Stoneham Rock Band Mojo Kick Have a Shot to Play Bonnaroo This Summer

Local band Mojo Kick will be going on tour this summer and they have a legitimate shot at playing on one of music’s biggest stages: Bonnaroo.

Mojo kick features three Stoneham residents, including Colby Blauvelt (drums), Eric Melkonian (bass/vocals) and John Fiore (lead guitar). The band recently welcomed Andrew Warnock to the mix to play rhythm guitar.

The band has been traveling around Massachusetts showing off their talent at venues such as The Hard Rock Café in Boston, The Middle East, T.T. the Bear's Place and also will travel to Foxwoods for a show in June. However, the biggest opportunity for the band is that they have a chance to play at Bonnaroo on June 7-10 in Manchester, Tenn. 

Blauvelt admitted that nothing would be better than to share the stage with such talented musicians.

“If we made it to Bonnaroo, that alone would be a dream come true,” Blauvelt said. “To play with bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foster the People would be absolutely amazing. I would forever be grateful for that experience. We just want to meet a lot of cool musicians and fans that are really into good music.”

Mojo Kick: The Album

The band just released their debut self-titled album. It can be bought on iTunes and will be available in hard copies at a few of their shows. Some of the songs to check out include “Wild Girl,” “String Me Up” and “The Way You Move.”

Fiore is very proud of what the band has accomplished thus far in their musical careers.

“We are grateful to those who listen to our music and make it out to the shows,” Fiore said. “Ideally, I hope that Mojo Kick will one day be able to survive as a band; no jobs, no school, just music.”

Musical Roots

Fiore remembers the day he learned his first chord and the day he met other members of his band.

“We were terrible, but there was something about it that felt right,” Fiore said. “As far as Mojo Kick, I was lucky enough to meet Colby and we became good friends pretty quickly. We started playing together because it was fun and we had a common goal musically. We were fortunate to get together with Eric Melkonian and we’re happy to have our newest member Andrew Warnock in the band.”

Dreaming Big

Like Blauvelt, Fiore reiterated that playing at a festival like Bonnaroo would be a life-changing experience.

“They always have great bands at Bonnaroo and I would enjoy just watching if I had the chance,” Fiore said. “An opportunity to share the stage with such iconic artists would be mind-blowing to say the least.”

Fiore stressed that he wouldn't have this chance to live out his dream without the support of his friends, family and fans.

“They have always shown so much support and I am extremely grateful to have them,” Fiore said. “I owe them a lot.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Fiore described what happens on a day-to-day basis with his band mates and admitted he wouldn't spend his days any differently.

“A day with these guys is pretty interesting,” Fiore said. “The four of us have such different personalities and musical tastes which makes it quite exciting. I never know what to expect at a Mojo practice or show. We jam, we talk, we fight and when the vibes right, something special happens. I mean I’ve been in some other bands before, but I truly believe in these guys and their abilities.”

Playing the Name Game

Blauvelt explained the meaning and origins of the band's name.

“John’s dad reads Mojo magazine and John always read that magazine growing up,” Blauvelt said. “So, John was kind of just sticking words at the end of ‘Mojo’ and came up with that and we used it and it stuck.”

Rocking out at a young age is what Blauvelt always wanted to do and his father influenced his decision, as he played in a band when he was younger.

“It’s very surreal,” Blauvelt said. “My dad was always in a band when I was a kid and since I can remember, being in a band is what I have wanted to do. I’m very appreciative of the support that everyone locally has showed us so far and I am ready for whatever is in store for us.”

Hitting the Road

Blauvelt enjoys traveling around to different locations to play, but his top choice is playing at house parties.

"We played a lot last summer and fall in Allston,” Blauvelt said. “I love the party vibe and that really is what we all about, being up close and personal with fans.”

Help the band live out their dream of playing with their musical idols. Mojo Kick can be voted for on the Bonnaroo website.