The Symbols is an eclectic rock band out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Band members Mer Sal (lead vocalist and bass) and Jasco (guitar) formed the band two years ago after adding Ryan Sapp on drums.
Hard work and determination might be two things that define their work ethic. Between touring, writing songs and releasing CDs, one has to wonder when this group has time to breath.
The Symbols are a three-piece band that hails from Fort Collins, Colo. The members are Mer Sal, singer and bass player, Jasco on guitar and Ryan Sapp, who rounds out the trio on drums.
With the exception of Sapp, who is originally from Detroit, Mich., the band members are from the Wyoming-Colorado area. Sal is a Fort Collins native and Jasco grew up in Laramie.
Sal and Jasco formed the band two years ago after she met him while he was rehearsing with an instrumental trio. “I just walked up to him and said ‘gimme that mike,’” Sal said. They brought Sapp on board to play drums and the rest is history.
Sal said the name just came to them one day. They wondered what the most powerful rock band in the world would call itself. “We looked at each other and said ‘The Symbols,’” Sal said.
Sal describes The Symbols’ music as “a combination of rock, funk and blues with pop music sensibilities.” Some of their influences are Jeff Beck, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cheryl Crow and James Brown.
The band is constantly writing songs. They have put out three CDs in the last 18 months: The Symbols, Be Here Now and most recently A CD. Sal said their goal is to release three more CDs in the next 18 months.
The Symbols has toured Wyoming, Colorado, California, Kansas and Oklahoma.
“I’m not the type of person to tell people they need to come to our show, but come to our show. You will be happy,” Sal said.
The Symbols will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Gryphon Theater. Opening for them will be Michaela Rae and the Miller Brothers.
