Mikey Riot ~ Vocals
Mikey Riot is the Lead Vocalist, lyricist and main songwriter behind the Code Whiskey machine. His soulful vocal style has characteristics of some of the most prolific singers in the annals of rock and comparisons are often made to Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Layne Staley, Geoff Tate and Pat Travers. He has penned over 1,000 original songs and lyrics over his 30-year musical career, one of which, "Cold Hearted Woman", recorded with 90's cult-classic and Melodic Metallions "Frozen Rose", briefly broke into the Billboard "Top 400" , and many others of which have gone on to further the needs of other fellow musicians across the globe.
Singing live since the age of 20, Mikey honed his craft down in rural Southern Illinois, providing vocals for area powerhouses "A-Z B-Y", "Frozen Rose" and "Broadway", performing throughout the Midwest and releasing the "melodic metal" cult classic "Frozen Rose [EP]" in 1990 on Rolling Keg Records. The album is still widely recognized as having been one of the best "unheard" albums of the early '90's, and many websites like "Heavy Harmonies.com" and other music aggregator sites still refer to it even today, as having been an influence on other acts of the era.
In 2000, St. Louis, MO was his home and he fronted "Cold Night Calling", infamously staging an impromptu live performance on a 12 inch-wide 3rd floor ledge of a downtown building for a crowd that had gathered below to listen to the rehearsal going on, overhead. Police were called and, while Mikey and his guitarist stood on the 1-foot wide ledge performing the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For the Devil" for the streets of downtown St. Louis, a SWAT team was assembled in a misguided assumption that someone was going to jump.... After assuring the police no suicides were imminent and returning to the loft space, $300 poorer from the tickets issued, the scene was calmed down but lived on in the memories of local area musicians and fans. Although noticeably ignored, by the "Riverfront Times"......
Flash forward to 2008 and after a 4-year sabbatical in New York City where he observed up and coming acts making the scene, and watched as the music scene changed from what it was into what it now is, Mikey landed in Pittsburgh where he co-founded Code Whiskey and, after surviving a concurrent stroke and aneurysm which almost cut short his career, has rebounded and has been rockin' steady ever since...and some might even say, better than ever!!!
A died-in-the-wool classic rock vocalist, Mikey Riot can be brash, controversial, political, scathingly sarcastic, puts on a stage show that is high energy, and leaves everyone feeling just as drained as he is by the time he's done! He truly believes his job as a frontman is much more than just about singing the songs...... it's about entertaining and touching people's lives. His show's end "rants" are always something you'll talk about after wards, too.
Mikey proudly endorses Shure and Nady Microphones, Carvin Monitors, Alesis and Digitech Effects, Behringer Mixers and Zoom Digital Recorders.
Singing live since the age of 20, Mikey honed his craft down in rural Southern Illinois, providing vocals for area powerhouses "A-Z B-Y", "Frozen Rose" and "Broadway", performing throughout the Midwest and releasing the "melodic metal" cult classic "Frozen Rose [EP]" in 1990 on Rolling Keg Records. The album is still widely recognized as having been one of the best "unheard" albums of the early '90's, and many websites like "Heavy Harmonies.com" and other music aggregator sites still refer to it even today, as having been an influence on other acts of the era.
In 2000, St. Louis, MO was his home and he fronted "Cold Night Calling", infamously staging an impromptu live performance on a 12 inch-wide 3rd floor ledge of a downtown building for a crowd that had gathered below to listen to the rehearsal going on, overhead. Police were called and, while Mikey and his guitarist stood on the 1-foot wide ledge performing the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For the Devil" for the streets of downtown St. Louis, a SWAT team was assembled in a misguided assumption that someone was going to jump.... After assuring the police no suicides were imminent and returning to the loft space, $300 poorer from the tickets issued, the scene was calmed down but lived on in the memories of local area musicians and fans. Although noticeably ignored, by the "Riverfront Times"......
Flash forward to 2008 and after a 4-year sabbatical in New York City where he observed up and coming acts making the scene, and watched as the music scene changed from what it was into what it now is, Mikey landed in Pittsburgh where he co-founded Code Whiskey and, after surviving a concurrent stroke and aneurysm which almost cut short his career, has rebounded and has been rockin' steady ever since...and some might even say, better than ever!!!
A died-in-the-wool classic rock vocalist, Mikey Riot can be brash, controversial, political, scathingly sarcastic, puts on a stage show that is high energy, and leaves everyone feeling just as drained as he is by the time he's done! He truly believes his job as a frontman is much more than just about singing the songs...... it's about entertaining and touching people's lives. His show's end "rants" are always something you'll talk about after wards, too.
Mikey proudly endorses Shure and Nady Microphones, Carvin Monitors, Alesis and Digitech Effects, Behringer Mixers and Zoom Digital Recorders.
Collin Farren ~ Lead Guitar
Collin Farren was born into Code Whiskey in the winter of 2013 to shred away the rust the band had accumulated and brought with him, a dazzling array of talent, chops, dedication and gear.... and a work ethic beyond compare!
Collin's excitement that he has brought into the group has recharged everyone and created an environment where impromptu improvisation, blistering leads and sublime melodies are all melding together into a seamless array of technical expertise and aural nirvana!
His style begs to be given its due attention, and can be compared to guitarists like Dave Chastain, Chris DeGarmo, Adrian Smith and Joe Satriani. Intricate patterns and fluid augmentations are his hallmark thus far in his career. As Collin's input becomes entwined with the material, he is sure to be seen as a multi-dimensional musician and is assured of long term success. He also is well-versed on the saxophone and as such, you might eventually see a couple numbers emerge that features him wailing away on the sax, if you can imagine that display!
Since joining the family, Collin has dazzled audiences across the region with his talent, his open and calm demeanor, and his brilliant wit. He is, truly, a "diamond in the rough", and he will only continue to amaze people further, as his career and experience progresses!
Collin proudly endorses Gibson Les Paul and Stratocaster guitars and Line 6 amplification and Effects.
Collin's excitement that he has brought into the group has recharged everyone and created an environment where impromptu improvisation, blistering leads and sublime melodies are all melding together into a seamless array of technical expertise and aural nirvana!
His style begs to be given its due attention, and can be compared to guitarists like Dave Chastain, Chris DeGarmo, Adrian Smith and Joe Satriani. Intricate patterns and fluid augmentations are his hallmark thus far in his career. As Collin's input becomes entwined with the material, he is sure to be seen as a multi-dimensional musician and is assured of long term success. He also is well-versed on the saxophone and as such, you might eventually see a couple numbers emerge that features him wailing away on the sax, if you can imagine that display!
Since joining the family, Collin has dazzled audiences across the region with his talent, his open and calm demeanor, and his brilliant wit. He is, truly, a "diamond in the rough", and he will only continue to amaze people further, as his career and experience progresses!
Collin proudly endorses Gibson Les Paul and Stratocaster guitars and Line 6 amplification and Effects.
Jesse Farren ~ Guitar
Jesse Farren is, as the name might suggest, Collin's brother. He came to CW as our 2nd guitarist, but is second to no one, as he was blessed with a style that is, indeed, all his own. Calling him our "2nd" guitar might even be a disservice, since he can shred leads with the best of them!
Jesse has been playing for the better part of a decade, and is influenced by some of the great rockers of the classic hard rock era, including Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Tommy Bolin, Slash and Steve Lukather. Injections of Delta Blues and Texas Boogie are also found within his repertoire, making him a truly unique stylist..... He works closely with Collin, developing intricate nuances that make Code Whiskey's guitar tandem widely considered to be one of the very best in the entire Mid-Atlantic region!
Personable and outgoing, Jesse will certainly be happy to chat you up when he's not busy shredding fretboards into straws of tinder. As an amateur competitive bodybuilder, he believes in a healthy body/healthy mind philosophy that carries him into a state of being that is awesome to behold, and clearly evident when he's onstage and "in the zone".
Jesse's addition to the band fills out the rhythm section and adds new dimensions to the guitar team, and once you hear his blazing licks permeating your eardrums, you'll be a believer, no doubt!
Jesse proudly endorses Marshall Amplification and Gibson Guitars.
Jesse has been playing for the better part of a decade, and is influenced by some of the great rockers of the classic hard rock era, including Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Tommy Bolin, Slash and Steve Lukather. Injections of Delta Blues and Texas Boogie are also found within his repertoire, making him a truly unique stylist..... He works closely with Collin, developing intricate nuances that make Code Whiskey's guitar tandem widely considered to be one of the very best in the entire Mid-Atlantic region!
Personable and outgoing, Jesse will certainly be happy to chat you up when he's not busy shredding fretboards into straws of tinder. As an amateur competitive bodybuilder, he believes in a healthy body/healthy mind philosophy that carries him into a state of being that is awesome to behold, and clearly evident when he's onstage and "in the zone".
Jesse's addition to the band fills out the rhythm section and adds new dimensions to the guitar team, and once you hear his blazing licks permeating your eardrums, you'll be a believer, no doubt!
Jesse proudly endorses Marshall Amplification and Gibson Guitars.
George Washburn~ Bass
George Washburn is in his second stint with Code Whiskey, after having first played rhythm guitar with us for a spell back in 2012 in the interim before Jesse came aboard...but now, he has wielded the mighty bass guitar in his paws, and the tonal and chemistry dynamics he has created is simply incredible!
Influenced by classic southern rock and every 80's hair metal band that ever existed, George has played in bands from North Carolina to Pennsylvania over his 35 year musical career, including Code Whiskey, "The Scofflaws", and the "Southern Rock House Band" among others. As a guitarist, his influences are heavy rock to the core, but as a bassist, his sense of melody and juxtaposition invoke images of Steve Harris, Graham Maby, John Deacon (Queen), Sting, and Geezer Butler.
Not one dimensional at all, George also provides crystal clear backing vocals and, on occasion, might even pick up a guitar to perform either acoustically or electrically charged numbers, just to keep things light.
George is one of those rare guys you meet, and you have an instant connection with him. It speaks to his sense of awareness and a clarity of thought, that is a trait many wish they could achieve, but never do. His clarity shows through in his unique playing style, weaving a tapestry of melody that allows the two guitars to experiment and go to new and exciting places without losing the bass and rhythm that make the songs what they are.
Welcome Home, George! We missed ya'!!!!!
George proudly endorses the Jackson Futura line of bass guitars, Blackstar and Marshall Amps, Peavey Bass Heads and Amplification and Shure Microphones.
Influenced by classic southern rock and every 80's hair metal band that ever existed, George has played in bands from North Carolina to Pennsylvania over his 35 year musical career, including Code Whiskey, "The Scofflaws", and the "Southern Rock House Band" among others. As a guitarist, his influences are heavy rock to the core, but as a bassist, his sense of melody and juxtaposition invoke images of Steve Harris, Graham Maby, John Deacon (Queen), Sting, and Geezer Butler.
Not one dimensional at all, George also provides crystal clear backing vocals and, on occasion, might even pick up a guitar to perform either acoustically or electrically charged numbers, just to keep things light.
George is one of those rare guys you meet, and you have an instant connection with him. It speaks to his sense of awareness and a clarity of thought, that is a trait many wish they could achieve, but never do. His clarity shows through in his unique playing style, weaving a tapestry of melody that allows the two guitars to experiment and go to new and exciting places without losing the bass and rhythm that make the songs what they are.
Welcome Home, George! We missed ya'!!!!!
George proudly endorses the Jackson Futura line of bass guitars, Blackstar and Marshall Amps, Peavey Bass Heads and Amplification and Shure Microphones.
Jimmy "Beast" Catanzaro ~ Drums
Jimmy Beast returns to the Family after a yearlong hiatus where he focused on his original project, "Common Nightmare", as well as a new career position and a new relationship. His return is a welcome breath of polluted smog, to our overly sanitized lungs!
Jimmy is a hard core basher who makes no bones about his playing style, doesn't apologize for going against the grain and, as an individual, is one of the funniest people you would ever be gifted enough to have walk into your life.
Comparisons have been made to everyone from John Bonham to Cozy Powell, and there can always be more made, but Jimmy's style truly is his own. His background in classic punk and post-core metal give him a unique viewpoint from which to form the back beat and augmentations of a song, rhythmically. He takes a song and truly makes it his own without compromising any of the characteristics or nuances that you've come to know and love from the original performance.
Warm and personable, Jimmy Beast loves to talk and joke around with fans before and after the set, so make sure you come up and say Hi to him, and, in case you're wondering. yes....he DOES bite....so keep women and children clear from his mouth area....
Jimmy doesn't proudly endorse anyone or anything..... he just freakin' ROCKS!!!
Jimmy is a hard core basher who makes no bones about his playing style, doesn't apologize for going against the grain and, as an individual, is one of the funniest people you would ever be gifted enough to have walk into your life.
Comparisons have been made to everyone from John Bonham to Cozy Powell, and there can always be more made, but Jimmy's style truly is his own. His background in classic punk and post-core metal give him a unique viewpoint from which to form the back beat and augmentations of a song, rhythmically. He takes a song and truly makes it his own without compromising any of the characteristics or nuances that you've come to know and love from the original performance.
Warm and personable, Jimmy Beast loves to talk and joke around with fans before and after the set, so make sure you come up and say Hi to him, and, in case you're wondering. yes....he DOES bite....so keep women and children clear from his mouth area....
Jimmy doesn't proudly endorse anyone or anything..... he just freakin' ROCKS!!!