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S.T.E.M. (Space, Time, Energy and Mass) is a Progressive/Hard Rock band hailing from Long Island, NY. Paying homage to the influential greats whom defined Progressive Rock, S.T.E.M. manages to incorporate unconventional time signatures with heart pounding rhythms and mind accelerating lyrics yielding prolific thought by composition. By fluidly mixing elements of Mediterranean Soul, Funk and purist American metal, S.T.E.M. convincingly redefines the rock experience with the unique flavor of their arrangements and colorful harmonic progressions.
Assembled in August 2006, S.T.E.M. is comprised of former members of "Project plan b", vocalist/percussion Ryan Safarian, guitarist Greg Bolomey and "Bunson Large" bassist Jeff Romano who then welcomed drummer Tony Consalvo completing the progressive rock quartet. S.T.E.M.'s influences are respectfully drawn from the undeniable and transcendentalist talents of pioneers like Dream Theater, Tool, Primus, Rush, Opeth, Gruvis Malt, and Pantera.
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Ryan Safarian, born in Queens, New York, was raised in an Armenian household. From day one his strong spirit of cultural identity and responsibility led him down a path rich with music and poetry. He picked up his instrument first at the age of 7, thus embarking on his musical journey. His well sculpted talent began on strings then spread to woodwinds ultimately progressing to brass, which in turn earned him the distinct privilege of playing alongside the NY All-State trumpet ensemble.
While refining his trumpeting and studying musical theory, Ryan never lost touch with his Armenian heritage becoming interested in many Mediterranean/Middle Eastern instruments (particularly a percussion instrument named the doumbek). Whilst playing percussion in local church festivals he was able to form a connection with this culturally significant hand drum and more importantly, master odd time signatures, very uncommon at this time in mainstream American music.
Ryan's passion for minor keys and more calculating approach to music drove him directly to Progressive Rock. Still sophomoric in his musical education, Ryan first picked up a microphone with the acoustic band "Project Plan B," where he formed a drum tight bond with guitarist Greg Bolomey.
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Greg Bolomey picked up a guitar first at the formative age of 16. One fateful day, a neighbor stopped by Greg's house and proceeded to play a Metallica riff that he’d just learned. Greg was instantaneously hooked. Kirk Hammett is the reason Greg strived to become a guitarist. He took off forcefully and never looked back. Enamored with the artistic expression of the likes of John Petrucci, Dimebag Darrell, Alex Skolnick, Buckethead, Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert, Greg taught himself anything and everything he could.
Older and more mature, he began to seek new ways to expand and compound his musical acumen. He did so most authoritatively with the acquisition of not only a degree in audio engineering but additionally a Masters degree in music performance. His well cultivated intellect, perpetual devotion to his cause and musical prowess are truly one of a kind and second to none. Greg continues to nurture his musical education with sustaining interest in music theory, analysis and composition by immersion in the timeless contributions of such greats as Bach, Schoenberg, Cage and Stravinsky.
Progressive music serves as the ideal medium to allow Greg to grow through experimentation with advanced musical techniques. A mutual love for Progressive music and the conviction to put their prolific techniques into practice led Greg and Ryan on their quest for a bassist and a drummer.
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Jeff Romano was born in Patchogue, Long Island but spent most of his childhood residing overseas in such exotic locations such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. His family traveled the world over, exposing Jeff to many different cultures and styles of music. His heritage is most unique, being of Italian, Puerto Rican and Native American descent.
Jeff first got the bug for playing instruments and making music at the tender age of 9 while playing stand up bass in his music class. He had a true knack and really enjoyed it, but due to the overbearing size of the instrument he chose to downsize a bit picking up a Cello. His attention to music may have been distracted at times but thankfully he never lost his touch. Eventually, with a new found motivation he picked up an electric bass in 1996.
Since then Jeff has made playing and practicing his religion and he is one faithful patron. He found guidance and inspiration in the music of a plethora of artists including Jaco Pastorius, Chris Squier of Yes, Flea of the RHCP, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Geddy Lee of Rush, Les Claypool, The Mars Volta, Tool, Mudvayne and many others.
Jeff spent many a year in and out of multiple working projects, eventually committing to place all focus on S.T.E.M. Their project focused heavily on pushing and surpassing of boundaries of everyone’s ability all while creating a new brand of progressive music experience, Jeff loved this. However, this trio was still missing something and it turned out to be their drummer Tony Consalvo.
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Tony Consalvo , was born and bred in Bayside, Queens. Tony began learning to play guitar early on at age 7 after a move out to St.James, Long Island in 1990. He was first drawn to Classical and Country because of the acoustic guitar work. However, he switched to Rock not shortly after, ultimately identifying with progressive rock after picking up the drum sticks in 1997.
Incredibly, his first performance was but a mere 3 months later, playing two original tracks for a crowd of 1500 people. His music theory education continued throughout middle and high school, where he took his hand at trumpet playing in the concert band.
Now with over a decade of experience under his belt, Tony has chosen to concentrate on the more technical aspects of drumming and music theory which serve as the Rosetta Stone for most progressive rock/metal bands today. Tony is self taught on the drums, developing his unique style from attending drum clinics, watching drum videos and listening to tracks from his favorite players. His primary influences dating back to his first days of drumming are Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Neil Peart of Rush and Danny Carey of Tool.
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