Interview with Q's House | Wednesday, May 28, 2008
On May 6th, Patrick was be featured at Q's House. The The entire show was also being scored by tracks off "Inside The Unsaid". Click here to listen to the 2 part interview.  Special thanks to Quinton Sheer & everyone at Q's House. 

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2008 EP Preview | Monday, March 31, 2008
Patrick is currently recording, Saudade, the 3rd song for his 2008 EP. We're excited to post a full-length preview of Mark Twain, a piece co-written with Greg Schuler. Please note: this track has not been mixed as of the time of this posting. Click here to listen. Stay tuned for more details.

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Guitar9.com Top Seller | Saturday, March 01, 2008
In an age where MP3's are the norm, Guitar9.com has reported that "Inside The Unsaid" continues to sell via their online store. Click here to see where the CD charts.

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2008 EP In Production | Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Patrick has been hard at work composing, arranging and producing his upcoming EP. This EP is slated to have 4 new tracks and a re-arranged track off "Inside The Unsaid" containing vocals. The disc will also contain a media portion which is to include his 10+ minute live solo acoustic version of "Home". Please stay tuned for more details.

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DCU Center Performance | Monday, November 26, 2007
On November 12, 2007, Patrick was asked to perform at the 14,800 seat arena, the DCU Center prior to the the AHL hockey game between the Worcester Sharks and the Springfield Falcons. Performance pics can be found via his Media page.

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Shea Stadium Performance | Tuesday, August 21, 2007
On August 8th, Patrick performed his version of the "Star Spangled Banner" at historic Shea Stadium prior to the game between the New York Mets & Atlanta Braves. Attendance for the game was 51,749 and was televised on ESPN. Watch his performance here!

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"The Bridge" Television Performance | Thursday, July 26, 2007
Patrick will be appearing on CCTV's "The Bridge". 30 minute solo acoustic performance. Thanks to Michelle Lewis & Ricart Prats for all their assistance in putting the show togther.

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Live Video Now On DeCosteOnline.com | Thursday, July 05, 2007
Video taken during Patrick's performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" from his show with local legend Johnny A is now available online. This took place just hours after President Bush's visit. Go to the Media page to view.

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We Need Your Votes!! | Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Patrick's rock anthem, "The New Millennium", is now featured on ClearChannel.com. Please click on Patrick's entry and listen - let's get him to 1. Vote now, vote often!!

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Opening for Guitar Hero, Johnny A. | Friday, June 01, 2007
On Thursday, June 28, Patrick will be appearing at the famed Newport Blues Cafe opening for guitar legend Johnny A.! Fresh off his European tour with Joe Satriani, Johnny A. has been touring to promote his CD, "Get Inside". You can order your tickets now through eTix.com. Download the flyer for distribution here!

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Downloading "Inside The Unsaid" | Thursday, March 01, 2007
You can download "Inside The Unsaid" in its entirety or song-by-song via Patrick's MySpace page. Best bang for your buck: "Floydian Theory" - 10 minutes of music for $0.99!!

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Gear For Sale | Tuesday, January 30, 2007
In preparation for his upcoming acoustic EP, Patrick is selling several items that have been part of his signature electric sound over the years. Each item was bought new, has been used in only smoke-free environments live and in the studio, is 100% reliable and has been kept in great condition. Please view the Gear page for more information.

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NAMM 2007 | Monday, January 08, 2007
For the 3rd year in row, Patrick attended music's most prestigous trade show, the NAMM show. On January 19 & 20, Patrick was available alongside Steve Lukather, Tony Levin, Paul Gilbert & Disturbed at the Ernie Ball/ MusicMan booth 5440. Pics can be found on the Media page.

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XMas show with Gary Hoey | Sunday, December 10, 2006
Thanks to everyone who made it out to Chelmsford on December 2nd. Also, thanks to Gary Hoey and NuTuck for great performances. According to Gary's website, the show was sold out. The show flyer can be found & downloaded here. Happy holidays and we wish you a safe 2007.

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Lesson Published On Guitar9.com | Friday, August 11, 2006
The August update on the guitar-oriented record label, Guitar9.com, now features Patrick's "Theoretically Speaking" music column. The website features over 2,000 instrumental guitar CDs and columns by many of the elite guitarists in the industry today. Other sites carrying Patrick's lessons include his Lessons page, Boston-Beats.com, & IndieGuitarists.com.

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TV Appearance Download Available | Wednesday, May 03, 2006
On May 1st, 2006, Patrick made his 3rd appearance on the popular TV show, Roots Rock Live(tm). Host & friend Pat Keating walked listeners through Patrick's past, present and future happenings over the 30 minute segment. The show also included 3 solo acoustic performances. To download, click here or to purchase the high-quality DVD, visit the Roots Rock Live(tm) online store.

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Opening for Guitar Hero Gary Hoey | Saturday, April 15, 2006
On Saturday, May 13, Patrick will be appearing at the Lucky Dog Music Hall opening for guitar legend Gary Hoey! Best known for his Billboard top 5 hit, "Hocus Pocus", Gary's one of the best and nicest in the industry today. You can order your tickets now through Ticketweb.com. Download the flyer for distribution here!

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"Patrick On St. Patrick's" | Thursday, March 02, 2006
On March 17, 2006, join us as throughout the day we contact one of Boston's premier rock stations, WAAF, requesting Patrick's "The New Millennium". This event was created by another local DJ to help promote not only Patrick's music but help bring instrumental music to the forefront. The WAAF hotline is 617.931.1AAF or 617.931.1223. Call now, call often!!

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Live Review Posted | Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Patrick's show at the Middle East (Downstairs) on December 17, 2005 has been published and can be found in the March issue of the Northeast Performer magazine. Click here to read the review. One note of correction: Patrick no longer lives on the west coast and is currently situated in Boston, MA. We apologize for any confusion.

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More Distribution Outlets Available | Tuesday, February 14, 2006
"Inside The Unsaid" is now available via digital download at over 30 online retailers including iTunes, MusicNow & Rhapsody. Please visit the Radio page for more information.

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NAMM 2006 | Tuesday, January 31, 2006
For the 2nd year in a row, Patrick was invited to attend the industry's largest trade show (known as NAMM) in Anaheim, CA from January 19-22. As a guest of Ernie Ball/ Music Man Company, Patrick promoted the brand, caught up with some of his peers and talked gear with the industry leaders. Please visit the "Media" page to view some photos taken while at the event. A special "thank you" goes out to Brian Ball and everyone at the Ernie Ball organization for their all support and consideration.

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A Note Of Thanks... | Monday, December 19, 2005
Thank you to the 200+ who made it out the "Middle East Rock Club (Downstairs)" on Saturday 12.17.05. The venue is one of the premier places for rock music in New England and it was honor to play there and open for our friends in Close To Home. Rumor is the last instrumental guitarist to play this venue was guitar legend Eric Johnson! Check the "Media" section for an updated pic.

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Katrnia Relief Update | Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Thank you to everyone who picked up copies of the debut CD, "Inside The Unsaid", via CDBaby.com last month. Their program raised over $165,000 in its 7 week span which was sent to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Thank you to everyone who participated in this great program helping out a great cause!!

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New "Lessons" Addition | Monday, October 10, 2005
Patrick was featured in the August addition of Boston's InSite Magazine. Please check out the "Lessons" section or click here to read all the latest.

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"Guitar Night" showcase | Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Thank you to everyone who attended the 09.16.05 "Guitar Night" showcase at the Skybar in Somerville, MA where we were responsible for bringing in 46% of the draw for the night. The evening also featured a set by virtuoso Jon Finn, the most in-demand guitar instructor at the most prestigious music college in the world, a member of the reknown Boston Pops Orchestra and an international recording artist. Thank you again for all your support and we look forward to continue seeing you at the shows!

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In the wake of Katrina... | Thursday, September 01, 2005
All proceeds from the sale of "Inside The Unsaid" via CDBaby.com will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please click here to purchase.

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Demand for debut CD continues | Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Since signing with Guitar 9 Records in May, "Inside The Unsaid" has been steadily climbing the charts. Surrounded by guitar greats Steve Morse (Deep Purple), John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Eric Johnson, the CD is ranked the 5 album in the Rock charts. Click here to learn more.

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"Inside The Unsaid" horn section runner-ups in 2005 Music Poll | Friday, June 03, 2005
Congratulations to the Pressure Cooker Devotional Horn Section, who contributed on Inside The Unsaid's "Greasy Fingers", for placing 2nd in the 17th Annual Phoenix/ FNX Best Music Poll in the Best Local Roots Act category. More details available at the Boston Phoenix.

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Ernie Ball Radio to play tracks off new CD | Thursday, June 02, 2005
"Breaking The Silence", "The New Millennium" and "Love In Misery" are now in rotation on Ernie Ball Radio. Alongside many such acts as Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Gavin Degraw, No Doubt and Dream Theater, you can find Patrick's music on their Shred, Unsigned, Rock and Pop Rock stations. This station is only accessible on ErnieBall.com.

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DeCosteOnline.com now on MySpace.com | Sunday, May 29, 2005
Patrick finally got with the program and joined MySpace.com. If you haven't already added us to your profile, get connected! Full length songs also posted. Enjoy!

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"Inside The Unsaid" drummer signs record deal | Thursday, May 26, 2005
DeCosteOnline.com would like to congratulate "Inside The Unsaid" drummer and friend, Matthew Hershey, of the band "The Break Mission" (formerly "Redletter") on getting signed to RoHo Records. More information is available on The Break Mission's website.

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New distribution outlets available | Tuesday, May 24, 2005
"Inside The Unsaid" has been picked up for distribution by CD Baby and Guitar Nine Records. Additional sound samples and product descriptions have been added to these locations. International shipping rates apply.

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Patrick now sponsored by Ernie Ball | Tuesday, April 26, 2005
It's official - Patrick is now endorsed by Ernie Ball. For years, Patrick has been playing their Music Man guitars and stomping on their Volume Pedals. Ernie Ball currently endorses such artists as Slash (Guns N' Roses/ Velvet Revolver), Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Kirk Hammet (Metallica) and countless others. Please visit Ernie Ball for details.

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"Said & Done" to be released | Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Keep your eye out for a new CD entitled, "Said And Done", by "Inside The Unsaid" keyboardist and producer, Greg Schuler. Patrick played on several tracks and also co-wrote "Endless Love" with Greg. Details can be found on Greg's website.

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NAMM 2005 | Friday, January 28, 2005
Patrick was a guest of Fender Musical Instruments at the 2005 NAMM Convention in Anaheim, CA. The four-day event, produced annually by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, is the largest non-consumer show for musical instruments and the site of most major new product launches, sales meetings and networking for the $16 billion global music products industry. Photos from the show can be found by clicking here or by following the "Media" link found on DeCosteOnline.com.

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New 2005 Launch | Thursday, January 20, 2005
DeCosteOnline.com has re-launched for the new year. Please keep checking back as additional information will be added when it becomes available. Thanks again for all your continued support.

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Purchasing the Album and Demo | Monday, January 03, 2005
Thank you for your interest in DeCosteOnline.com. Patrick's debut CD, "Inside The Unsaid", and his "2003 Advanced Demo" are now available for purchase by clicking the appropriate links found on the homepage. International shipping rates are currently unavailable so please contact "Info@DeCosteOnline.com" for pricing. Thanks again for all your interest and support surrounding DeCosteOnline.com.

Click on the images below to download the flyers for Patrick's shows with guitar heroes, Gary Hoey & Johnny A. Free download - please distribute accordingly. Artwork by Aduageo.

 

Prior to a May 2004 show in Boston, MA, BostonBeats.com set Patrick up to interview guitar hero & Grammy award winning artist, Eric Johnson. Below is the interview which touches on everything from Eric's beginnings to his most recent thoughts on the Music industry:

PD: How did you get into music?
Eric Johnson: I started playing piano when I was really young because my parents pushed me into that until I was 11 and then took up guitar because of all the rock music going on and all the people you'd see and thought that was really cool. I have loved it ever since. Since then, I've been immersed into all the different players and kept exposing myself to different styles and different music.

PD: Who are you currently listening to?
EJ: I've been listening to Pat Methany, Miles Davis, Jet... all sorts of stuff.

PD: Who are your main influences?
EJ: There are a lot players out there who I've found influential such as Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Reed, John McLaughlin, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. There's a lot of different ones.

PD: Tell us about your style.
EJ: I like to take different people's styles and mix them all together and create my own. I'll take somebody's guitar tone and use that with somebody else's technique and somebody else's choice of lines to put it all together to make your own style. It's impossible to be totally original so you just have to find a different way to amalgamate all the different stuff together to make your own thing.

PD: To those who follow your music, it's common knowledge that you're a real perfectionist when it comes to being in the studio and have been known to spend years on putting an album together. What is your recording process?
EJ: It's been a realization now that my best stuff comes out when I'm in good shape practicing and get everything down on the first, second or third take. I finally realize there's a certain spirit energy with that. When doing things over and over again, there is a certain calculation of the mind and it is a different effect and vibe. I'm slowly trying to get back to performing more in the studio and getting more of a vibe.

PD: Do you prefer to play live or in the studio?
EJ: Actually, I like them both. They both can be a challenge to be in the moment and try to get your best performance. They are different. I suppose sometimes playing live is a little more fun because you have the crowd to help give you energy.

PD: What do you think makes a good show?
EJ: Getting out of yourself and forgetting about yourself and just getting into the music and feeling it. When you feel the rhythm and just let go and let things just happen naturally - usually the magic will happen then. It's when you go on stage pre-planned and your clinching with your own agenda that you're really limited.

PD: What's the best show you've seen?
EJ: I remember seeing Peter Gabriel back in the early 80s - that was really an incredible show. I also saw Alison Krauss a couple years ago and that would rank up there as well.

PD: Do you have any pre/ post show rituals?
EJ: I just try to stay centered. Try to practice a little bit and warm up and get into that frame of mind where you're not stressing, worrying, planning or getting too calculated about what you expect. I like to just let go and get focused.

PD: Do you play the same set list every night?
EJ: My set list is pretty close to the previous night's set. We switch out songs every now and then and add a few extra songs so we can change it up a little bit each night. I would say 85% of the time, it's the same.

PD: Tell us about your audience. Who attends an Eric Johnson show?
EJ: It's pretty varied. For instance, on this tour when I played at the Eclipse Theater in Vermont, we had people between 8 - 10 years old up to their 60s.

PD: What are your favorite types of places to perform?
EJ: I enjoy playing at old wooden theaters. They have a lot of history and a real vibe. Those seem to be our best places to play although I'm pretty open-minded to play anywhere as long as it's presented decently.

PD: What do you think of the current music scene?
EJ: I think there's a lot of good stuff out there. There will always be good quality... sometimes, you need to wade through it and find it. I think the quality will go up actually because all the electronic media and people being available to compete both in film and music with anybody who has a high stature and huge company. There's going to be an age or accessibility opportunity for other people to compete and more of a priority put on the integrity and quality. I think there's a less festive hold-out that might be challenging, so you have all the radio/ media conglomerates taking over and having this big "Kartel thing" where they stipulate all these rules/ regulations that create a cookie-cutter type of thing. But within that you still find quality and that's great but it's a bit unfortunate that if it doesn't fit the mold, it gets thrown out with no questions asked. Maybe the days are numbered with that because people will be able to think for themselves more easily with the electronic media becoming stronger and stronger.

PD: Your most recent album, "Souvenir," was released solely on the internet. How do you see the internet playing a role in the music industry?
EJ: "Souvenir" wasn't a regular record and was just something for the fans so I didn't want to give people the idea it was a regular record. At this point, I'll still release albums with a record label in tandem with the internet. In the future, I think the balance will lean over towards the electronic media. I think it's pretty obvious that's where it's all going with Rhapsody.com, Ibook and Apple.com. It seems to me it's just a matter of time when there's a major transfer.

PD: Being known primarily as an instrumentalist, what is your opinion on instrumental guitar today? Is "shred" dead?
EJ: I think the most important thing is that they have something to say musically and that almost always has to do with the song you write or the composition or the music or the way you layer/ orchestrate the parts and that they're meaningful and have an impact. If you do it in a more refreshing/ re-invented way, then it's even better. Anything that doesn't quite go that direction, it's going to be static and sound dated. Because everybody's heard blistering electric guitar as it has been done in the format for 35 years for the most part, it's not really going to turn heads as much. There's really two options: take the course of jazz music where you have a lot of improvisation (and that's the whole heartbeat of jazz) - but within the framework, you have players that are reinventing the whole effect and being tasty and thinking musically. That's one option that be can used in progressive music which is not really used as much. The other option, because people are so burnt out on electric guitar (and understandably so), they just put it in the back of the mix as a songwriting tool which is where that is right now. I don't think too many people are interested in hearing someone go crazy on the guitar unless it was someone who was really re-inventive and had something strong musically to say.

PD: You've had great success to date: from being a session player to a Grammy-winning solo artist to being named one of the 50 greatest guitarists of all time. What keeps you motivated?
EJ: It's the dream of trying to find little pockets of sound on the guitar that will be, if not really fresh or re-inventive, at least musically pleasing and interesting and searching for that. It doesn't necessarily come for free - you have to work at it from both ends: one end is not working at it and letting it happen, and the other end is working hard at it. In other words, becoming the best musician you can to avail yourself to be at the doorstep when it does happen. That's pretty crucial to me - anything short of that, I'll just be rehashing "Cliffs Of Dover" and I can't get surprised if people aren't freaking out. Why should they? They've heard it. It's my responsibility, initially, to bring something to the table that's stimulating.

PD: In an age where so many define success as having big houses and fast cars, how do you define success?
EJ: People think that's what it's about because that vision is still the forum and they are not necessarily living in that situation. If they live in that situation, they'll realize that's just not what it's about. There's nothing fulfilling about that. The more money you have, the more money you want; the more stuff you have, the more maintenance you have - there's nothing fulfilling about it. There's a lot of bands that chase records deals and when they get the deal, they think their problems are solved - but they have a whole new set of problems. There's nothing different - you're just switching the problems. Success is being able trying to do what you want to do and try to at least make a living at it and get by. You can always shoot for the stars but you have to count your blessings if you're at least able to get by, do well, do what you want to do and maybe be able to make somebody happy along the way. That's success.

PD: What advice would you have for aspiring musicians?
EJ: I can only say what I'm trying to do which is just try to get into your intuitive nature of what speaks to you musically. If you just learn the book and study the radio, you're just going to be working out of your mind and it won't have the same depth or impact when people hear it. So if you try to develop that intuitive sense of music, you're seeking mechanism will try to find things that will respond on that frequency. I think that's the frequency that everybody responds to in the more sublime sense - it's good to get into that thing.

**  Article taken from Patrick's Online Lesson archive  **

Lesson Five: The Effect Affect -
Using Processors To Alter Your Music
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When thinking of guitarists who take using effects to a different level, several players may come to mind such as The Edge (U2), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel) and Eric Clapton. Although most of the players listed are obvious choices for "effects junkies," I'm sure you're wondering where Clapton fits into the mold. It's obvious that the first 4 guitarists mentioned are masters at making the most of their gear, whether it be using such effects as digital delay, pitch shifters, reversed guitar sounds and a library of other miscellaneous effects. When looking at Eric Clapton - if you listen to his tone during his Cream days, you will hear perfection in terms of how to make a distorted guitar sound. Let's not forget that the second you use the slightest bit of distortion or reverb, you've already altered your sound.

Prior to reading any further, please keep in mind that I am an "effects junkie." The more reverbs, delays, choruses and distortion I can layer on my guitar sound, the more comfortable I feel. With that being said, the object is to know when enough is enough and how to avoid going overboard with using processed effects. Fortunately, most of my music is written on an acoustic guitar prior to being transferred over to an electric. In my opinion, a song must be able to stand on its own unaffected and in its most natural form before any type of effect is added and there's no better way of finding this out than by playing it without any interference. To hold your own with or without effects only makes you as a player that much more valuable and diverse. It also gives the listener a chance to hear a different perspective on your music.

When you choose to alter your sound in any way (ie flange, tremolo, phaser, overdrive, etc.), be sure to play to that sound. When recording my album, my producer (who also doubled as my keyboardist) would always mention that whenever you change your sound and add an effect, you should play to that sound. He never wanted to play like a piano player when his keyboard was programmed to sound like a synth string section. The same theory holds true for guitar players as well. Try playing all 6 strings on the G bar chord (3rd position) that you learned in your first couple guitar lessons with a clean sound and then try it with a distorted sound. You'll probably find that playing the whole chord with distortion sounds muddy but when you only play the first 3 notes of that chord, it sounds a lot better. This same principal applies for your entire arsenal of effects. The more sounds you layer, the more difficult it will become to make sense out of your music if you don't play to the sound you're going for.

There are people who think that by using effects, it takes away from the feeling/ soul of one's music. Although this may hold true to some extent, if used in the right context and done tastefully, it can help add to your music and further develop your personality on the guitar. In this day and age, it's hard to point to an artist that doesn't use any processed effects. Most players will use, at the bare minimum, at least a little reverb to keep their guitars from sounding dry. I'm sure even the purists would prefer this sound and also agree with this approach... and admit that Clapton's guitar sound during his days with Cream is as good as it gets.

Patrick DeCoste
Middle East Downstairs
Cambridge, MA
December 17, 2005

Several bands with vicious-sounding names were playing short and violent thirty-minute sets Upstairs on this Saturday night, but Downstairs was a different story. While the stage sported a full band's worth of gear, the acoustic-wielding Patrick DeCoste came out alone at first. His band stood off to the side while DeCoste gave a terse introduction and then played what he termed a "warm-up" tune. The first thing one notices about DeCoste's guitar is that it's backwards like Ziggy Stardust, he plays left-handed. His modest demeanor remained a constant over the course of the set. His playing is a mixture of modesty and efficiency. DeCoste can and will rip it up he just won't make a big show out of it.

After the introductory piece, the band took their places and the electric set began. Upon hearing the sounds of drums, bass, and electric guitar, more heads turned frontward and the group at the stage started to gather a crowd. The first electric piece had an air of eventuality about it; like an intro to a really good song that was never going to happen. The band went through several different movements that would build and build until it seemed certain that someone was going to lean into their microphone and belt out something. While this never happened, each new movement went somewhere interesting.

The band matched up with DeCoste's style, although at times it seemed like they might be trying to insert themselves into each piece too forcefully. They did hang back at crucial moments. The high point was a breathtaking acoustic piece titled "Home," which really seemed to come from somewhere deep within the tall southpaw. DeCoste explained that he lives on the west coast now, and that "Home" had taken a truly special meaning for him, "especially around this time of year." Red flags go up when a performer gives this kind of VH1 Storytellers introduction, yet DeCoste cashed the big check easily with this stunning composition. The deal was then sealed; DeCoste had hit his home run with "Home," circled the bases with the final two songs, and retreated into the dugout of the backstage room. - Review written by C.D. Di Guardia

Set list included: Day At The Beach (Joe Satriani) Greasy Fingers In Step Faithfully (Journey) - acoustic Home - acoustic Guitar Solo Love In Misery The New Millennium

The Musicians: Patrick DeCoste - Acoustic & Electric guitars Anthony Eduardo - Drums & Perucssion Greg Schuler - Keyboards & Programming Josh Oliver - Acoustic & Electric Bass