Band Bio

American Accent is a five-piece pop-rock band out of Grand Rapids, MI, whose members are: lead singer, Chris Grano; lead guitarist, Shane Boon; guitarist, Daren Wischmeier; bassist, Zach Malin, and drummer, Will Perrigin.

American Accent is best described as pop-rock band, with an emphasis on catchy-songwriting, rocking guitar solos, and strong vocals. Bands American Accent is similar to include: Sister Hazel, Matchbox 20, BBMak, Maroon 5, Jars of Clay and Barenaked Ladies.

A typical American Accent live show is a family friendly act, with lots of energy, fun atmosphere, and tons of crowd interaction. American Accent has performed with national acts: Sister Hazel, Sponge and Lucky Boys Confusion.

American Accent’s first CD was recorded at their own expense, at Tempermill Studios in Ferndale, MI. From this experience, American Accent quickly realized they were just starting to tap into their potential and needed to develop and fine-tune their original All-American sound. American Accent, armed with confidence, zest, and passion, has set out to define and perfect their craft in the only way they know how: write, write, write, practice, practice, practice, and perform, perform, perform their music in every spare moment they can find.

Their All-American Rock n Roll sound is defined by catchy lyrics, with sweet sonic hooks, from Chris’s, smooth, velvet, God-given voice. The electric hot riffs from Shane and Daren's guitars, combined with rock solid bass vibes from Zach and steady, rhythmic beats from Will, make their live performance and music simply unbelievable.

American Accent’s newest album, “Born to Lead” was released in April of 2005 to a sold-out crowd of over 700 people in Grand Rapids, MI. The new album consists of a lineup of 10 solid songs that are guaranteed to keep your feet tapping. “Born to Lead” was recorded at the Award-Winning Roscoe’s Recording in Detroit, MI and produced by Vinnie Dombroski from the nationally known, Detroit rock band, Sponge. Sponge is known for their hit singles “MOLLY (16 Candles)”, “PLOWED,” and “WAX ESTATIC.” American Accent also worked in the studio with multi-platinum, Grammy winning, recording engineer, Al Hurschman.

In May of 2005, EPIC RECORDS listened to American Accent’s “Born to Lead” at their home office in New York City. They enjoyed the CD so much that they are pursuing American Accent and came to see them perform a live showcase in the summer of 2005. With additional interest from JIVE and J RECORDS, American Accent is ready to bust open the door of a major record deal at any time. Along with their 50+ show “Born to Lead” Tour in the summer of 2005, and the additional 50-75 shows throughout the remainder of the year, it is easy to see that American Accent has the talent, passion, and drive to make a big name in the entertainment world.

Chris Grano: Lead Vocals

B-day: September 25th
Educational Info: Graduate Student at Columbia College Chicago studying Arts Management: Music Business.
Influences: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Creed, and Jimi Hendrix
Equipment: Shure Microphones
Thanks: My family, my friends, all the AA Family and A-Team, and most of all to my Lord for blessing me with every good thing I have in my life. I also want to thank our fans for checking out the site and I hope to see you at all of American Accent’s upcoming shows.

Shane Boon: Lead Guitar

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B-day: January 20
Educational Info: Business Major/Accounting Minor at Cornerstone University
Influences: Trey Anastasio, Neal Schon
Equipment: Eric Clapton Fender Strat, Takamine Acoustic, Marshall TSL100 half stack, SunBurst Strat, Dean Markley Strings, Phase 90, Crybaby, Dannecho, Cool Cat Chorus, Stage Tuner
Thanks: Mom, Dad, Chris, Delanie, all my Grandparents, Karen Bush, Brad, Dave, Vince "the President" Corcoran, Cornerstone University, all my friends and family.

Zach Malin: Bass

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B-Day: April 5th
Educational Info: Student at Cornerstone University studying Business administration with a management emphasis.
Influences: Roscoe Beck, Flea, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Brett Hestla, Creed, David LaBruyere
Equipment: Fender Jazz and Precision Basses, SWR Workingman's 15” Combo, Monster Cables, Zoom Expressions, Dean Markley Strings
Thanks: To my family and friends for always being there and supporting me. Thanks to Kate for being the first one to believe in me. Big thanks to God for blessing me with these gifts and providing this opportunity. Thanks to the band for letting me be a part of this journey with you guys. Thanks to all the fans that come and watch us at shows, I hope to see you guys and the A-Team at upcoming shows. (That’s a buzz kill)

Will "Bobby the Cat Williams" Perrigin

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B-day: July 10th
Educational Info: Student at Cornerstone University studying Contemporary Christian Music with an emphasis on Percussion Performance
Influences: Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Skillet, Tourniquet, Living Sacrifice, Extol, and Terry Bozzio
Equipment: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, Moongel Damping Pads, Roc-n-Soc Thrones, LP Percussion, Rhythm Tec Percussion, TreeWorks Windchimes, XL Protechtor Cases
Thanks: Big thanks to my parents and my little brother for putting up with all the noise, and always supporting me. Thanks to my friends and family for all the encouragement. Also thanks to Jim, Victor and the rest of the crew at The Drum Pad. And of course a huge thanks to God for blessing me with my wonderful friends and family.

Daren Wischmeier

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B-day: August 4th
Educational Info: Student at Cornerstone University studying Psychology and Family Studies
Influences: Coldplay, Eric Clapton, U2, Joe Satriani, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd.
Equipment: Schecter C1+ strat guitar, Marshall AVT100 combo amp, Boss Tuner, Boss Compression/Sustainer pedal, MXR phase 90 pedal.
Thanks: My mom and dad and the rest of my family: thank you for all the encouragement and support you've given me. My brother Jamie for always being there for me. My friends Brad, Pete and Jerry for being chill guys. Thanks to all the AA fans and the A-Team, you guys rock. Huge thanks to the AA guys for the opportunity to share the stage w/ them. And extra special thanks to Jesus Christ for working in and through my life; I am nothing without Him.