About the Band
The Muddy Wheel combines crafty musicianship with sweet, sweet gospel harmonies to bring a piece of Americana to Montreal.
Members:
Mike Di Re – Vocals & Guitar
Mark Di Natale – Strings & Vocals
Erin Elizabeth Hibberd – Vocals & Percussion
Gabriel Forget – Bass & Vocals
Derek Orsi – Guitar & Vocals
Eric Kappauf – Keys
Marcus Scalia – Drums
Mike Di Re
This former grunge-rock aficionado founded The Muddy Wheel after falling hard for the full sound of Americana and the twangy sound of folk. Lucky for us, his years of rocking with alt-rock foursome Dorlesion Lane taught Mike a thing or two about music composition and lyrics. He also honed some hard-hitting guitar skills and some serious vocal chops.
Mark Di Natale
Mike’s long-time pal and Muddy Wheel co-founder, Mark got his start impersonating Elvis Presley at the age of three. He went on to learn organ and guitar, and now dabbles in all manner of stringed instruments – including the über-sexy mandolin. A businessman by day, we’re pretty stoked to hear Mark put his knack for bluesy licks and smooth vocals to good use.
Erin Elizabeth Hibberd
No stranger to the industry, this songstress supplements her personal projects by imparting her talents as both a voice coach and a session vocalist. Having previously worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Karl Wolf, and Ryan Tedder, Erin currently fronts two all-female bands as well as adding her female vox to this otherwise boys’ club.
Gabriel Forget
Though he got his start clandestinely playing his brother’s bass, Gabriel eventually came out of hiding to pursue studies in music and jazz performance, specializing in both electric and upright bass. Now a full-time musician, he contributes his savvy to local acts including The Muddy Wheel and the contemporary-jazz quartet, Leaf.
Derek Orsi
Once the weird kid who tried to peddle operatic concertos to his grade school classmates, Derek is now enviable for both his musical dexterity and his luscious locks. When he isn’t playing guitar and harmonizing with The Muddy Wheel, he can usually be found at his recording studio, The Freq Shop, or acting as the creative force behind By The Fiends.
Eric Kappauf
Pianist, double bass player, and original composer, this musical triple-threat brings years of training to The Muddy Wheel. Born in France, Eric began studying classical piano at Conservatoire de Versailles and eventually graduated in jazz performance from Université de Montreal, where he was the recipient of the Planète Jazz bursary (2012) and the Sophie Desmarais bursary (2013). In addition to his Muddy Wheel gig, Eric also plays original compositions as part of the contemporary-jazz quartet, Leaf.
Marcus Scalia
The Muddy Wheel’s self-proclaimed textural and rhythmical support, Marcus has been drumming since he was just a young pup. He credits his rhythmic flexibility to his interest in African percussion and has previously played West African music as part of Bolo Kan.