Sometimes accidents are what make the best things unite. The band Syndicate is a perfect example of this. Syndicate is comprised of Sony Tiwari (vocals, songwriter), Zak Ali (guitar), Jesse Minikes (keys), Marlon Williams (bass), and Ivan Guitierrez (drums). Recently we sat down with the band to learn more about their music, how they were formed, and their plans for 2015.
Sony is currently a music professor at a college in NJ and three of the other members of the band were his previous students. In May, Ivan (drums) and Marlon (bass) were performing at Mexicali Live as part of a class, when technicial difficulties made the magic happen. Sony hopped on the mic and started to freestyle. Soon after, they discussed starting a band, Zak and Jesse joined in, and Syndicate was formed. These guys are all about the music and working together. “The way we get along is one of the best things we have going for us. This is a no drama band. ”
upfrontNY: What made you guys decide to pursue Syndicate?
Zak The Chemistry was there from day one.
Sony: The first day we did “One Day Away” and had it sounding really good, we thought this was cool and this was the first time we felt like we had something here.
Jesse: I am not playing that much hip hop in the rest of the groups I play with. It was the music I grew up with, I never had that many opportunities to play it and this is a great chance to play the music that we love and have fun doing it.
upfrontNY : How would you describe your music?
Jesse: It is not your typical rap band, we try to bring a different flavor to the table having plenty of R&B and Jazz, Gospel and even some Latin influences.
upfrontNY: Who are the biggest influences you had growing up?
Jesse: My parents
Ivan: I come from a Metal Hardcore Punk background, we like to throw that aspect into it.
Zak: After starting guitar lessons, my guitar teacher introduced me to Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and Metallica , I was fascinated by those guitar players.
Marlon: My dad. He used to pay me a dollar a day to learn how to play bass. After I started getting better I started playing in church.
Sony: I grew up listening to hip hop music and classical music. For me, Beethoven and Mozart. I think if those guys were around today, they would be into hip hop. More currently, Frank Sinatra. It’s not just singing but performing and delivering a song.
upfrontNY: If you had the opportunity to perform in any venue, city, or country where would it be?
Marlon: Madison Square Garden
Jesse: A beach in Rio, a sold out amphitheater in Tokyo, Prague
Ivan: Sydney Opera House
Sony: Music that doesn’t fit the space you would think it would be in.
upfrontNY: What are the big 2015 goals you have?
Sony: Getting into the studio. Everyone has a production background and we will agree on things. It will be the most effortless studio process. The goal for the band for next year is to have a show every month, and be recording new music. Getting our name out there and building. The fans have been really responsive to the music. We are trying to get ourselves out there more and more.
Check out our review of Syndicate’s show at Mexicali Live.
Check out Syndicate’s music and keep up to date with their future shows.
Leave a Reply