Frontman and guitarist Steve Civerolo of the Albuquerque Southern metal band The Ground Beneath is a do-it-yourself kind of guy. Regardless of obstacles that may cross his path, he gets the job done.
For starters, The Ground Beneath has played the music festival South by Southwest four times unofficially.
The Albuquerque Southern metal band The Ground Beneath performs Sunday, Aug. 14, at Launchpad.
“We’ve applied for it but haven’t gotten accepted,” Civerolo, 28, said by phone. “So I call promoters of clubs that are part of the festival and figure out if there is a spot to open up for someone last minute. And what usually happens is we get told to ‘show up.’ Even if we’re not ‘official,’ it’s still cool because all the people and industry folk from the festival are walking around. Truth is, if you’re an unsigned band and you’re looking to move up in the industry, it’s worth going out there to play.”
Another DIY project Civerolo has taken on is producing his new album.
“Right now, I’m the guy behind the sound desk that’s yelling ‘Again!’ to the band members when we need to redo a song or part,” he said, laughing.
The band, which released a self-titled record in 2005 and then followed up with a live recording dubbed “Live at the Launchpad” in 2007, has enough new songs for three albums.
“We’ve been in the studio for a few weeks so we expect to have the record out by Christmas. I may even put a second one out in spring 2012,” he said.
Though the trio has a development deal with the San Diego-based Dirtbag Music, Civerolo & Co. hope to take it to the next level and get signed.
“They’re not going to financially back us until they feel they have something song-wise that can break into Active Rock radio,” he said.
“That’s something that I’ve definitely tried with my songwriting-for every 10 songs I write, three or four of them have to be radio-friendly. So last month, I visited Dirtbag and dropped them a pile of new songs.”
It’s been three years since The Ground Beneath has been working with the music company, and Civerolo agrees things may or may not pan out.
“I let them know that the band is making an album right now. If they’re interested they can jump on board and if not, that’s fine, too. At this point, I’m not really counting on anybody except for myself.”
The Ground Beneath
With LA Guns and Halcyon
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. Doors open at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Launchpad, 618 W. Central
HOW MUCH: Advance tickets are $12 online via www.launchpadrocks.com and www.holdmyticket.com. 21 and older
