An Interview with the Band the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a band who got together in 2006. They may be a young group but they are still full of spirit and offer a variety of styles. I recently interviewed Danny Badio, the rapper of the group, online about who they are and where they are going.

RW: Why did you choose the name, "The Commonwealth"?

DB: We chose this name to represent Virginia, where we're located. Seing as Virginia is the commonwealth and all that good stuff you know? It's pretty neat and to the point.

RW: Tell me about yourself and the other members of the band.

DB: [I'm] Badio (Danny Badio) the head head hancho/rapper. [I'm] 18 and was born in Liberia, Africa. Lady kz (Kristiana Zabala) is the Vocalist/Singer. She's 17 and was born in Woodbridge, Virginia. Sulaiman Azimi was born in DC, he's the guitarist and he's 16 years old. Trent Hunter was born in Montgomery Alabama, he's 18 and plays bass.

RW: That's quite a group. How did you guys hook up?

DB: We hooked up probably sometime last year in September I think. Pretty much I was looking to form a band to enter this battle of the band contest that only expected live instruments and I talked to kz about the idea of a mixed genre band and she liked it, she introduced me to Sulaiman and the rest is history.

RW: Did you guys make it to the Battle of the Bands?

DB: Well, we never got into the Battle of the Bands contest because at the time we were still trying to get established, build bonds, ext. Pretty much we wasn't ready to perform yet.

RW: That's a bummer, but the bonds with each other are important. So tell me, who are some of your influence?

DB: Notorious B.I.G., Jay-z, Kyla (Phillipino Artists), Jimmy Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jaco Pastorius, The Family Stone, Parliament, and Sly

RW: What genre would you describe your music as?

DB: Our music is very flavorable ha if that's a word. It's funky and fun and has a piece of everything. Alternative maybe but saying hip hop wouldn't be pushing it. I say alternative with a funky twist.

RW: What does your band have to offer that is unique or different?