The definition of music
Jungkshen to perform Thursday for 2004 Homecoming
By Cindy Gonzales
Jungk•shen: n. 1. The act or process of joining or the condition
of being joined. n. 2. Five hot guys that rock.
Ryan Jones, Matt Feeser, Gilbert Garcia, Bret Sarkisian and Billy Childs,
collectively known as Jungkshen, are set to take over the Pit Thursday
at the University Student Union for part of Fresno State’s 2004
Homecoming Week celebration.
If the rain continues, the performance will be moved inside the USU.
Jungkshen, which has been a staple in the local music scene for the last
three years, has gained exposure from playing shows up and down California.
Recently, Jungkshen recorded a three-song EP with music producer/engineer
Sylvia Massy Shivy, who has worked with Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers,
and Alanis Morissette.
The EP is the fourth set of recordings for Jungkshen, which has released
three independent CDs, in addition to a live CD recorded at an acoustic
performance in Orange County.
“Working with Sylvia was amazing,” said Fresno State alumnus
Sarkisian, who plays rhythm guitar.
Sarkisian said the musical insight and ideas that Shivy shared with the
band made the recording experience its best to date, and credits the members’
appreciation of all types of music for creating the band’s unique
sound.
“The appreciation of different music helps the band grow,”
Sarkisian said, adding that they listen to music ranging from hard rock
to country.
“There is nothing better than coming together with the other guys;
we create our own distinct sound. Making music with your friends is a
cool situation.”
“We try to be eclectic, not eccentric,” said Jones, a philosophy
major at Fresno State and lead guitarist. “The band is a little
jazz, R&B, and rock,” Jones said.
Garcia, the band’s lead vocalist, said the band is beginning to
grow in a new direction. Garcia, who writes all the lyrics, said his writing
was simple when they started, but they are changing with each band member’s
life experiences.
“Our lyrics are about girlfriends, growing up, and facing life,”
Garcia said.
Garcia began singing in his elementary choir when he was 5 years old.
He said music and writing puts him at ease because “it comes from
the heart.”
“I love looking out into the audience when we are performing and
seeing people nodding their heads or tapping their feet feeling the music,”
Garcia said. “I want the audience to have a good time. Being able
to move people is the best feeling.”
Garcia said he has known he wanted to be on stage since he was little
and used to listen to Michael Jackson.
“It doesn’t matter if there are only five or 100 people at
a show, being on stage makes me happy,” Garcia said.
Jones credits Garcia’s stage presence as part of the band’s
uniqueness.
“Gil’s vocal ability is something that really stands out,
with his theater background,” said Jones. “He’s a performer
first, but he has the talent and (vocal) ability to back it up.”
Sarkisian said the connection the band has with its fans makes it different
from other local bands.
He said that although the Fresno music scene may seem too small for some,
he feels it is this tight-knit community that helps the band grow.
Jones agrees.
“The Fresno music scene needs to work together to help build it
up and get it established,” said Jones.
“We’re not out to top everyone (locally); we’re out
to help Fresno make a name for itself.”
|
