herb heins

What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy?

Seeing students having fun reaching their musical potential.

 

Hometown: North Babylon, New York (Long Island)

 

Your musical focus/instruments you play:

Songwriting, composition and recording is my focus and the reason I learned to play. Guitar is my main instrument, including slide, open tunings, Travis picking, lap steel, acoustic and electric, familiar with the fundamentals of many genres including Funk, Reggae, Rock, Country, Blues, Pop and basic Jazz. I am also able to play bass, mandolin, tenor banjo and piano, as well as sing.

 

When did you start pursuing music?

​I began writing songs in 1975, my first year of high school. Took some piano lessons in 1976, some guitar lessons in 1977. Studied music at SUNY Oswego 78-79, first live performance with a band called The Rest, 1982 at SUNY Potsdam. Moved to Rochester 1985  and founded Herb Heins and The Turbines, an alt rock original band. We performed throughout western NY, released one album, Napalm Sundae. I also joined IATSE local 25 as a stagehand. Founded original thrash metal band Chaos Matrix in 1991, performed throughout WNY and CNY, released a self titled EP. Joined Bob Bunce’s original psychedelic jam band The Beyond Riddim Orchestra in 1995, then in 1997 formed Tumbleweed with Bob. Released a solo album ‘Headstorm' in 1997. Joined rock cover band Black Eyed Rosey, performed with them from 1998-2000. At this time I began working as a live audio engineer with SOL Productions. Performed and recorded with Andre Foxxe of P-Funk, in his projects The Psychedelic Ghetto Pimps and Billy Makenzie Band. Released on the album ‘Myllenium’ and opened for P-Funk at The Royal Oak Park theatre. On hiatus from 2000-2004 to attend grad school, obtained MS in Literacy, began working as a teacher in the Webster Central School District. In 2004 a group of us formed a collaborative progressive jam band project called the Almightys. 2006 with Chris English and Matt Ramerman we created and produced the ROC City Pro Jam, which was featured in nearly every major venue in Rochester. I also began performing in a reggae band called Resistance, led by George Wesley. 2012 I formed Papa Herb and The Sol Vibration, an original project with some of the region's best players performing music influenced by late 70s soul, R n B, reggae and rock. The album One Time was released in 2020 on all streaming platforms as well as a limited vinyl edition. Currently I am performing and writing for the Herb Heins Band. I also collaborate and perform with local musicians, including Teressa Wilcox, Bob Bunce, Chris English, Public Water Supply. In all things it is my belief we cannot embrace the future if we do not let go of the past.. It is the nature of all art to evolve.

 

What is your musical background?

​As a child I revered many of the artists of my time from The Beatles to Sondheim, from Zappa to Stavinsky. I soon realized what I revered was the integrity of the piece and performance. Any and all kinds of music and sounds enraptured me and I lost the ability to have favorites. For me it’s hearing something new, different, done with genuine passion and honesty. Lately it’s anything from Doechii to Julian Lage.

 

What are your musical influences/favorite bands?

​Let’s restate the hypothetical into what it’s actually asking: One album to listen to for the rest of my existence? Bach’s Goldberg Variations, performed by Andras Schiff

 

What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve performed?

​Party In The Park before they changed it to a paid show with security and tribute bands. With the Ross Cirri Band we opened for Ivan Neville. With Teressa Wilcox we opened for Lucinda Williams. Back in the day Scorgies, Idols, Red Creek were all amazing venues, along with Milestones, Jazzberrys, Dinosaur BBQ. Abilene is a current fave, Lovin Cup, Three Heads Brewing, Photo City, Flour City are all fun venues. Lilac Fest is also a fine event to perform at. A standout gig was opening for P-Funk in Detroit. Estival Festival, G-Lodge and Hollerhorn are great summer venues.

 

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on-stage? 

​Hard to pick.. following a band that did a live sex act was challenging. Using a wireless one night I got cracked ribs from a guy who flew out of the mosh pit and cross checked me. A drunk county sheriff in uniform jumped on stage one time and insisted we play Freebird so he could sing with us.. as he was big, bald and armed we complied. Terrible voice..There are so many crazy things over the years, much crazier than what I’ve shared.

 

What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?

​Don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t listen to you first, trust your muse first and always.