When twin brothers Christian and Nathan Sosinski decided to form a band during their freshman year of high school, they weren’t sure what would come of it. Now seniors, they have progressed to the point where they are one of the 10 featured groups on the WYEP's first ReImagine CD. WYEP (91.3 FM) is an independent, member-supported radio station based on Pittsburgh's South Side. WYEP's ReImagine Media project is focused on creativity and empowering teens as they explore creative expression through music. As one of the groups selected to perform on the CD, Christian and Nathan had the opportunity to work with professional producers and record in The Church Recording Studio.
The twins' band, Driven Lifeless, has played at Pittsburgh venues such as Altar Bar, Smiling Moose, and the Mr. Roboto Project in Lawrenceville. The band has also played the Three Rivers Arts Festival and Pittsburgh International Children's Festival. Performing as the opening act for local punk band Misfits at Altar Bar is one of the band's biggest highlights, but the experience didn't come without some anxiety. The band lost its drummer just prior to the gig and had to search music shops to find a replacement.
In addition to sharing their love of music through their songs, the experience of performing live has proved to be an outlet for them to share a positive message with their audience.
"I've learned not to be afraid to help people," Christian said. "Just be yourself, try to help and people will be grateful and love you for it."
Driven Lifeless considers bands such as Screeching Weasel and Green Day as influences of its own punk style. Both Christian (guitar, lead singer) and Nathan (bass, back-up vocals) are self-taught musicians. Brandon Palonis, a student at Canon-McMillan, is the band's drummer. The band plays throughout the year wherever the group can find a booking, performing both covers and original songs. The cut they performed for the ReImagine CD is an original, I Believe.
“I share my love of music with people through song,” said Christian. “I also use music to spread a positive message to all people.”
The band's positive outlook is displayed in this posting from its website www.drivenlifeless.com. The post also reveals how the band chose its name.
"In a world full of missed opportunity, it’s easy to find yourself depressed, and going through life Driven for all the wrong reasons. We have all been there. We believe everyone has the chance to help others and make their life better. To help that lonely person in the corner stand up to bullies and know they count. To help that person who is Driven Lifeless through time without feelings, and let them know they too can have a Driven Life-less the stress, less the bullying, and less the tough times. Reach out, and help someone in need. Just one act of kindness can make a difference in someone's life, and can change the way they view life. I know you believe in us and we believe in you. We can all make a difference in Life, Especially You."
