This Is For Real

In The Beginning.



Despite how things appear, 'This Is For Real' was a work in progress years before the inception of the name, the music you hear on this page, or the prevailing member lineup we recognize today. Through seemingly endless try-out sessions, high hopes and crashing disappointments, Dustin and Joe would come to the overwhelming realization that they could rely only on each other to show up on time, keep an open mind, and be willing to commit to something greater than themselves.



The extent to which these two had to overcome obstacles became nearly comical, as early members quit, failed to show up to practice, came or became wasted before and during rehearsals, and refused to give themselves completely to the project. Through it all, Joe and Dustin persevered by keeping their mutual vision in mind, supporting one another with positivity and friendship, and ceaselessly committing to the writing and recording of their original material.



In the Autumn of 2006, it was finally decided that, with the aid of computer software and a hefty chunk of change, the two would work together exclusively by purchasing and building their own home studio. In the days and weeks that followed, the hit song 'I'm On' would come to be, and 'This Is For Real' rose from the ashes of three years of trial, tribulation, and nearly insurmountable let-down.



The Who



Lead singer Joe, a natural talent and "one-take-wonder" in the studio, began his musical voyage in High School. His experiences at that level helped him gain the confidence he'd later need to step up his game for big city music scenes. Hailing from a rural town in Northeast Ohio, his early days on stage took place in churches, coffee houses and at school-related functions, a far cry from the unforgiving landscapes that are the Columbus, Cleveland and even the Los Angeles club circuits, all of which he would come to play. Despite his seemingly humble beginnings, Joe has always held that he'll one day be recognized as the rockstar he knows himself to be! With little help from studio engineers, Joe proves time and again that his vocal talents are enviable, and he has found an equal and opposite in his musical collaborator.



Dustin, a self-taught guitarist and disciplined perfectionist, found solace in music since childhood. An active and enlightened student, he became proficient at saxophone and other woodwinds, various percussion instruments, piano, and anything else that made noise. He was a proud member of drum corp, concert and marching band, full orchestra, and jazz band. It wasn't until High School that he finally picked up the guitar, largely due to the persistence of his brother - a masterful drummer who today holds down the rhythm for the band 'For The Drive'. After locking himself in his bedroom for nearly 2 years, Dustin emerged a force to be reckoned with. After learning essentially every song he'd come to love to that point, his chops were ready for writing original material. and that's exactly what he began to do nearly 14 years ago. Numerous bands, several demo CD's and countless shows later, he'd find himself finally content with a project he knew had real potential.



The What



What you hear today is nothing less than the culmination of an infinite sea of influence, distilled over years of listening, writing, recording, and performing. Collectively, Joe and Dustin pay their respects to thousands of artists and musicians who have come before them, as their tastes easily span the entirety of the musical spectrum. Despite the enormous range of their combined influences, the sound they create often maintains a fundamentally melodic and flowing feel, with elements of reggae, hip-hop, latin and classic rock all finding their way into the sonic landscape.



The How



With a lot of support, input and direction from Eddy (Dustin's brother, CEO and chief Engineer/Producer of One-sided Productions) the early renditions of 'I'm On' and 'The Game' would come to fruition as you hear them on this profile. Though the fundamental structures and feel remain the same, the "radio readiness" you notice on these tracks couldn't have been achieved without his time and expertise. The song-writing process, basic tracking, mixing and production are accomplished at This Is For Real 'Satellite One Studio' in Cleveland, while additional tracking, mixing, mastering and production often take place at 'One-sided Studio' on the east side of Columbus with the help of Eddy's experienced ear.



Said and done, what Joe and Dustin have created is an uncompromising distillation of their personal influences- undeniably infectious melodies, radio-worthy hooks and phrases, and a style that is truly and fundamentally original to themselves. With a knack for songwriting, rhythm and thought-provoking lyricism, these two are destined for nothing less than greatness! Keep an ear to the street friends- when their time finally comes around, This Is For Real will BE the club sound!



The Why



". we do it for us, we do it for you, to our vision and style ya know we're true!"



This Is For Real



Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting