Kim Smith
By: Kimberly Smith
A new year could mean a lot of various things to different people. It is perhaps a moment in time that betokens a fresh start and new beginning. Opportunities have a tendency to arise, and desires seem to be impassioned by a contemporary focus on set resolutions or goals. Some people may set fitness goals, bucket lists, or just to try new things they have never done before. Either way, in a lot of cases, it is taking a leap out of the well known comfort zone. This is exactly what happened for one local band.
On New Year’s Eve, the band, New Dogs Old Tricks (NDOT) were given their memorable moment. They were ecstatic when they were offered a spot to preform during the evening at the Eagles Club of Paulding. Band members include Larry Stahl, lead singer; Mikey Cramer, electric guitarist; Corey Zartman, bass; and Colton Lloyd, drummer. The energy in the air was exceedingly palpable among the enthusiastic band members as this was their first gig and the start of a potentially long running career brimming with opportunities to chase the musical dream. The evening was awash with exciting hit classics such as Some Kind of Wonderful and Seven Nation Army, both of which gave the room an urge to acclaim and got the crowd fired up and singing along.
The idea of NDOT was first brought up around early December 2014. Cramer, at this time, wanted to become competent in learning how to play the guitar. While Stahl, on the other hand, was heavily immersed into singing, just as his mother is. Lloyd, of course, enjoys playing the drums, and Corey thoroughly loves playing bass; thus explaining the role that each plays in the crew. Cramer believes that it is “unanimous” to the four of them that they are going to go “as far as our music will take us, whether it be a world tour or simply just shows here and there at local stadiums.” They are all very supportive of one another as much as they possibly can be and share each other’s cognizance pertaining to their instruments. Demonstrating this idea, Cramer shared with me that they are always “teaching each other licks” and more. Not only has Van Halen been their main encouragement, but also their biggest influence over the music they play and create. The band likes to work on their material together and create their own sound to make it a little more original. Stahl says “we like the creative process it takes to make songs.”
The band has definitely been a work in progress. Over the past year, the recruiting process has been a lot of trial and error. They have experienced three drummers and two bass players. Cramer believes that they have “found the right group now, and are all equally dedicated” to what they do. The band is confident in each other’s abilities; to grow and continue to learn and excel. Their first band practice was when Cramer had received his first amp. As far as they know to this day, their next gig will be during the Paulding Fair and will be performing for about two hours as an opening for Nashville Crush. Stahl said, “The definition of success can’t be spoken of without self determination and confidence if you ask me.”
