FACes
& PlaceS
The Arts Feb 2005
 Carpe Diem with the Ernest GoodLife Band
by Megan Wetzel
It
began when a listener walked up to Mark De Rose and
said of his music “It is nice to see musicians
playing live music so earnestly!” So, after some
discussion, and Mark’s realization that “Indeed,
to make a life of performing live music earnestly,
would be a good life!” The Ernest Good Life Band
came into being. The band consists of five members:
Mark De Rose, (Lead vocals, guitar and principle songwriter),
Caton “Mikey” Lawrence, (Drums), BJ Block,
(Guitar, backing vocals), Peter Wahlers, (Bass) and
Shannon Chwilkowski, (the devoted bass player in March
2003-2004).
A
lot of musicians you read about begin playing their
instruments of choice in their early years. Mark was
a “late blooming” guitar player but was
always around music growing up, mostly experimenting
with the piano. He didn’t become serious about
playing the guitar until he attended college. It was
there that he also began writing songs.
In the summer of 2002, Mikey Lawrence, and Mark De
Rose got the band together, and met the other band
mates while attending college in Boston. It was only
recently that the band moved to the Philadelphia area.
Previously, they played a handful of shows in Boston
at the colleges/universities and small clubs.
I
asked Mark why he chose to move to the Philadelphia
area. He states “Philly's original music scene
seems to be on the rise! Another bonus was that a couple
of us in the band have family in the area so it is
great to follow your ‘musical’ aspirations
and keep it close to ‘your roots’ and family.”
The
Ernest Goodlife Band falls under the self proclaimed
hybrid category of Roots Rock- Singer/Songwriter. Some
of Mark’s personal musical mentors include such
artists as James Taylor, Bruce Hornsby, Dave Mathews
Band, Eddie from Ohio, Counting Crows and Pat Mcgee
Band. Collectively as a band, their favorites include
the Allman Brothers Band, Peter Gabriel, Rush, Crowded
House and (of course!) The Beatles.
Many
things inspire Mark to write songs. “I
love to write about topics that are approachable by
everyone...... the ups and downs of life, the gift
of an old friendship, making the most of each day....I
find myself writing about time and the passing of time
a lot.... you know, the whole 'carpe diem' thing”.
Right now, he’s working on a couple of new songs. “The
first is about life in a new town” (He can relate!)
and “Another about finding encouragement for
my life through the life of my father”.
The Ernest Goodlife Band hopes to ride the music
wave as long as they can. Their number one goal is
to play their original music full time. “There
is a sub culture of music out there where original
artists are making a good living playing their music
to very appreciative and supportive crowds...We hope
to find a home in this market and see where we end
up”.
I
think Mark described the likeability and sincerity
of his band and its continued success when he stated “On
a personal level, it is so awesome for us to play our
music for folks and in turn learn how much they enjoy
it or how it has become a part of their lives! It is
such a great feeling..... It is as if we are having ‘conversations’ (via
our music) with folks that we would have never ‘spoken
to’ if the music was not there!”
If
you would like to see The Ernest Goodlife Band, they
will be playing at Havana in April, May, and June.
Meanwhile, visit their website for more live shows
at www.ernestgoodlife.com |
