Backstage with ... Carbon Jam

By Patty Jenkins
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 26, 2009

Base of operations: Virginia Beach

Style of music: Rock, blues, reggae and classic rock

Bio: The Virginia Beach band Carbon Jam, which formed in 2008, credits Alpha Music's Steve Archer and his Norfolk Academy School of Rock for bringing together its five members - ages 14 and 15.

"Steve knew that they were starting a band and were looking for a bass player," said bassist Jake Fultz, who lives in Norfolk and attends Norview High School and the Governor's School of the Arts.

Carbon Jam's remaining members live in Virginia Beach and attend Norfolk Academy.

Singer/songwriter Haley Bauser takes to the mic with guitar in hand and the inspiration of Janis Joplin.

"I started listening to Janis when I was really young," she said. "It's funny because I can't sound like her when my mom is listening to me at home, but when I take the stage she just comes out."

Lead guitarist Ben Laderberg, keyboardist Carter Hall and drummer Jay Windsor all point to Haley when talking about the band's songwriting process. Haley says of the song "Canada": "I had a dream. (The boys laugh.) I know that sounds really corny, but it was really weird so I decided to write about it." The song is about having freedom, then losing it and having only the memories left. The band tries to play some of its originals at every show.

"We grab their attention with some covers, then throw out our originals," Ben said.

Some of Carbon Jam's most memorable performance are playing The NorVa in Norfolk and the 17th Street stage at the Oceanfront, plus earning $55 from a tip jar that was placed onstage with them by someone in the crowd with a "tips for college" label attached.

Quote: Talking about influences, Carter said: "I think my artists would be Billy Powell, Edgar Winter and Jon Lord of Deep Purple." Going around the table, the next to answer is... Jay - the kids laugh, saying his name. "I just play," the drummer said. Jay said he also is the band's Web site designer.

Where playing: 8 to 10 p.m. Dec. 4; Chicho's, 29th Street and Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach. (757) 425-5656.

Web sites: www.carbonjam.com or www.myspace.com/carbonjam

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.