The Emma Garell Band is a rock band based out of Richmond, VA. 

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band:

Emma Garell, vocals and writer

Camden Harrahy, guitar

Sammy P. Stiles, bass

CJ Alicea, drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to? How long has the band been around?

--Emma, CJ and Camden were in classic rock cover band Bismuth RVA. The band was active with other members as well from summer 2017 to summer 2018 and dissolved to rebuild as The Emma Garell Band when they added Sammy and Andrew Rohlk on guitar (Andrew is no longer in the band but was co-writer for Destination Anaheim and Mojo Man.) The Emma Garell band officially started September 2018

--Sammy is currently playing with Mad Children as well, most recent projects were with The Moons. Currently a DJ on WRIR in Richmond, VA

--Camden is the founder and lead guitar for his own band The BBC since summer 2017. He is also a graduate of School of Rock, Richmond and was a member of their house band until fall 2018 and was in their national All Stars program.

--Currently, CJ plays drums in a variety of cabaret, jazz and funk bands as needed in Virginia. Teaches at School of Rock Richmond, VA.

--Emma currently is focusing on her self named band in addition to playing unplugged acoustic sets with Tony Farris on guitar. She most recently sang back up in Fallen Roads and was the vocals part of a duo, Emma & Eli.

--Andrew Rohlk plays as a solo jazzy-pop artist as well as Pale Blue Dot and Evolution of the Groove.  Was previously the music director at School of Rock, Richmond, VA.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Emma Garell: The band existed with several members as Bismuth RVA as a covers only band. Dissolved for rebranding purposes and restarted as a self-named band.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Emma Garell: I wrote the lyrics and melodies for Destination Anaheim and Mojo Man and Andrew Rohlk wrote the music. We wrapped it all up in the studio with the rest of the guys, Sammy and CJ and our producer Rich Stine. Upcoming songs are written equally by me and Todd Wright of Half King Music, in Northern, Virginia.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Emma Garell: It may come as a surprise, but I’d have to say right now it’s Dolly Parton even though it doesn’t sound like it.  But I’m definitely trying to stay true to my Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath roots.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Emma Garell: When I saw other bands like Them Evils and Tyler Bryant,  and realized that the style of music I wanted to play was getting attention.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc

Emma Garell: I do normal vocal warm-ups and stay hydrated…and really try not to yell in noisy venues before the show.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Emma Garell: Definitely releasing the single and getting a great fan response to it.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Emma Garell: Black Sabbath without a doubt and The Rolling Stones for past bands. The Pretty Reckless, Highly Suspect and Halestorm.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Emma Garell: Nope.  Just Rock On Dude.