Photographed by Kimberly Frost. Wylie Jones, Guitar, 31; Sam Krivanec, Bass, 33; Mike Sheroshick, Drums, 26; Jake Larson (The Mayor), Percussion, 32; Tim Reardon, Vocals/Keys; Gordon; Joshua Dowell
Richmond band Antero will open for Culture at Toad’s Place, at the “Reggae Party,” Sep. 6. Although Wylie Jones is the only Richmond-native in the band, there’s no denying Antero is a hometown favorite.
Originally part of Richmond Dub Collective, Sam Krivanec (bass), Mike Sheroshick (drums), and Jake (percussion) have been together since early 2000. Guitar player and vocalist Wylie Jones, 31, joined in 2003. With band mates Tim Reardon, Joshua Dowell, and Gordon, Antero have opened up for a host of reggae heavyweights. Their set is almost entirely original, although they pay respect to their influences with some covers.
Why reggae?
Wylie – It’s the best music in the world. For me, I just feel it more than any other music. I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Pink Floyd, and the Misfits, all kinds of stuff. I guess when I was 16, I heard Bob for the first time.
Mike – I had a couple buddies who listened to it when I was 11 or 12. I hadn’t really picked up on it but a lot of my friend’s older brothers listened to it, and I eventually picked up on it when I was about 15 and just fell in love with it. It’s just uplifting, positive music. There’s always a good message in it. It doesn’t make anybody mad. It’s just good music and the bass line rocks it.
What are some memorable shows you’ve played?
Sam – We got to open up for Toots, who I know is Wylie’s favorite musician of all-time. That was a really good opportunity to open up for him.
Wylie – We’d opened up for him before back in 2003. It was a great experience and it felt really good. Our fans are really responsive. Some people say it’s hard to entertain a crowd in Richmond. They say it’s a tough town. We do well with them.
What are your goals? Management? Record deal? Tour?
Sam – All of the above. We’re talking to some folks and putting some things out there and seeing what comes back to us, but in the same respect, it’s only to reach a wider audience, not to be rich or anything. It’s really just reaching out to the audience.
Jake – To do music full time. That’s the goal.
Wylie – We’re recording an EP of six tracks this fall and winter; four originals, one rendition, and one cover. That’s going to be the next stepping stone.
Who’s your dream to open for?
Wylie – We’ve already done that.
Sam – We’re working on that list slowly but surely. We all want to look at each other when we’re 80 or 90 years old and say, “Guys we’re still playing together.”
Jake – I want to open up for Midnight. That’s who I want to open up for.
What’s your sound byte?
Sam – Good music with a positive message.
Jake – That makes you dance.
by Cesca Janece Waterfield
