Philadelphia, PA’s Civil Discord are living proof that raw talent, ambition, and honesty can still prevail in an ailing music industry. By aligning their unwavering dedication to the do-it-yourself work ethic with a signature sound, singer/guitarist Bill DeSpirito, singer/bassist Taylor Rhodes, singer/guitarist Jay McKelvey, singer/drummer Chuck Mancini, and singer/percussionist Corinne Remolde DeSpirito have helped to define the landscape of today’s indie-rock music scene. The backbone of their work? Stylistically rocking eclectic songs—suggesting a range of influences of many genres through the ages—that hook…
Bill DeSpirito – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Popularly known as “Billy D”, Bill DeSpirito has been playing and creating music since the 5th grade, taught by a Catholic Nun on how to rock at an early age. In High School, Bill played in Pit Band, Jazz Band and an Original Band called Defenderz. After high school Bill joined the Marine Corps, during which time he was able to experience multiple styles of music through other fellow musicians and expand his cultural styles. After the military, Bill was anxious to spread his musical wings. After hooking up with a few friends from high school and work “Absolute Deception” was born. But alas, all good things must come to an end. In the early nineties Bill had the pleasure and experience as a backup tour musician for Robert Hazard. Once life caught up, marriage and family, Bill followed a career and a Mobile Entertainer with Billy Dee Productions for about 20 years, so he’s no stranger to satisfying crowds! Bill had the itching for creativity. In early 2013 She Sells Sanctuary was born. A creative outlet and band with 3 releases under his belt. In 2014 after a visit to a local hang out, Bill had the pleasure of meeting some fellow awesome musicians that had a like thirst to play and perform, and Civil Discord was born, playing classic rock and top 40 hits along with their own crafted style of originals and spins on classic favorites. ROCK ON!
Chuck Mancini – Drums, Vocals Chuck grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He started playing drums at the age of 15, and was in his first band “Thunder” at the age of 17, playing with a noted guitar player in the Philly area at the time, Joe Viola. Since that time, Chuck has been in over 20 bands. Chuck’s experiences in these bands have covered all genres of music such as Jazz, Big Band Swing, Disco, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Top 40, and yes, even Polka. Chuck had the opportunity to travel the USA playing drums in an Elvis Presley tribute band called “The Big El Show”. He also had the opportunity, a few years ago, to work in the recording studio with Liberty DeVitto, Billy Joel’s drummer of 30 years….what a nice guy.
Jay McKelvey – Guitars, vocals Jay grew up and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs. He has been a musician for most of his life, starting out in school choruses and church choirs. In his teens he started playing guitar, and 35 years later he has found in Civil Discord a band where he can project his musical style in a manner that pumps audiences up. Having played with many outstanding musicians over his life, he has been blessed with insights gained from these experiences. Jay considers key influences from professional artists such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers.
Taylor Rhodes-Bass Guitar, Guitar, Vocals Taylor Rhodes has been a lifelong native to the suburbs of Philadelphia. He has been playing music from an early age starting with the drums when he was eight years old. He went on to study piano and an assortment of band instruments thru grade school as well as working in musical theatre at school and in the community. As a teen he settled in on the guitar as his main instrument playing in several bands including “The Squirrels” and “Silverthorne” among others. He has worked alongside local legends Roy Straigis (Cameo Records Producer, Writer-So Much In Love, Grammy Winner-Leather Stocking Tales), Artie Singer (Producer-At The Hop) among others. He worked with the David Ellis Orchestra as a guitarist and a sound engineer. Having started out as a founding member and one of three guitar players, he has now taken over as the ands full time bass player. He plays guitar with many other local acts including “Acoustic Rewind”, “The Dirty Dozen Dance Band” and “The Sharpshooters” as well as working with the acoustic duos “Whitey and the Cracker” with Jay McKelvey as well as “The Cory and Taylor Duo” With Cory DeSpirito. Music is his passion and he hopes to be making great music with great friends for a long time coming!
Cory DeSpirito- Vocals, percussion Cory grew up in Philadelphia and has always had a passion for music. In her early childhood she studied piano for eight years. She previously sang with the band She Sells Sanctuary before joining Civil Discord as a singer and percussionist. Along with being a passionate Rolling Stones fan, Cory’s other musical influence include Fleetwood Mac, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, The Pretenders and Pink, to name a few.
SOURCE: Official Bio
LINKS:
http://www.civildiscord.com/
http://www.facebook.com/civildiscord
http://twitter.com/discordcivil
