Dead Stick Landing is a technically-minded power trio based out of Athens, Georgia that incorporates an eclectic blend of musical genres into a captivating mix of well thought out and danceable original rock songs. The band draws influence from many genres ranging from 90's alternative like Ween, Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden and Faith No More; to classic rock like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, The Police, and the Talking Heads; to prog rock like King Crimson, Rush, Pink Floyd, Tool, and Porcupine Tree; to jazz fusion like the Flecktones, Weather Report, and Return to Forever; to jambands like Phish, Govt Mule, Widespread Panic, moe., RAQ, The Breakfast, and Umphrey’s McGee. Their sound spans the spectrum from hula hooping to head banging.
Dead Stick Landing's creative soul exists in a place positioned carefully between the unimaginative redundancies of radio-friendly schlock, and the high-minded elements of progressive rock music. Their complex sound is proof of this unique perspective; a blend of technically-minded prog and melodic rock, that instead of being merely accessible, actually actively engages a wide variety of fans in their music. By defying the boundaries of any one particular type of music, Dead Stick Landing leaves no genre safe, no style untouched, and no time signature off limits. This band does not cap its potential by subscribing to musical boundaries.
John Parrott, age 28, has honed his skills as a guitarist and songwriter since the age of fourteen. He has logged countless hours aspiring to be like his guitar heroes; namely Frank Zappa, Trey Anastasio, Robert Fripp, and Jimi Hendrix. Playing rhythm guitar in his first handful of musical ventures (Casey Jones, Zarakotus), John began fronting his own projects (Cat5E, Fall Line Trio) in an attempt to find other musicians that shared his love of all music. John now holds down lead vocals, as well as lead/rhythm guitar positions in the band. He is also the primary songwriter of the band.
Todd Headley, age 26, has been playing drums for nearly two decades. During this time, Todd has absorbed as many musical styles as possible by seeing hundreds of live shows of various styles. Influenced by all things musical, Todd joined several school bands and was turned onto jazz in high school, which he attended in Milledgeville, GA. Todd is constantly trying to grow as a musician, and he has augmented his drum set playing abilities by taking a few semesters of Afro-Cuban/Brazilian hand drumming classes taught by the highly esteemed UGA percussion professor Dr. Arvin Scott. Todd's drumming is now heavily based around fusion, jazz and progressive rock styles. His favorite drummers are Jon Fishman, Jeff Sipe (ARU, Jazz is Dead, Leftover Salmon), Danny Carey (Tool), Brian Blade (Joshua Redman), and Kris Myers (Umphrey's McGee).
Greg Surratt, age 28, began learning music theory and piano at the age of five. He picked up guitar and trumpet in middle school, eventually concentrating on the bass. Cutting his chops on the works of his idols such as Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, and Les Claypool, Greg began playing in bands ranging from jazz, jam, and bluegrass to funk, progressive rock, and metal. As a former member of the Patrick Connell Band and Flat Broke & Busted, Greg has performed in several states across the Southeast and also recorded a few albums with various local artists.
The trio has solidified a catalog of more than forty original songs, and is in a near constant state of working on new material. Dead Stick Landing has also put their own spin on songs by some of their favorite artists, a diverse group of bands ranging from Frank Zappa and King Crimson to Soundgarden and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band has performed in venues around the Southeast, and is currently working hard to garner a rampant fan base. Future goals are to continue building a fan base within the region, to open for national acts, and to eventually launch a national/international tour. The group will also work to record CDs and document their extensive song repertoire. Dead Stick Landing has several EPs out and is working hard to put the final touches on their debut LP, which showcases their ability to balance technical and complex passages with more traditionally arranged song structures. Make sure not to miss these guys in action in a venue near you!
