The Quahogs' Steve Delmonico was born to rock

By ROB DUGUAY
Posted 5/9/19

By ROB DUGUAY Providence rock act The Quahogs walk a fine line between a variety of styles. Some of their songs showcase the sensibility and intimacy often associated with folk. Some have a rough and rowdy garage rock vibe. Still others have a country

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

The Quahogs' Steve Delmonico was born to rock

Posted

Providence rock act The Quahogs walk a fine line between a variety of styles.

Some of their songs showcase the sensibility and intimacy often associated with folk. Some have a rough and rowdy garage rock vibe. Still others have a country twang.

Johnston native Steve DelMonico serves as the nucleus of the group’s songwriting and provides vocals and guitar. Joining him are lead guitarist Steve Donovan, bassist Amato Zinno and drummer Nick Iddon.

They’ve risen to be one of the top live acts in the city’s music scene and are continuously branching out to other areas of New England.

DelMonico said his love for music and playing guitar started at a young age. He specifically recalls seeing a legendary band on stage and watching a funny comedy sketch on TV as formative moments.

“I think it had to do with when I was six or so, I saw Chicago live and it blew me away”, he said. “I also really liked ‘Wayne’s World,’ and apparently I watched it incessantly.”

At the start of the band, The Quahogs consisted of DelMonico and a rotating cast of musicians. Now, for more a year, Donovan, Zinno and Iddon have been in the band to establish a rock-solid foundation.

“I’ve definitely learned so much,” DelMonico said of the current lineup. “They all play in other projects and are they are very hardworking musicians. The work ethic they put in is absolutely something they’ve helped me learn.”

DelMonico said Donovan has helped make him a “better guitar player,” while Zinno’s walking bass lines have introduced him to new finger-picking techniques. Iddon’s drumming, he said, has “brought the importance of dynamics to the table.”

When he’s not playing with the band, DelMonico can be found playing solo at various open mics. He also does gigs by himself at bars and venues around the Providence area.

“I tend to just think of how to approach the songs differently,” he said of the difference he finds between performing by himself and with a band. “In The Quahogs, we tend to be more hard driven.”

The Quahogs are currently at work on a new album that should be coming out fairly soon.

“We’ve been working on this new album since June of 2018,” DelMonico said. “It should be out by this winter or very early next year.”

To learn more and to hear The Quahogs’ music, follow the group on Facebook or visit its Bandcamp page, thequahogs.bandcamp.com.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here