If a band's potential can be gauged by the response to their debut performance, then local rockers Benny Shame may be on their way.
In a concert Friday with fellow area band Shadyside All-Stars, they drew over 300 people, including major label representatives, to Birdy's, an Indianapolis nightclub.
"The crowd was amazing," vocalist Nate Wade said. "It was a lot of fun."
Benny Shame also includes guitarists Nate Logston and Kelly Shields, bassist Derrick Morgan and drummer Jeremy Jennings.
Wade, Logston and Shields met three years ago as students in Ball State's architecture program and formed a band called the Wayside. The group evolved into Benny Shame in October 2002, when Morgan and Jennings entered the fold.
The band spent the greater part of a year writing and rehearsing material before releasing their debut album, "Routines," in November 2003.
Logston said the time spent preparing was well worth it.
"We like to make sure everything is as good as possible before we go out and say, 'This is who we are,'" he said.
Logston said that their rhythm section has propelled Benny Shame in a new direction from their previous band's.
"It's more rock," Logston said. "It's kind of heavier, and that came a lot from the drums and the bass."
Filled with anthemic choruses and over-driven guitars reminiscent of bands like Pearl Jam and Seven Mary Three, "Routines" also incorporates elements of jam rock and funk.
Logston said that Benny Shame draws from a wide stylistic palette when writing material.
"I think we all bring different influences to the table," he said. "That's kind of what helps us write; we all have our own style."
The record roars out of the gates with "Fair-Weather Girl," which features a soaring chorus vocal line and Shields's fiery lead guitar work. "Reason" hints at the Red Hot Chili Peppers with its slap-and-pop bass and drastic dynamic changes. The album also includes an acoustic instrumental, "Mathew's Lane."
According to Logston, songwriting in Benny Shame is generally a collaborative affair.
"With the Wayside, I would have written the song pretty much start to finish. Now, everyone has something to offer."
The lack of support for original music in Indiana makes booking shows somewhat difficult, Logston said.
"It's really tough around here for an all-original band to play in bars," Logston said. "They like to have cover bands."
Shields said the ability to draw an audience is a must for original bands looking to break into the bar scene.
"You gotta prove you can bring the crowd base," Shields said. "That's why the Birdy's show was big for us, because we were able to show that we can bring a lot of people."
Wade said their goal is to be able to turn the band into a full-time endeavor.
"To do it for a living would be the number one priority," he said.
Since two of the band members will be graduating this spring, Logston said that they hope to be able get a record deal before day jobs come calling.
"If (getting a record deal) happens within the next six months, then that'd be great," he said. "But you gotta make money somehow."
Benny Shame announces their performances on their Web site (www.bennyshame.com), and also through their e-mail list, which interested parties can join through the Web site.
"Routines" is available at Karma Music in Muncie.
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