40lb. Head: Rocking Northeast Pennsylvania for 10 Years

Not many local bands maintain the longevity as Northeast Pennsylvania's 40lb. Head. For over 11 years, this foursome has been entertaining folks in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and as far as the Florida keys with a rockin' repertoire of new and classic rock, party hits and original music.

"Social!" which is usually traditionally uttered by lead singer Jason Egenski has somewhat of a double meaning. When Jason yell's, "Social," everyone raises their bottles, glasses or plastic cups filled with whatever beverage is making them feel good and ready to party. But aside from a literal social with fans and friends, the word also could be looked at this way: 40lb. Head has been helping friends socialize for over a decade.

The band was formed in 1996 in the Egenski basement in Plymouth, Pa. Brothers Steve, Jason (lead vocals, keyboard) and Brian (bass, backing vocals) and long-time friend Mike Zubritski formed a set-list of 23 songs, landed their first gig and since, hundreds have slapped the 40lb. Head sticker on the cars-or should we say groupie-mobile. The band as an incredibly loyal fanbase on the bar and nightclub circuit, but each summer, the festival-rich region offers them the chance to perform in front of all ages. Not just a local band, 40lb. Head proves to be total entertainers with lots of crowd participation, a usually packed dance floor, an out-pouring of requests (that actually get played) and off-stage during break, they hang with fans.

40lb. Head seems to rarely say no to charity concerts and events, like the coveted Concert for a Cause sponsored by the Weekender. AC content producer DST recently interviewed 40lb. Head's guitarist/vocalist, Steve Egenski:

AC: Not many bands in NEPA have been around as long as you. How have you maintained your longevity? And-how do you keep motivated?

Steve: Booze. (laughs) No really, it's a career for me and it has always been a dream of mine to actually squeak out an existence for myself by playing music. I have many hobbies, but after fifteen years of music, I still cant put down a guitar. The fine people that come out to see us play provide the longevity. Without them, we would not exist. As for motivation-- it is the good times, the good people, and a good sounding set that still drives me.

AC: You are a cover band, but also do originals. Tell me a little about 40 lb. Head original music. Where does the inspiration come from? Who writes? And, how many CDs do you have out?

Steve: There are three CDs now, all of which will soon be downloadable for free on 40lbhead.com. Oops. I wasn't supposed to leak that out, but what the hell. It's flattering enough if people want to listen to it. Take it.

I write most of the stuff, and everybody else had some input at one time or another. My inspiration is my analysis of life and society from a general perspective, I guess. I wish I had more time to put some new tunes together, 'cuz the ideas still come, but its hard to rehearse and record with the limited time we have.

AC: As far as your covers go-you guys do it all-classics to new rock. What makes you choose your songs? How often do you add new songs to your set list?

Steve: Well, we try not to do the run-of-the-mill live songs that 90 percent of bands do, but there are those favorites that everyone loves. I think we have a certain style that comes through in the music we cover. It's a stripped down rock & roll kind of sound, so we try to stay in that vein when we pick songs. Happy or kick ass simple tunes that people know, but may not have heard a band do.

AC: Your shows involve audience participation- you have regulars that come on stage to sing with you-or do their own song. Tell me a little about this.

Steve: Yeah, we really do cater to a party-- get the people involved as much as possible, no matter how wrong things can go sometimes-- equipment breaks, songs are butchered, and injuries may occur, but this is the way its been done for ten years now. It's like a magical mayhem.

AC: You guys are big into charity- you play at countless fundraising concerts. Tell me about your 'softer side.'

Steve: Softer side? That would be my gut. (laughs) No, its simple really...we enjoy what we do very much, the people support us and its a simple way of giving back a little I guess. It's the least we can do being in a band. I guess its a selfish thing too, 'cuz it makes you feel good.

AC: You have also contributed music to various compilation CDs, such as for 102.3 The Mountain Homegrown Music CDs. Why do you do this?

Steve: Writing music was never really a way to make money, just a way to be heard. We were never good at marketing our originals, but we try to make our music as available as possible. I never had the confidence to say "listen to my music...its good." we just put the stuff out there to see what happens.

AC: Tell me a little about your views of the Northeast PA music scene and its embrace of 'homegrown' music.

Steve: I am proud to be included in this scene. I think it has great people, coherency, drive, talent and opportunity. I love the fact that we are local...I feel local. I grew up here, I live here, work here and have family here. I am proud to call this home, so I guess homegrown does characterize our music well.

AC: What is your favorite venue to play and why?

Steve: I guess it would be nightcaps (in Edwardsville). The bar used to be called Jitterbugs when we first came on to the scene. It was where we built ourselves up. To this day, it is always a great crowd and a great time...just like the old days.

AC: Summer in NEPA is all about bazaars and you are all over them. What do you like best about the outdoor shows?

Steve: It really is the only way some younger people can enjoy a good local rock & roll show. The crowds are huge...ethnic food, booze, games, and profits go to your community organizations. It's a win-win-win.

AC: What do you guys do during the day, as far as day jobs- if you don't mind sharing?

Steve: Yeah, we all have lots going on, which makes rehearsal and writing difficult these days. I have a part time environmental company, state enforcement job, and Mr. mom duties. Brian and Jason work construction and Mike is a teacher.

Oh, Jason and I also play in a duo during the week called 20 lb. head (plug, plug)

AC: Anything else you'd like to add?

Steve: Yeah, DONT LITTER! Have some respect for your community and your environment man.

(Photos courtesy 40lbhead.com)