Local band Adeste creates positive music

While most entertainers glorify partying, drinking and swearing, one local band stands apart from the rest by presenting music that has a more positive message for listeners, one that has a story of substance that they can relate to.

Adeste, formed in early 2007, is a rock band based out of Orlando, Fla. with a post hard-core rock ‘n’ roll style, mixed in with a mellow, ambient vibe. Consisting of six members all from different musical backgrounds and training, Adeste released their debut album “In Parables” late 2010 and have been gaining momentum and fans by their music with a message.

“[It’s] About a boy who is in search of truth,” Jeff McMaster, 2011 UCF marketing alumnus and drummer of Adeste, said. “Each song is about a new journey that he is facing. We wrote it so anyone could put themselves in the story and relate to it in some way.”

The band consists of McMaster, his brother Jason who plays the bass and is a 2004 digital media UCF alumnus, keyboardist Brain Waters, vocalist Nathan Pur, guitarist/vocalist Morgan Hopfensperger and guitarist/vocalist Marco Randazzo.

The band’s goal for the album was to allow listeners to question what’s right for them and help them find their own path. Adeste wants to cater to all age groups so any individual can appreciate and take away something from their songs through the melodies and harmonies to their lyrics.

“You’re not going to hear us cursing on stage,” McMaster said. “You’re not going to hear of us drinking all this beer and alcohol, because when you go to hear a band and they’re all wasted on stage, it’s kind of a disappointment.”

The band’s desire is to bring back positivity to all types of music and help reverse what they see as the decaying music industry. When the members of Adeste were first forming the band, they found themselves tired of going out to shows where the entertainers centered their focus on only those negative aspects and nothing else. Adeste believes the reason behind a concert is for people to hang out and have a good time with good music, everything else takes away from that goal.

“It [Adeste] is a Latin word that means in the state of, come forth, be present,” McMaster said. “We thought that was something cool because we’re trying to write a record that was all about the same kind of story, with a message behind the music.”

Besides wanting to inspire the music industry to hold a higher standard, Adeste has an enthusiasm for music that keeps them going. They view music as an outlet, a way to get away from everything in the real world for a little while. In the five and a half years the band has been together the members have faced challenges that have made it difficult to be musicians, but they never label them as excuses to not get work done. Adeste is sure to reach their goals, even if it takes them a little longer to do it.

“We’re very focused on that,” McMaster said. “I think it’s more difficult being more involved, but it hasn’t set us back. With marriages, everyone graduating college, [and] working fulltime jobs, I think it’s definitely been a little bit hard [for us to] just pack up and tour around the country.”

Adeste has been invited to perform at the Florida Music Festival for their third year where they are planning to go out and have a good time, but also plan on being a little more strategic. They hope that those who listen to their music and give them feedback will be able to help them rise to their next goal, which is returning to play at Warped Tour this summer.

Adeste’s goal is short and simple: they’re looking to make a career out of the band, whether it is short-term or long-term. With a focused concept and material to support it, the band wants to be able to play live where they can help spread positive energy to crowds looking for a change.

McMaster hopes that Adeste can become quote-unquote rock stars while they still live a healthy lifestyle. They’re different from other bands in their music’s story and message, but also in their way of connecting with fans and growing their “friend base” instead of a typical “fan base”, wanting to show their appreciation for the support they receive internationally.

“So long as we can keep doing it and having fun, I don’t see us stopping anytime soon.”

Adeste will be playing at Backbooth in Downtown Orlando Friday, April 20, as part of the Florida Music Festival lineup. For more information about the show, contact the venue at (407) 999-2570.