Split Decision is In The House!
By: Krista Doran
I know I have said this many times before, but I love my job! I love writing for the OOT, because I get to meet so many awesome people, especially when I interview local bands. As a musician myself, I can relate to so many of the things they talk about, confide in me and laugh about. Sometimes the conversations go on much longer than expected because we’ll have so much in common, and it’s really an enjoyable experience for me. This week’s interview was one of my all-time favorites, and the band I am featuring is one of the most sought after bands in the Tri-state area. The band I am talking about is of course, Split Decision!
One thing I have to admit is that when I talk to some of the higher profiled bands, in the back of my mind I am wondering if there is going to be an ego issue with them. I guess its human nature to assume this (or maybe it’s just me!) but that’s certainly not the truth in this case. I spoke with their Lead Singer, Christian who was one of the coolest, most humble people I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with during my time at the OOT. Christian explained how much fun these guys have playing in a band together. He told me, “We all have one common goal and we always show our fans a good time! Our shows are like one big party; friends getting together to escape the every day problems they deal with.” Those of us that are in bands, know (or should know) it’s ALL about the people coming out to see live music. They are the glue that holds the Philly Music Scene together and if they are not getting what they want, they won’t come – plain and simple. Split Decision is certainly giving the crowds what they want! From Rock to Hip Hop, Split is a band that can master a powerful sound, while keeping the huge crowds of people who consistently come to see them, happy and entertained in every way possible. They have a great look, they are approachable and eager to please, and when you see them live, the fun they are having with the crowd and with each other are contagious!
Split Decision has been around since 1998, but with their current line up for 6 years straight. Christian, Doug, Mike, Ray Ray and Walt are the best of friends, playing music as a career and loving every minute of it. Christian explained “It’s so cool that we get paid to do what we love. We get along so well because we check our egos at the door and work as a team. Everyone’s contribution to the band is important. No one is in front of the other.” These are really wise words, and I hope other bands out there that read the In The Spotlight segment of the OOT understand and learn from what Christian said. If you all don’t have the same common goal, respecting each other while working as a team, you’ll never get to do anything more than what you are doing right now. This is one of the reasons why Split Decision is one of the top bands in the area and why they continue to enjoy such success. They have done their time; they’ve worked really hard at what they do. The level of musicianship is extreme in this band. They have a kick ass sound that everyone wants to hear and they constantly work to please the crowd. They have all the pieces of the pie, yet are still very real and very humble. I just love that about them and so will you.
Split Decision is playing at some of the best rooms in the area, so make sure you go check them out again and again because it’s always a different show every time they play. This month alone, they have some great events planned such as on 4/23, they’ll be opening up the summer music series at Chickie & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar on Roosevelt Boulevard in NE Philly, and on 4/30 Split will be back to play at the 22nd Annual Somers Point Bayfest Celebration at The Anchorage. This is a huge event with crafters, food vendors, all day family fun and great live music, of course! Also this month Split will be performing at The Pennant East, Parx Casino, RP McMurphy’s, The Borgata, Reeds and Brownies 23 East, just to name a few. Be sure to go to the schedule section of their website at www.splitdecision.com to see any places I may have missed. They are all great places to see this band! You can also call the band hotline at 215-602-2436 for all updated info. For private parties and corporate events, Split Decision is the band you want. Managed by Billy Stott at Starfield Entertainment Network, you can book them by calling 215-504-9155. They are also on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/splitdecision.
Split Decision is definitely a cover band worthy of your time. If you have not already seen them perform live, you need to get out and see them! Bring your friends because it’s always a party when Split is on the house!