You can take the boy out of the band, but you can’t take the band out of the boy.
Second-year St. Thomas University student Eric Diodati hails originally from Niagra, Ontario but spends his semesters in Fredericton juggling a full course-load, playing hockey for STU and now, an up-and-coming solo act.
“I’m trying to balance it all right now, sort of burning two ends of the candle at once,” said Diodati.
Diodati is the frontman for his band The Keystones back in Niagra but because of costs and scheduling with other members, it’s impossible to get everyone together on the East Coast for shows. That’s when Diodati started producing his own stuff.
What spare time he does have during the school year is spent looping, recording and messing around with new sounds usually late into the night and in the basement of his apartment building, a sort of makeshift studio.
“I’m just making a lot of different things, and I’m learning as I go,” said Diodati. “Sometimes I’ll just press record and whatever comes out comes out.”
His sound is alternative but acoustically soulful – and also a work in progress. There’s usually a drum track, bass track and of course, his own vocals. Although lacking in actual studio space, Diodati still uses professional mixing software. When he does go home to Ontario, he brings some of his own pieces to incorporate into the band.
As far as getting his sound out in Fredericton, the 23-year-old communications student said it’s a little harder to find the right atmosphere compared to other cities he’s played in with The Keystones. He’s already played the campus pubs – The Cellar and The Social Club – but is hoping to branch out in hopes of finding a sweet spot for what he has to offer.
“Some people would rather pay and hear your original stuff rather than go to the bar and see it,” said Diodati. “I’m just starting so I want to show people my sound but I don’t want to be just some guy singing at a bar.”
Diodati said this balance can sway – depending on what he’s delivering. A more intimate setting could be fitting for his sound, but it needs to be one that still gives the audience a chance to get up and dance if the opportunity arises.
“I would want to see initiative from people that actually want to see my music, because some of the songs I write might not be for the bar scene. I’m trying to to be original and I just want people to get the right impression.”
The joy of playing is still Diodati’s main objective. His talent is diffused through his style – he’s totally comfortable on stage but knows there’s still much to be learned and absorbed musically. It’s an attitude that allows for an openness to playing and growing as a musician.
“I don’t really know where I want to go with it – I just know that I can do it,” he said. “It seems very natural to me, and I like testing the waters. It’s a really cool feeling when 30-40 or more people are engaged.”
You can check out Diodati’s solo stuff at www.soundcloud.com/musicofvalhalla, or his band’s page at www.soundcloud.com/keystonesmusic.
