Dakona - Grounded In Their Music

by Evan Speiser

Left to right: Jess Bouma (keyboards), John Blondolillo (drums), Ryan McAllister (lead vocals and guitar), Brook Winstanley (lead guitar), Shane Dueck (bass and background vocals)

Ever hear a song that has staying power that is more than just lyrics? You know, the song that was the big summer hit last year. The one, that every time you hear it, you just have to turn it up and shout along with the catchy chorus. Well, get ready to add another band to your hit list, because Dakona, which is recording a new album for release in early 2002, is likely to establish a position of recognizable note among the rest of the bands making an appearance this summer.

Now, you might be asking yourself, ‘Who the heck is Dakona?’ Well, Dakona is a band that has rocked audiences in the North West. Brook Winstanley (lead guitar), Shane Dueck (bass and background vocals), John Biondolillo (drums), Ryan McAllister (lead vocals and guitar) and Jess Bouma (keyboard) comprise this new band which has been together for three years. Dakona is from Canada, where they received a lot of air play on radio and have experienced very strong record sales in nearby Washington state.

There are many bands that could boast the same credentials, but there is one key factor that places Dakona ahead of the pack. Unlike most of the other hard-working bands, Dakona attracted the interest of nine major label companies, and recently signed w ith Maverick Records, which is owned by Madonna.