BANZAI Bios!
The BANZAI Underground, and high-energy 2 piece band, was formed during the fall of 2006 by the lead guitarist of 495, and the former lead singer/guitarist of Jar of Souls. The drummer of Stella Mira, joined on with the band at the beginning of 2008.
Do
you remember when rock and roll was fun? !BANZAI!
certainly does! The BANZAI Underground
was created with one thought in mind: Playing music should be fun for
everyone involved at the show! Specifically they cater to "soccer
moms, co-eds, and women who want to go out to local venues to get down
to some good tunes and grooves.
THIS IS NOT A GARAGE BAND! Though
they like, and can perform, music by Slipknot, Godsmack, Rush, and a few
other artist that play hard, fast, and technical, they have found through
thier years of playing that typically those artist lend their music to
guys and the hardcore at heart. Instead The
BANZAI
Underground has
built a cover-song list, as well as a band, that is "chick"
friendly, that will get women to come out and see them, dance to the music,
and have a good time.
And YES... !BANZAI!
writes
music! But for right now they want to build a following
and fan base. Other bands, located throughout the DC area, that have this
thought and are doing very well are Junkfood, Gonzo's
Nose, the Jerxs, just to name a few, as well as
our current and previous projects, 495 and Jar of
Souls.
BANZAI Member Bios!
Stu
Saiki - Lead Guitar
Stu is a native of Honolulu Hawaii, who recently moved to the DC area after trapsing the world on the Professional Tennis Circuit. His guitar playing styles range from Hawaiian "Slack-Key", to Acoustic Rock, to Alternative. Stu's choice guitars are Les Paul, Hamer, Schecter, and Fender, and he loves playing through Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Riviera, and Fender Amps. Stu's favorite band / musician / artist is Paul Gilbert's (RacerX/Mr Big) ability to blend neoclassical speed licks with the blues is something that he aspires to play. If Stu was to be stranded on an island, he would require his Ipod since his moods and tastes change so much, that he'd need his entire collection of artists that fit onto it. Stu's Favorite Quote: "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." His pet peeves: Dirty East Coast Beach Sand.
Rich
Hostelley - Lead
Vocals
Rich is from the Northern Virginia area, attended under grad and graduate school at The Catholic University of America located in Washington DC , and received his Master's in Architecture degree during the spring of 2000. He grew up in the DC area local music scene, and currently is pursuing his passion of music, life, and the "truth". Rich's musical influences include Creed, Nickleback, Puddle of Mudd, Queensryche, Pantera, Rush, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Devo. Rich's previous projects include Jar of Souls, Planet57, Tungsten Squirrel, Which Way Up, Surrender Dorothy, Fools' Bazaar, Trespass, The Found, True Intensions, and Johnny Server and the Separate Checks. Rich's main drive is creativity.
Nate
Cartier - Drums
Nathan hails from Southern Connecticut, where he attended the University of Rhode Island and received a degree in Marine Biology. He has been playing drums since he was a child, making noise in various bands since his days in High School. While in Rhode Island, he was the drummer for Comedy Rock artist Bob Ricci, and continues to work with Bob on his recordings. Here in Washington, Nathan is happy to perform with Banzai Underground, as well as local original band Stella Mira. Nathan is heavily influenced by the great drummers of the 90’s, Tim Alexander of Primus, Matt Cameron of Soundgarden, Dave Abbruzzese and Jack Irons of Pearl Jam, Chad Gracey of Live, and the ubiquitous “drummer’s drummers”, Peart, Weckl, Bozzio, etc. etc. He likes Pearl drums and hardware, Sabian cymbals, Aquarian drumheads and Vater drumsticks, as well as microbrew beer, good coffee, and fresh seafood.
BANZAI
Kitty - Band Pest
(sidekick) 
BANZAI Kitty, also known as Mr. Ruffers, Rough-house, s---head, That F---ing Cat, and Kitty, proves hours of torment to the band with his high-jenks, and cat-be-down-with-his-bad-ass-self attitude! MEOW!!!!!!!!!!
Copyright © 2005-2008 The Banzai Underground. All rights reserved.