The Stage - Tomorrow's Music. Today.

Still Standing

Two 12 year old brothers, a basement and some guitars. That’s how it started for Justin and Johnny back in 1994. They had just lost their father, Tony, a member of Polygram recording artist, Blackeyed Susan. They wanted to play music more than ever. So, they moved forward, learning to play their instruments, writing songs, working out harmonies and jamming with different musicians to find the right combination.

It took a while to find collaborators with the same vision. Finally, in 1999, they met drummer, Alex Zarzycki, and shortly thereafter rhythm guitarist, Brian Walters. STILL STANDING now had the core of something special. The guys rehearsed non-stop, writing song after song, trying to forge a unique musical direction. Although they loosely fall into the pop/punk genre, STILL STANDING makes the music their own by incorporating a variety of influences: Johnny’s straight ahead rock, Brian’s spacey U2 like pedal effects and Alex’s solid pocket.

Justin is the principal writer, responsible for STILL STANDING’S lyrical substance. He creates songs that explore the harsh landscape of growing up: Why don’t things make sense? Why am I on the outside? Why am I different? Simply put, Justin moves you with his soul questioning. Very few write with as much sincerity: he means every word, every syllable.

Fortunately, people are starting to take notice. STILL STANDING is building up a strong fan base in the Mid-Atlantic region. And, they’re doing it the old fashioned way: one delirious teenager at a time. They perform at clubs, skate parks, churches, legion halls and parties – anywhere that kids are trying to find honest music. The more they perform, the better it gets. Recently, STILL STANDING opened for Sugarcult at Philadelphia’s TLA and sent the 350 kids in attendance into musical orbit. It got so crazy that the fans blocked the exits so STILL STANDING couldn’t leave until they signed more autographs.

STILL STANDING has released two independent records, Get In Line and more recently in late 2002, Fashionably Late. Their records have sold well throughout South Jersey at Tower, Sam Goody and Tunes.