Crown 10

Based in San Diego, Crown 10 is a Southern California power trio that brings a healthy appreciation of soul and funk to its alternative rock foundation. The fact that Crown 10 favors such a funky, R&B-minded approach to alterna rock should come as no surprise if you know who their drummer is; the interracial threesome's drummer is none other than Joel Maitoza, formerly of 24-7 Spyz. When Maitoza was with 24-7 Spyz back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, that very ambitious and far-reaching band drew on metal and punk as well as funk, hip-hop, and soul; 24-7 Spyz were every bit as challenging as Living Colour, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mother's Finest. Having 24-7 Spyz on his resume made Maitoza (who is also an ex-member of Shockhead) the ideal drummer for Crown 10. And yet, Crown 10 isn't a carbon copy of 24-7 Spyz any more than the trio is a carbon copy of Living Colour, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Mother's Finest. Those bands were a lot more metal-minded; Crown 10 is part of alternative rock, but not part of alternative metal. Lenny Kravitz is a valid comparison (up to a point, anyway), and Crown 10's members sound like they've been listening to everyone from Kravitz, Pearl Jam, and John Mayer, to Tina Turner and Prince. Unlike Prince, however, Crown 10 would have a hard time winning over program directors at urban contemporary stations; they're way too rock for that radio format. However, their music easily appeals to those who like their alternative rock laced with a big dose of R&B. Crown 10 was formed in 2002 by lead singer/guitarist James Brady, a New Jersey native who had taken guitar lessons from Dave Di Pietro (of Nuclear Assault and T.T. Quick fame). Brady had also spent some time in the Midwest; he studied music and marketing at Lansing Community College in...