Sunblaze Lane

The small towns outside of Philadelphia have long been known for creating an environment that fosters artistic expression. A-list entertainers like Tina Fey, Pink, Bradley Cooper and M. Night Shyamalan all boast childhoods in areas just outside of the city. As if these art curators have passed the torch, West Chester has birthed a new generation of rock and roll creators that have been inspiring listeners all around Pennsylvania for the last five years.

This modern rock and roll band goes by the name of Sunblaze Lane and they’ve been representing West Chester’s finest since they met in high school. The band consists of four members: Nick Hopton, John Lamplugh, Justin Smith and Josh Leach. While the drummer, John Lamplugh, keeps the crowd and his bandmates on the same page, lead vocalist Nick Hopton inspires them with his powerful melodies. In an era when the Internet births most new artists, these young men are building their careers on their reputation for great shows and a unique sound.

In an interview with the four members, they expressed that rock and roll greats like The Foo Fighters, Queen and Bruce Springsteen had a valuable impact on their perception of music. However, despite their respect to these trailblazers, the band insists that their sound is truly their own and that they’ve found a way to utilize every member’s individual talent. Recently, the band showcased their music during an electrifying set at PhillyFest 2014, and now have their focus locked on upcoming gigs at The Legendary Dobbs in late October, as well as The Grape Room in November. With the stars beginning to align, it seems that Sunblaze Lane is well on their way to dominating the rock and roll atmosphere in and around Philadelphia.

Amidst art that relies on an Internet fanbase, these young musicians encourage other artists to go back to the basics when it comes to building a music career. Their number one rule? Practice, practice, practice. Sunblaze Lane members all agree that nothing is more valuable than jam sessions and opportunities to fine-tune their craft. They even admit to switching instruments between members in order to master their sound and communication.

Lead guitarist Justin Smith and bassist Josh Leach both agree that some of their fan base comes from calculated marketing. They took time to imprint their logo and band name on lighters to give to fans after a show. They also spent a fair amount of time creating a social media presence that invited fans to come along for the ride. For the most direct information, fans and music heads can easily access their website. Between their modern marketing knowledge, rock and roll history and their drive to succeed, there’s simply no telling how long it will be until Sunblaze Lane is headlining massive venues around the country. - Examiner

Sunblaze Lane from West Chester not only played a killer set, but brought a bit of romance to the day.

A friend of the band, Michael “Abu” Abusharia, approached the stage during Sunblaze Lane’s set and made a few jokes before calling Alyssa Vellas to the stage where he popped the question. Yes, asked her to marry him right there at CMac Smash.

“I had no idea,” Vellas said. “I thought he was just going to do a few jokes or something. It was very surprising.”

Abu and Alyssa — her wearing the new diamond and sapphire engagement ring — along with the rest of the festival crowd got to enjoy the rest of Sunblaze Lane’s set feeling a bit giddy.

Later, Sunblaze Lane lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Hopton, and drummer John Lamplugh joined Francolino at the Toxic Radio booth to discuss the band, their goals, and their need to party hard.

What’s better than collecting food and funding for a food bank that helps people in need?

Collecting food for a food bank while rockin’ out with nine local rock bands for nearly 12 hours on a gorgeous autumn afternoon.

That’s what Toxic Radio Owner Michael “Toxic Mike” Francolino, D.J. “The Angry Hippie” Ruban from BTG, Brian “Fishman” Fish of the Heavy Metal Happy Hour, and Toxic Radio writer Kelly Roncace did on Sept. 26.

Carolyn “CMac” Maccariella, organizer of CMac Smash ‘15, said this is the third year she has organized the benefit.

“I’m trying to bring rock n’ roll back and have an amazing time while raising food for the West Chester Food Cupboard,” she said. “I don’t make a dime. I like to give back, but we get to have fun, too.”

Fiona Allison, a volunteer with the West Chester Food Cupboard, said CMac is a great supporter.

“The event is wonderful,” Allison said. “It helps us increase awareness for West Chester’s food insecure. There are more people than you would believe who are food insecure in the West Chester area.”

No less than nine bands performed at CMac Smash beginning around 1 p.m. and rockin’ well into the evening.

A group of music students from School of Rock Main Line kicked off the show on a high note, but didn’t even know they were performing until the day before.

Drummer Chris Capelli, 17, said he goes to Maccariella’s salon, CMac’s Barber Shop in West Chester.

“CMac cuts my hair, so she asked us to play,” Capelli said. “There was a scheduling conflict with the band who was supposed to open the show. We had no rehearsal or anything. The first song we played, we haven’t played together for about two years.” - Toxic Radio - Kelly Roncace