Penguin’s musical style is deeply rooted in 70’s classic rock and roll. Their original music has the “rock” of Led Zeppelin, the funk of early Stevie Wonder, and a splash of Pink Floydian psychedelia, all blended together with the soulful blues of well-crafted guitar leads.

Penguin’s goal is as natural as it is simple: “To bring back and play honest music that has been lost by today’s trend of regurgitated commercialism, hype, and stereotype”. They believe that today’s best musicians must be students of yesterday’s best musicians, and their unique sound is proof of that. Penguin is excited by the overwhelmingly positive response their music is receiving, is looking forward to big things in 2008.

Formed in Champaign, Illinois in 1998 by brothers Andy Metz (guitar/vox), Chris Metz (keys/vox), their cousin John Vaught (Drums/vox), and friend DJ DeMoss (bass); they spent the next several years writing the songs that would come to be the framework of their set of originals: over 40 songs. They teamed up with guitarist Ryan Jerzak in 2002. Ryan brought a new level of dedication and professionalism to the band through his experience with nationally touring bands, as well as worldwide album releases.

The band felt lost and heartbroken when Andy Metz moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in the fall of 2003, to attend college at Middle Tennessee State University. Though this separation hurt the band’s ability to play live gigs, it didn’t phase their songwriting progress, as they continued to collaborate on ideas through the internet and by sending CDs in the mail.

In October of 2004, the band ended its long distance relationship and decided to relocate to Murfreesboro. Bassist DJ stayed behind in Illinois, leaving Penguin to fill a vacancy. Penguin eventually found Chris Goebel, a Recording Industry Management graduate at MTSU from Indianapolis, who fell right into place. The band soon found themselves recording in the studio and gaining local interest, playing gigs at every possible opportunity.

Through exposure in the local scene, Penguin also picked up a new drummer. Late in 2005, Charlie Blevins was added to the roster and John Vaught left back for Illinois to continue his television production career. Charlie offered new energy to the band, helping to lock in the already present connection between vintage and modern groove that fit Penguin so well.

At the end of 2006, D.J. Demoss freed himself of obligations in Illinois which allowed him to rejoin the band. Now, with original core members, Penguin is finishing its first full length album due in Spring 2008

http://www.myspace.com/penguinband