“We are over the break ups,” proclaims Krista March of Miles To Dayton with a smile on her face and a glimmer in her eyes. This in reference to the difference between their upcoming album, Rise, and the 2005 release, A Long Way Back. As March sits next to vocalist and guitarist Jon Preddice at Deepwells Mansion in St. James, their body language reflects how much they adore one another.
Although they knew each other in high school, Miles to Dayton was born between 2003 and 2003 when March and Preddice met up again on the open mic scene.
Having since moved on, Miles To Dayton has grown, both musically and in actual numbers: “We are a five-piece band at this point with two brother-sister combinations," said Jon. "Krista is the lead vocalist, but we really feature three-part harmony for most of the show. We have guitar, bass (Dave March), drums (Rob Caniglia), and also feature an electronic violin (Leanne Preddice). A lot of times at coffee shops and special gigs I’ll break out the electric cello as well.
“We have a little bit of a folk influence, but we are slowly diving into the rock sound now that we have more pieces in the band. We are definitely influenced by a lot of jam bands, but we would not say we are a jam band. But we like to open up the songs for solos and a lot of improvisation, not performing the songs the same way. It is definitely more about the songs than anything else.”
“We always used to have a problem talking and connecting with our audience," said Krista. "Now we are a lot of fun on stage. We really have made a show out of ourselves, we playoff of each other.” John laughs, “We learned that the audience liked seeing out interactions on stage. It’s kind of like a soap opera in itself. Not only is it brothers and sisters, but Krista is also my girlfriend. Rob and Dave want to date my sister, but will never get a date with her.”
It’s the family unit that Preddice claims “gives us longevity, as a far as staying together as a unit. For a lot of bands, half of the battle is getting to the practices and having the common goal. There is no question, we are in love with what we do, and I think it shows. We are a close-knit group.”
Their uplifting new disc, Rise, will be released June 21.
“A lot of songs are about love, about looking forward with a positive
approach to life. I’m really proud of it,” said Jon. “We
worked really hard on it. The first disc we put together in separate pieces.
We were still forming as a band. With this disc we practiced together for
a year, so we knew exactly what we were doing when we went into the studio.
Then we went and did it so the presentation was a lot tighter and a lot
more prepared. I think it shows.”
With a CD release party schedule t the Patchogue Theater on June 21 and other local gigs booked such as performing at the Great South Bay Festival – and a few mini tours in Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia – Miles To Dayton is looking ahead to touring and promoting the new disc. For a complete schedule, log on to milestodayton.com. Rise will be available on CDBaby.com.
