| Pokerface,
by Melissa
Evanko
Remember
when music used to have meaning? Sit back for a second and
get past all the bubble gum get happy riffs on the radio today.
Think of music that inspired you; made you want to be more
than just an observer in the game of life. The band that wants
to wake you up is Lehigh Valleys own Poker Face. In an exclusive
interview for "The Stage" Paul Topete, lead singer
of Poker Face, sat down to talk with us about the band and
"politiks."
Poker
Face is based out of Allentown PA, and consists of Paul Topete,
lead vocalist, guitar and keyboard, Dennis Beidler, bass and
vocals, Brett Griffiths, lead guitar and Rich Valentin, drums.
Poker
Face was formed out of Topete’s concern that the masses
were not aware of their government. Back in the 60’s,
Topete laments; there were all these cool political bands.
He feels that now as long as "the beer is flowin and
sports are showin" people are happy. He feels that people
are being bilked out of their rights as American citizens
by the government. He is proud to report that there is a freedom
movement and more bands like his are starting to appear.
The
song that Poker Face performed on "The Stage" was
‘Please Brother, Dear Brother," from their Sex,
Lies & Politiks CD. The guys choose this song because
of its message that we should try to love one another instead
of hate.
Listening
to Poker Face from their first recording. "Game of Love"
to now there is a definite change. Topete admits that at first
he wanted to band to be the next Beatles. In the 90’s
with tragedies such as Waco and the 1st World Trade Center
bombing, times were getting worse. Topete felt the need to
address the situations around us, all the injustices being
done. In 1994 Paul wrote "America" and he hasn’t
looked back since.
MIA
aka Made in America is the title of the new Poker Face album
set to be released sometime in June. Giving us a preview of
what to expect with the new release, Topete describes this
album as heavy in politics but also touching on the bands
spiritual roots.
A
few times a year Poker face heads to Washington D.C. to participate
in rallies.They will go to support such issues as hemp legalization
and to protest taxes. The government may act as if they are
ignoring them. but Topete feels that in reality this gives
the protestors more credibility.
Topete
is a fan of the Lehigh Valley music scene. He feels that this
scene is better than most of the vast areas the band has performed
in. "No one can be an island, all need to put forth an
effort to make a scene."
You
can check out Poker Face on the web at www.pokerface.com.
The site is full of information, including a forum. Although
the music is part of the message, long after the last chord
has been struck Topete and his message will still be loudly
heard.
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