“Given To Fly” is an acoustic based rock trio that delves into the history of rock n roll. Performing a variety of classic rock tunes from the 60’s to today’s contemporary styles. Harmonies backed by two guitars and a bass set the groove as the group takes you from The Beatles and Led Zepplin to Michael Jackson and beyond.
Given to Fly is available to play with or without drums. We can tailor our sound to your event needs.
For booking please email to: joebuchwald@gmail.com
Given to Fly is:
Joe Buchwald: Lead Vocals & Guitar
Joe was born in San Francisco but grew up in East Side San Jose. He grew up in a house where the music of The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash were often being played by his mother. In 1991 Paul introduced Joe to Pearl Jam’s “Alive” and that was the catalyst that has led to a life long passion for Rock music. At the age of 12 he started playing guitar and at the age of 16 started to focus more on singing. Joe is heavily influenced by the singers from the 90′s such as Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and Layne Staley as well as blues based singers such as B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Joe works as a Visual Designer in the South Bay.
Mike Rasche: Bass & Vocals
Mike grew up in Virginia and moved to California in 2000 to see another part of the country. He’s been working in social services and will likely continue in that field until the state goes bankrupt or he wins the lottery. Growing up he listened to a lot of horrible 80s music and, thankfully, classic rock. He was saved in the 90s by Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Tool, and Soundgarden. Mike is currently listening to a lot to Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Dead Weather.
Paul Renslow: Lead Guitar & Vocals
Paul was born in 1979 is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. At a young age he was introduced to the guitar by his very musical family. All through grade school Paul studied the guitar in its many forms, picking up styles that vary from Rock n Roll, Classical, Jazz, and Flamenco. In 2005 Paul began performing professionally after returning from guitar studies in Spain. He has independently released over five recordings and has hundreds of performances to his credit, as a solo act and with many great bands and musicians. You can find Paul performing Spanish Guitar weekly in the Bay, but his Rock n Roll roots have never left him, and they are extremely aparent and profound in “Given To Fly”.
Justin Bettner: Drums
Justin was born in 1979 in Santa Clara, California. It was an exciting time to be in the San Francisco Bay Area. Apple was developing the first home computer, Journey was at their peak, and really bad hair spray rock was right around the corner. At age 16, Justin was playing drums at a party when Joe asked if he wanted to join his rock band. Justin agreed and it wasn’t long before they were recording songs and playing live in various scenes, bands, and venues. Justin currently lives in Seattle where he is surrounded by new experimental music and the imprint of the 90s grunge explosion (word on the streets is it’s coming back). He periodically joins Given to Fly for jam sessions, recordings, or to play shows where they need to turn things up to 11.
Louie Flores: Drums
Bio Coming Soon
