Rouletta

By Allyson Wells

Photo by Alberto Oviedo

Rouletta is a band at a crossroads. Big on the Atlanta scene, they are nearly ready to break out nationwide. Vocalist Chase Schnell, pianist Joshua Crowe, lead guiatist Danny Song, rhythm guitarist Luke Bareis, bassist Luke Hayden Senkbeil and drummer Zack Bareis have been together for nearly two years, but each twenty-something band member has always been involved in some form of musical expression. The driving force behind the band is each one’s deep love of music. “Regardless of where we are as a band, the music is always the primary focus,” explains Song.

This is definitely rock ‘n’ roll we’re talking about. However, it might be more accurately described as marketable rock with a Southern twist. The music has a tangibly upbeat, feel-good sound, which is perfectly offset by Schnell’s commanding and steady vocals. While the guys aren’t aiming to write dance songs, some of the tracks may inspire even the most reticent listener to at least bob his or her head and maybe coax the more adventurous to shake it on the dance floor. This brand of rock ‘n’ roll is itself the product of all six members of the band and the diverse musical background that each member brings to the table.

Rouletta’s sound is at once R&B, Motown and country with auditory allusions to Jeff Buckley. Jazz influences can be discerned every now and then, yet another listen might reveal experimental chords a la Radiohead. Despite the wide variety of musical influences, Rouletta’s sound remains, perhaps unexpectedly, tight. Because of the band members’ longstanding musical involvement, the music they create together is almost based on formula; they’re not trying to get too abstract with the sound. Rouletta has mastered the art of producing songs that simultaneously sound familiar yet at the same time completely new.

According to the band members, the kind of music they make is “real life music;” that is, the sort of music to which listeners can actually relate. Also, because their goal is to write music that represents all six members — no easy task indeed — each song is wild with varied influences. While the band’s goal is to write catchy songs that remain in the listener’s head long after the CD ends, the creative forces behind Rouletta tend to change style from composition to composition. “When writing songs, we definitely like to mix it up,” explains Schnell. “We try to build on each song and make new ones different than the last.” When it comes to songwriting, these guys have finally figured out what makes them all click as a band, and each new song just gets better.

Rouletta is in its element when on stage. Although the live show violates rock feng shui by having six guys crammed onto one often tiny stage, the band delivers consistently energetic and clean performances. The show is not about clever gimmicks or crazy antics. The guys know the importance of giving fans the solid performance they showed up to hear. “We spend a lot of time rehearsing our songs and getting them right,” says Song. Their meticulous practices help the band members remain confident and comfortable onstage.

Overall, these guys are just musicians being musicians. They are not trying to be an incarnation of a previous band, nor are they trying to invent an entirely new sound. Like many musicians, they want their music to appeal to as wide an audience as possible without losing meaning in the process. Rouletta will ride out the music scene as long as their musical output is where they want it to be, creatively speaking. Rouletta currently has one CD out and another one on the way and they aren‘t planning on going away anytime soon. Of an Atlanta rock scene already heavily saturated with a number of talented bands poised to break out, Song says, “Don’t start a band.” He’s only half joking. Rouletta’s moment could finally be here.

www.rouletta.com