Smoke Star

The actual legend of Smoke Star says that Steve Ladagona and Chigger have crossed paths many times playing the New Jersey club circuit, not really paying any mind to one another. One fateful night backstage at a Black Label show, Steve and Chigger ran into each other again through mutual friends, and after talking, they realized that they had too much in common, musically and socially. Steve at the time was signed to LTS Records, who was backed by Vince Neil's Bad Bones Company. LTS Records folded, and so did Steve's band. It was then that Steve had a vision that would include his new brother, Chigger. Together, this dynamic duo wrote songs, while in the process of searching for the right components of what would become known as Smoke Star.

They found drummer Chris Manfre one night when they were just out for drinks. Chris was playing drums for a cover band, but his power and thunderous sound really impressed Steve and Chigger. They talked Chris into an audition, and a week later Smoke Star had a backbone. Now all Smoke Star needed were legs to stand or at the very least, a voice for the band.

After a long drawn out process of some really bad singers and some real mediocre singers, in walked Jamez Bennett, the 3rd cousin of lounge crooner Tony Bennett. James impressed the trio so much that he was asked into the band almost immediately, and within 2 weeks, the songs written by Steve and Chigger had lyrics and a voice.

With the line-up now complete and some songs ready to be heard, Smoke Star entered Crystal Studios in Park Ridge, NJ to record their self-titled 4-song EP. This EP showcases what Smoke Star is capable of with high-energy songs like "Separate" to the extremely melodic "Empty" to the anthemic "Keep It Alive." The EP is anchored by the very catchy "Home."

Before Smoke Star even played their first show, the anticipation for them was so high that they packed the first venue they ever played in New Jersey. They continue to impress and it almost seems that when they play, everybody stops what they are doing to hear the magic that is being pumped through the amps, drums, and P.A.

This world better be ready to get SMOKED……