Biography

"We should ask Mr. Scalise what our band name should be... ...and if it sucks we'll just be Scalise." - Ben (2016) Scalise is a progressive folk/rock band with two lead singers and a trombone out of the south metro Twin Cities area. The group began as a trio in 2013 when the members were still in middle school. They've contrasted their original minimalist sound by adding new members and creating a dense sonic space. Scalise is currently promoting the release of their sophomore album. The band started when core members Graden Hill (vocals/guitar), Ben Schwartz (drums), and George Knier (keys) were thirteen. Once the group had added Rachel Scott (vocals/bass) to the lineup, their high school band director asked the group to lead a jazz combo including Collyn Camara (guitar/trombone) and Sarah Navratil (saxophone). After practicing rock music instead of jazz, Camara, and occasionally Navratil, were added to the lineup. Frustrated with the current band name, Schwartz decided it was best to ask the director what to name the band. After rejecting Mr. Scalise's suggestions, Schwartz presented "Scalise".