wakefield on bass and Eddie Hurley on drums.
Band Members
Eric Bleiler – Vocals, guitar
Patrick “Spam” Mullen – Guitar
Joe Wakefield – Bass
Eddie Hurley – Drums
In Print
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