Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Distempo was born out of tragedy...

Well, several 'tragedies' actually...

 

Not that far in the past founding members Carey Simms (guitar), Greg Collins (vocals) and Steve Milne (bass) found themselves at a wake sharing their love of Steely Dan, Kiss and Led Zeppelin - a music melting pot which would become an appetiser for things to come.

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They initially honed their playing and live performance skills in a series of cover bands. Further on, Rosie Hosking joined the band (adding some genuine musical credibility) along with a keyboard player and their collective attention was turned to writing and performing original music in 'Ginflower'. Like so many bands with potential it was not to be and soon found itself consolidating back to the core of three.

 

Fast forward a couple of years and bring in some real musicians in Jason Hammond (keys) and Dean Edwards (drums - yeah, we let him think that makes him a musician) and things instantly seemed to mesh for this group of musical misfits. It might be opposites that initially attracted, but it’s a love of creating music that keeps this group together. Who are we kidding? Every well-oiled machine needs a suitable lubricant and maybe it’s their mutual love of red wine that actually keeps the wheels of inspiration turning and creative juices flowing. The studio is where the magic happens for Distempo but it’s also where a bunch of now very close friends can be honest with each other, share their highs and lows in the safety of what is the musical version of a ‘Men’s Shed’.

 

Many younger and respected creatives speak of influences from their parents' record collections like The Beatles, Supertramp, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, The Police, Sting and Crosby Stills and Nash. Well, the team at Distempo actually grew up living and breathing these influences and it’s not hard to hear some of these shining through their creations. Call it what you will – yacht rock, soft rock or geriatric groove – Distempo is a smooth and funky tonic for your weekday woes.