Village 11: "What It Takes"
Based out of Dedham Massachusetts, Village 11 is an American rock band with a sound that gives a modern feel to the 90’s alternative and grunge aesthetic. Their music contains songs with intense riffs and heavy lead lines, as well as compositions with a softer and more emotional feel. The consistencies lie in commanding guitar solos by Liam Flinn, Mark Flynn's passionate vocals, Gabi Daher's powerful drums, intricate bass riffs by Zak Schenck, and catchy rhythm from Dan Silva. As illustrated by the recent release of their debut single “What It Takes”, the members of Village 11 hope to provide new Rock and Roll music for passionate fans.
V11 is a group of misfits that were brought together by rhythm guitarist Dan Silva. The lead singer, Mark Flynn, who grew up attending a choir school, is Dan’s cousin. Once Dan got to middle school, he met Zak Schenck, the quiet kid in class who didn’t care about much other than mastering the bass guitar. The two quickly connected through music and would often meet to play their favorite punk and grunge songs together. Dan then changed schools and during his freshman year of high school, he met Liam Flinn: the giant lineman on his football team who could shred the guitar. Dan and Liam were in the same “Jam Band” club in high school where they got to know each other better through guitar. After Liam graduated, Dan became the club leader where he sought out to recruit drummer Gabi Daher. Dan only knew Gabi as his friend’s younger sister until they were introduced, and she gave him a glimpse of her dynamic talent behind the drums.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan sent a text to Liam and Gabi asking if they wanted to come by and jam. Just like that he was able to bring two incredible talents into the same room. That room of course was the detached garage used as inspiration for the band’s name. It was Then the three were exchanging riffs and writing songs. They later recorded the song with the Boston Based studio, Lit Honey Productions.
The debut single, “What It Takes” is a piece about someone who goes through a rough break up and has lost their sense of belonging. The narrator strives to win back the loved one and admits that he will do whatever it takes to achieve that. Considering it was written in May of 2020, the theme of loneliness and searching for the comfort of another person was not unusual.
Although “What It Takes” was written in full by guitarist, Dan Silva, it didn’t come to life until the rest of the band added their parts. Lead singer, Mark, was the first to interact with the song and adjusted some lyrics to make it a more emotional piece. Gabi captured the song's essence on drums, building it up and letting it down when the rhythm called for it. There was never any intention to add another prominent guitar to this piece, yet what Liam contributed ultimately brought the song to life so that there was no better way for the song to sound. Zak wrote his part in the studio, deciding to change his bass line entirely and the end result was a perfect glue to a sentimental song.
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