Interview with Ande Conda

Who: Ande Conda
What: Rock cover band, farewell performance weekend
Where: TAPS Bar, Garrett Way, Pocatello, Idaho - map
When: Friday and Saturday, December 18 - 19, 2009 - 9:00 p.m.
Why: Bid farewell to one of Pocatello's longest-standing rock bands, as they bid farewell to you.

Ande Conda is a cover band based out of the Pocatello / southeast Idaho area, playing a variety of cover music that spans several decades & genres. They've played mainly in clubs throughout S.E. Idaho, ranging from the former Butch Cassidy's in Montpelier, to Muddys, Karens & Peppertree in Idaho Falls., and of course Pocatello's music clubs, the 1st National Bar & Taps.

The band is breaking up, moving on to new and other projects. I caught up with Brian Meira recently about Ande Conda, past, present and future.


BM: We want Southeast Idaho to know that this band appreciates all the support that they have given us over the years. This band originated in the mid 90's and has had some of the area's finest musicians in the lineup over the years. With Richard Green being the founding member, he is the only original member in this current lineup, and I know he has fond memories of this band and will have a hard time putting it to rest. But you never know what the future holds for this band and its current members.

SLG: Describe your genre of music.

BM: We play mostly high energy rock-n-roll, from 70's, 80's, 90's and the present, but we have been known to throw in a few country songs now & again.

SLG: Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs?

BM: Hard to narrow it down to just three, we play so many hits ... but the three that always get the crowd up & dancing are Sweet Child O' Mine, by G-n-R, All Summer Long, by Kid Rock and AC/DC's Shook Me All Night Long

SLG: Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

BM: A recent club manager described us at our last show a few weeks back in I.F. He said that we are a fun rock-n-roll party band, with high energy from start to finish, and the crowd feeds off that energy. - Rob, manager of Peppertree, Idaho Falls

Ande Conda

Ronny Moore - Guitars/Vocals
Jeff Beery - Lead Singer
Richard Green-Guitars/Vocals
Chris Anderson-Drums/Vocals
Brian Miera-Bass/Vocals

SLG: How long has this line-up been together?

BM: I joined the band in 2007. The drummer has been with them since 2006, I believe. Jeff & Ronny have been with the band since around 2000 and of course Richard Green, being the founding member, he started the band in '95.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

BM: We are based out of Pocatello, but the members live in different towns. Ronny lives in American Falls, Jeff lives in Rigby, & the rest live in the Pocatello area.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about?

BM: This summers Revive @ 5 show was a real fun time. It was packed, and it was nice to see lots of friends & family in attendance. It was also a great success as a fundraiser for the Idaho FoodBank, who of course help out many people in our community. And we are all about giving back to the community that has supported us wholeheartedly over the years. That show will always be go down as one of our funnest.

SLG: Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

BM: The Blue Moon in Lava is a very fun and special place to play, cause it draws such a diverse crowd, mostly Utahns on weekend getaways, but the energy that place gives back is amazing. It will be missed. Of course the Pocatello venues, 1st National and Taps, we have had many, many great gigs at these fine clubs.

SLG: Describe these particular last shows. What can people expect if they come?

BM: This weekend's show at Taps, 2227 Garrett Way, will unfortunately be our last show. We plan on making it a special performance from start to finish. We expect a huge crowd so I recommend getting there early, both nights. It's 21+, and there is NO cover charge.

I got a li'l something [special planned] at the end of the show on Saturday night. Nothing big, but something worth checking out and will send us out with a bang!

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general?

BM: We love the music scene in S.E. Idaho; we love the support we have gotten from other bands in the area over the years. But the music industry in general, that's another story, for another time.

But in the time I have been in the band, I have had a great time and I know the guys have had a great run this last few years, playing to some great crowds and meeting some truly great people, making some great memories. In all the places we play, I, myself, think that is one of the great things about traveling around and playing music: the people you meet and the friends you make. Sharing the love of playing live music and having them enjoy it, that is as rewarding as it gets.

SLG: What do you think is the best way for bands to get their music out there?

BM: Get out there & gig, alot!!....There is no substitute for playing in front of live crowds, it hones your playing & your stage presence. Good live shows lead to good things and you never know who is going to be in the crowd.

SLG: Do you have any favorite videos of your band or your music on YouTube? If so, what is the url?

BM: Not at the time, but we have some video, it just needs to get edited & put up, we will post some video of this last show, & some past shows as well, so fans can get on our myspace site & check us out & reminisce.

SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

BM: I know that years ago Richard recorded a CD of AndeConda and some originals, but that was not with this lineup. We are a cover band, so we have no recordings. But we will be performing our original song on Fri & Sat, a ballad called "Can You Hear Them."

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

BM: www.myspace.com/andeconda

SLG: Now let's talk about why the band's breaking up - what it means to each of you, and any plans (even just dreams of plans) for the future.

BM: Some of the current members are going to start different musical projects. I am going to start another band with me on the guitar. I play bass in Andeconda, but guitar is the instrument I learned on and grew up with. So I am looking forward to getting something going on that front.

What it means to Chris is that he will be playing with his former band.

Ronny will be playing in a duet around American Falls/Blackfoot area.

Jeff is a very talented singer who I am sure will be recruited by some needy musicians.

Richard is a trooper who I am sure will get something going musically. We will just have to see what the future holds for us all.

On a final note, a special thank you to the fans & club owners & our families, from all of us in AndeConda

"Rock On"

Richard, Ronny, Chris, Jeff & Brian