Meet the Band
About
daMOOD is a talented group of musicians with backgrounds in hip-hop, electronic, rock & bluegrass. They formed as a backup band for Maryland rapper Retro/Ricole and created a unique style of music. After only three months of rehearsals the group broke barriers by becoming one of the first hip hop bands to perform at the largest, most well respected venue in Frederick; The Weinberg Center. Since then; they have played in Shepherdstown, WV, Baltimore, MD and even opened for hip hop legends The Pharcyde.
Their eclectic combination of sound creates a music hybrid of spacious experimentation that will surely make them a hometown legacy. All are products of the music Frederick, MD art scene.
Retro/Ricole (Vocals)
DMV (Frederick, Maryland) MC Retro/Ricole (2 names Retro or Ricole) appeared first to the listening public as a member of Center Of Attention (later changing their name to Razor Eaterz) in 2005 releasing mixtapes & albums until the groups amicable split in 2009. It's when in 2010's critically acclaimed Passion Park (LP) w/ the single "Another Eagle" released by the artist that his presence was felt. A subsequent amount of mixtapes and EP's followed until his sophomore (LP) release Mr. Sunrise in 2015 appeared reintroducing him to a new batch of listeners proving why he is one of the regions most esteemed MC's.
Tad (Drums)
Tad's love for music began when he attended an all music school in Venezuela where he played hand drums for 2 years. When he moved back to the states, he took on the full drum set when he discovered Rock n Roll. Looking for musical growth, Tad became a part of travelling marching bands, jazz bands, pep bands and various professional musicals. As a young child it has been a dream of his to play in a band with an original sound and songs professionally. He joined many bands over the years in search of a genre that best fit his style. From Numetal to hip hop, he struggled to find his place. But one sunny day the search was finally over....daMOOD said yes to his dress.
April (Keyboard)
April has always been influenced by her mother's love of Motown artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes and The Four Tops. Her dad meanwhile played nothing but classic country such as Alabama, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. April started playing classical piano at the age of 7 and played until college where she fell in love with hip hop. The Beastie Boys, Wu Tang Clan, De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest all captured her ears. Recently her musical influences are more electronic bands such as Odesza and soul singers like Andra Day. April has a well-rounded music background that helps her find her sound as daMOOD's keyboardist.
DZ (Bass Guitar)
Dan was raised on rock n’ roll but has branched into grunge, reggae/ska/rocksteady, rockabilly, and embraced the parallels between punk rock and hip hop. Through the years playing guitar, bass, and drums, Dan has had the honor to play with as well as for some amazing people and amazing friends. To date, daMOOD has been the most diverse genre bending blend that he's played with. Rather than setting the bar in new music, he's hoping to totally blow it up.
Chris (Electric Guitar)
From the womb Chris had a love for music. At an early age he played lots of band instruments in elementary school and eventually found the guitar. The rest was history. His musical influences include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Rage Against the Machine and many more.
Ethan (Horns)
Ethan Lichtenberger currently lives in Frederick and is teaching music for Frederick County Public Schools. Before teaching, Ethan attended Messiah College with an emphasis in French Horn and Upright Bass. Ethan has a degree in Music Education. He draws influence from many genres of music, from classical to jazz, or Incubus to Lupe.