Among Criminals, a local band
with a part Reggae part Latin-Rock
sound, brought their politically
charged music to Bucks students in
a cafeteria concert on Thursday,
Nov. 1
Lead singer, writer, and guitarist
Ryan Gaughan, 23 said the band’s
name came from his appreciation
of how lucky we all are to be in
America.
Gaughan talked about country’s
history of violent conquest, such as
the Pilgrims over the Native Americans.
He said that, because of this
history, living with Americans is
living amongst criminals.
Harbinger s of peace, Among
Criminals spreads the message of
taking responsibility for your
actions and coming together as a
people through their music.
Gaughan grew up with Bean, 21,
the bass player in Washington
Crossing. Gaughan later met drummer
Jarrod Pedone, 23 at Berkley.
The band’s promoter, Dan
Schwartz, said Among Criminals is
currently without a sponsor. Being
unsigned has not kept the band from
promoting. The band uses both
MySpace.com and their own website,
Among Criminals.com to promote
their music and their cause.
How hard is it to get a music contract?
“We’ll tell you when we get
there” Jarrod said, feeling the strain
of self-promotion over the music
industry.
Gaughan said the band has been
“jamming’on and off for the past 3
years.”
The band has been more serious
about pushing their album since
Pedone returned from Las Vegas
thirteen months ago.
In just over a year, the band has
played over 250 shows, Pedone
said. They have also written over 30
songs.
Cold Soldier, a song off their current
album, Kill the Myth tells the
story of a military soldier not supportive
of the war, and imprisoned
for refusing to partake.
As for their performance at
Bucks, a crowd of students clapped
their hands and bobbed their heads
to the bands beat, seemingly enjoying
the show. Several of the students
could be heard proclaiming
that the performance was good.
“They had good bass riff,” said
Mike Nussbaum, 22 of Wrightstown.
“I’ll definitely be coming back”
said Kevin Grotz, 18, from Fairness
Hills didn’t know Among Criminals
would be playing on campus
He said the band is really good and
that he’ll “definitely be coming
back.”