Broken Stigma is an American rock band from the Southern Maryland area, founded in 2004 by guitarist Ryan Thompson and drummer Gary Keefer. Broken Stigma released their first album, Broken Glass on February 1, 2007. Since then, they have received local airplay on 97.7 The Rocket, DC101, 98.3 Star FM, and have been a staple of the Southern Maryland music scene.
Ryan Thompson and Gary Keefer began playing together in 2000 during their respective freshmen and junior years at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland. The time they spent as members of the school's jazz band would play a large part in the band's beginnings. It would not be until the dissolution of Ryan's first band in 2001 that he would ask Gary to officially join him as a founding member in a new group.
Initial rehearsals and gigs featured bassist #1. The initial outings of the group were billed as "That Band" and featured cover songs of artists such as Deep Purple, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Staind, Three Doors Down, and Metallica. Bassist #1 left the band to pursue other interests shortly after their first series of local shows. Ryan and Gary proceeded to rehearse in a church's rectory, as Gary recalls, "Playing the devil's music... it just felt weird playing Black Sabbath in there." It is during this extremely formative period that Ryan and Gary began writing original material that was eventually included on the album Broken Glass including "Way Around", "Red Lady", and "One Night Only."
Broken Stigma's first rehearsal was June 2, 2004. Ryan has stated on several occasions that the band name comes from his belief that "younger groups have a tough time getting gigs and recognition in certain scenes because some club owners think anyone under the age of 62 can only play loud, annoying music. We're going to prove otherwise."
From 2004 to 2006, the band played roughly 100 shows throughout the Washington, DC metro area while recording their debut album. Just before the iTunes release of Broken Glass, bassist #3 left the band to pursue other musical interests. Ryan and Gary continued the band unhindered, bringing new personnel in overnight to fill the gap.
Fellow Lackey graduate Erich Donahue joined, originally on bass, but Ryan and Gary quickly decided during rehearsals that his guitar sound would compliment the group much more effectively. Erich had played with Brkoen Stigma as a guest once before. Ryan always held the younger guitarist in extremely high regard, calling him his "guitar soul-mate."
Veteran musician Andy Parker accepted the offer to join the group on bass, and Susie Parker came aboard as keyboardist and backing vocalist, in Feb. 2007. Susie left the groups permanent line-up Feb. 2008 due to other commitments, but continues to make guest appearances at shows and in the studio.
Broken Glass, Broken Stigma's initial release, includes songs written over the course of several different stages in each member's musical development, and their lives, and the evolution throughout the album is subtly detected.
The band's diversity is on prominent display on Broken Glass. Tracks like "Way Around" and "Fly Away" are pure hard(er) rock, while "Heart Says Yes" and "Sail Away" are melodic ballads. The variety amongst the 11 tracks is welcome, and they manage to tie everything together nicely through recurring sonic themes.
It was very important to Ryan and Gary that the album flow, and were influenced by artists such as Pink Floyd who use atmospheric sounds to tie songs together seamlessly. This is most notable in the transitions between "Sail Away," "Shattered," and the hard rock album closer "One Night Only." The most popular song from Broken Glass is by far "Matter of Time," with its bouncy, singable chorus.
Live at the State Theatre captures the band at their first larger venue. Everyone was extremely honored, especially Gary and Ryan, who were very aware of the legends who had walked that stage before them. "It's staggering to walk the same stage that so many of my guitar heroes have walked..." Ryan's over-excitement and appreciation can be heard on the recordings. "I say thank you way too much on that one..." he later said in an interview.
Thanks to the diverse backgrounds of the current personnel, Broken Stigma's shows are always unique, drawing on many influences and styles of music, from folk to heavy metal. They often take requests from audience members, adapting their shows to the tastes of those in attendance.
With the release of "The Road" finally officially underway, Broken Stigma can begin the next chapter, the next road, if you will in their career.
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