Catalyst ready to rock
BY ANDREW DAVISON Staff Writer

JACKSON - Eight months ago the local band Catalyst began rehearsing with its final lineup. Next week the band could come one step closer to hitting it big.

On June 1, the progressive rock band emerged victorious in the regional finals of the Jersey Shows ninth annual Battle of the Bands at The Saint in Asbury Park. The band's victory earned Catalyst a place in the semifinals to be held July 20 at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville.

A win at the Starland Ballroom will place Catalyst among an elite few in the finals to be held Aug. 23, also at the Starland Ballroom, and one step closer to the grand prize of $20,000, an album deal, and personalized merchandise - a dream package for any up-and-coming band that is struggling to balance music, school and checkbooks.

School is a particular concern for the five high school students who are the members of Catalyst.

Bassist and lead vocalist Zane Decker, drummer Dave Rucki, and rhythm guitarist Matt Calabrese are all students at Jackson Liberty High School. Lead guitarist Steve Puccio and keyboard/guitarist Matt Reynolds attend Jackson Memorial High School.

Working around school schedules is definitely an issue.

"The band members are all really smart," Decker said. "We have the homework of advanced placement and honors classes to contend with."

Music and academics are not the only talents of Catalyst: Reynolds, Rucki and Calabrese are also accomplished artists. They come up with all of the promotional and cover designs for the band.

As the July 20 show approaches, the members of Catalyst are devoting all of their free time to practicing and getting their set ready for the competition. They are polishing a new song to be revealed to the audience and judges on July 20.

Winning the Battle of the Bands would mean a huge boost in resources for the band, which would most importantly include a chance to record in a multi-track studio.

The money would also provide better equipment. According to Decker, a solid recording and upgraded amps are all about "making our music sound as good as possible."

Regardless of the outcome, this competition has had a profound effect on all of the members of the band.

"This is my first experience with something like this, and it's been really great," Rucki said.

"The competition has pushed me to play better and to always improve," Puccio said.

"This Battle of the Bands has gotten our name out there. We're no longer just that band that played at Liberty Fest (at Jackson Liberty High School); people know who we really are," Decker added.