Hey everyone here’s what’s in the April 08 issue of  LIT MAGAZINE.  Check our top friends for their myspace or go to myspace.com/litmonthly,  At the bottom we copied the locations where you can pick up a copy.

Diesel – Full steam ahead

By Mark Beneventi

"We’ll do a song with piano, or just all acoustic," says Chris Stiles, guitarist of the Dallas rock band Diesel. He takes pride in explaining why his band is different from the other "cookie cutter" bands out there. "The first show we ever did, [the reviewer] said we were the big green thumb sticking out. All of us were singing. We had guitar solos. It was so different than what was going on."

This diversity has earned the band quite a following in the Metroplex. "We’ve been on everything in the Dallas / Fort Worth area," Stiles relates. "The Bone (their single ’Blood Is Bond’ is a favorite in current rotation), Ayo’s Top 5 on the Edge, Debbie Sexxton of the Eagle was a big supporter of ours." Recognition like this is unusual - especially in a radio market dominated by Clear Channel’s uninspired bland-animity and an apparent fear of showcasing local artists. But with talent and perseverance – two necessary ingredients for any successful artist – Diesel has overcome the obstacles and is reaping the rewards.

"We’re opening for Doro next month," Stiles says. "We’re also being considered [to open] for a few huge national tours, but it’s not something I should talk about right now." With the airplay and local popularity, there is little doubt the band will seize a couple of those coveted spots. Stiles and his band mates "pretty much grew up together." Charlie Kennimer (guitar/vocals), Paul Brown (skins), Chris Harris (bass) and Stiles click in a way that appeals to people of all ages. "We like the young crowd," Stiles informs regarding the new legions of radio-listening 20-something fans, "but we still like the 30-and-older crowd. They do the drinking!"

Diesel is currently working on their next CD and aiming for a summer release. The band is not resting on past success however. "We do have some stuff for the fans of our older music, and we have some new stuff," explains Stiles. "Musically we’ve changed a bit, grown. We’re different musicians now, way more experienced, wiser… new people." It is Diesel’s growth that has helped separate it from the cookie-cutter bands. "We’re looking to push the diversity. We actually change the song a lot in the studio," Stiles relates. "There’s a part in "Blood" that I had gone out for food [during the recording] and they changed the vocals. At first I didn’t like it, then by the end of the day I was like ’that’s cool.’ Now it’s my favorite part. Sometimes you just have to open your mind to change." Open your mind and catch them at The Ridglea on April 11^th or rock out at myspace.com/dieselband.