Black Mastik
Black Mastik is an American (studio only) Rock Band formed in 2013 by members Matt Byrne (drums), Drew Guthrie (bass), and Steven Gockley (strings, vocals).
Matt had played around with percussion his whole life and found himself always playing a beat with his hands or drum sticks. Later in life he finally got a set of drums and fell in love.
Steven also had a love for music and started playing guitar at around 18 years old. Although he always wanted to play in a band life always seemed to get in the way.
Drew was a friend of Steve’s since early childhood as their fathers were best friends. After meeting Matt on some group motorcycle rides, he suggested that Matt and Steve should meet because they lived very close and could maybe jam or start a band.
So on a Wednesday they met at a local pub for a wing special and had a couple beers. After the pub closed they went back to Matt’s place to continue drinking until the morning. Playing music and trading stories turned into an agreement to jam at Matt’s place at another time. A few weeks later they met in Matt’s basement and played. Steve’s practice amp was nowhere where it needed to play beside Matt’s thunderous drumming. He quickly upgraded to his Carvin 300x.
After a slow start and some rough music sessions Black Mastik was formed. It was quickly agreed that they needed a bass player and a singer so they recruited Drew. Drew had never played before but got a used rig and joined the band.
So the trio played their own style of music bouncing around between rock, punk, sludge rock, and surf rock.
Their unique style and not wanting to do covers really let it take its own course.
They prefer the freedom of not playing live venues and being an underground band. This allows their music to be fully progressive and experimental.
Years active 2013 to present.
Discography:
2017 Fighting Teeth - full album
2021 Litter on the Pacific Coast - single
Artists:
Matt Byrne - Drums
Drew Guthrie - Bass
Steven Gockley - Strings, Vocals
Kevin Gockley - sometimes featured on keyboard
Mike Martin - sometimes featured on guitar
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