Local Band Breaks Sound Barriers

by Dylan Aubry, Page Editor

In the age of Soundcloud, when it seems like anyone can become a musician, local rappers are everywhere. Local rock bands, however, are not so common. That’s where homegrown Coachella Valley rock and roll band Pescaterritory comes into play. The band features four guys who met through Indio music program AMP (Academy of Musical Performance) and eventually formed the band: bassist Gavin Lopez, drummer Nick Willman, guitarist Jason Zembo, and singer Aidan Schaeffer.

“[Our music draws from the] sounds of classic rock, all the while adding a modern and fresh feel,” Zembo says, describing the unique sound of Pescaterritory’s music, which—while seemingly familiar—manages to maintain a fresh style. He clarifies how important it was to “sound different from the music that has already been made,” saying that the group wants to make sure Pescaterritory don’t sound like any old rock band. The group has found success playing shows around the Valley, even getting the opportunity to play at the Whiskey a Go Go in West Hollywood. Playing on the stage that has hosted legends like Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, and AC/DC, Zembo says, was “just bewildering.” However, the prestigious gigs and growing success aren’t why Zembo and his bandmates keep playing. Zembo says that his favorite part of the band was simply “everything… from the music to each of the members. I love it all.”

He and his fellow musicians are especially close, a connection he calls “a very special magic that we can’t explain.” Even from seeing them goof off on their official Instagram, @pescaterritory, it is evident that there is real chemistry among the bandmates. If you’re interested in giving them a listen and supporting Palm Desert’s own rising stars, Pescaterritory’s music can be found on both Apple Music and Spotify.