They be Loco: New Power Metal Band Aims to get Wild & Crazy

Sept. 29, 2004

Tim Miller is “Loco.”
“When we play we’re going to rip your soul through to your you know what,” said Miller.
Okay, Miller is really “Loco.”
“Here we come and you better lock the door, because we are going to kick things wide (bleeping) open,” said Jamie Ball.
“Yeah when we play we are going to rip your (bleeping) head off and stuff it down your throat,” said Steve Renucci.
Yeah, those two are “Loco” as well.
“You mean we are actually going to get paid to play?” asks Damien Coon.
Well Coon is not quite as “Loco” yet, but he is getting there.
These four guys aren’t “crazy,” they are the new power metal band “Loco.” The group will perform this weekend at the Skyliner Bar in Buckley.

FILL A VOID
For guitarist Tim Miller the creation of Loco four months ago was to fill a void in the heavy rock scene in Northern Michigan.
“It seems like only a couple styles of music get promoted and respected in the area,” said Miller. “In fact, if it isn’t blues-based, it doesn’t seem to get promoted. We want to change that.”
Now, Miller isn’t opposed to other musical styles, in fact he embraces them.
“Look, I like good music no matter what style. One weekend I am at the Grand Ole Opry jamming to Little Jimmie Dickens and the next weekend I am at Ozzfest,” said Miller. “I have an appreciation for all music when it is performed well, regardless of its style.”
Miller formed the band Loco in hopes of creating a music scene in Northern Michigan that is more inviting and less exclusive.
“There is a lot of talent up here and it is being overlooked. I want to build a culture of musicians that works together. We can become the next Seattle if we work together,” said Miller. “Look, if the guy that I work for is driving a big car and living in a big home, I am happy for him because if he is making money, then I am making money. It is the way it works. We need that philosophy in the local music scene. Bands need to promote themselves and each other to draw people to the clubs.”

BIG BAD MONKEY
A band that was successful in drawing numbers to the power metal scene locally was Bad Monkey. When guitarist Eric Little passed away a couple of years ago the band and the scene lost momentum. Do you see Loco as the heir apparent to recreating the scene?
“No, first of all Bad Monkey is back. It was Eric’s band and they needed some time. You don’t replace a guy like that overnight,” said Miller. “Monkey is back and maybe better than ever. I see us working with them and others to create a scene up here. Another killer to the local music scene was when Kimberly Fox at The Zone left. She was a driving force and we need another DJ to pick up on that and to start promoting local bands. After all, we are the ones listening to the stations and buying what their advertisers are selling.”
As for describing Loco as a “power” or “nu” metal band, Miller isn’t so sure what title fits best.
“Look, we play the kind of music that Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin would play if they were our age today,” said Miller. “Now we are no (bleeping) Zeppelin and no one will be either. I mean they are the greatest rock band of all time. But we are no ‘Knocking On Heavens’ door band either.”
THE WRITING THING
Loco covers a lot of material from bands like Godsmack, Static-X, Disturbed, Soil, and Velvet Revolver to System Of A Down, Korn, Stone Sour, Drowning Pool, and Rage Against The Machine. As for originals, they are working on them.
“Look, it is a lot easier to learn three songs a week than to write three new songs a week,” said Miller. “We are working on new material and expect to release an album next February.”
Local musicians are embracing Loco’s entrance and plan to work with Miller on building a power/nu-metal scene.
“Aarghh, finally something new, fresh and tasty,” said local guitar phenom Sean Robbins.
Bad Monkey bassist Dave Webber quickly adds, “It is good to see Loco rip-up some nu-metal.”
Loco is made up of Jamie Ball on bass, Danien Coon on the left-handed drum kit, and vocalist Steve “Snake” Renucci with Miller on guitars. The band describes themselves as four hard-working middle class guys with families who are committed to raising the local music bar.
“We don’t feel we are better than anyone else, but instead we are committed to excellence,” said Miller. “I see a lot of musicians just going through the motions. There is no passion in their performance. That won’t be the case with us.”
Miller works construction during the day while repairing guitars by night. He has built quite the reputation in the area with musicians for his repair skills.
“Yeah, guys drop by the house all the time for me to fix their guitars,” said Miller. “I will fix any guitar, but look, when a Sean Robbins or a Jeff Bihlman walk in, I will spend hours on their guitars because those guys are good and have a real appreciation for music.”
Miller won’t be repairing guitars the weekend of October 1. He and Loco will be at the Skyliner in Buckley on both Friday and Saturday nights. Mrs. White With The Candlestick, a local favorite in the mid-’90s, has resurrected after a seven-year hiatus and will open things up. Loco will also be at Lil’ Bo’s in TC the weekend of October 15 and will perform in Kalkaska at Koettie’s for a Halloween Party on October 30. To learn more about Loco visit their website
www.locorocks.com.