ELEMENT 13 is a rock band from central Wisconsin. We play Classic, Modern, and Original Rock.
The band started to form when Mike and Brad got together to write some lyrics for some of Mike's music. The songs turned out pretty good so they decided to spend some money and hit the recording studio. Mike laid down all of the guitar tracks, Brad did the vocals, and the studio owner filled in the bass and drums. Now Mike and Brad had a 7 song CD of their own music, but needed a band to play them in.
Brad plays guitar, but to focus more on his vocals they decided to look for a rhythm guitar player. Mike thought of his friend Dale. Dale had never been in a band, but he'd been playing guitar as a hobby for years. Mike thought of Dale because he had used one of his riffs on the beginning of one of the songs on the CD. Mike knew Dale would be a good fit for the band. He gave Dale the CD and had him learn the songs. He did a great job, and earned the rhythm spot.
Now... To find a drummer. After trying several drummers none of them were a good fit. Then Brad thought of his friend Jeff that played drums in a band they were in years ago. Jeff had moved to Madison, but he loves playing so much that he drove back to the Rapids area to tryout. From the first song they played, they knew that they had found their drummer. Everything just started to click. After driving from Madison and back for many practices, Jeff decided to move back to the area. NOW THAT'S DEDICATION!!!
The band still needed a bass player, which was becoming a problem. The one that they did find never showed up for the tryout. That is when they found out just how talented Brad was. Not only did he sing, he started playing the bass at the same time. That's sing, while learning to play bass. And he never skipped a beat. Amazing!
The band was finally formed in March of 2005. So with Mike's Old School, Blistering Leads, Dale's Rock Steady Rhythm, Jeff's Foot Stompin', Heart Pounding Beat, and Brad's Amazing Bass runs, and Vocals...they are... Element 13
History Update
On May 28th 2007 Jeff West died when his motorcycle left the road. Jeff was a great man, great friend and a great musician. I've only known Jeff for the 2 years we were in Element 13, but in that short time I consider him one of my best friends. I know that Jeff was at a happy time in his life. He was excited to be living in a great house he had just purchased, with the woman he loved, and he played in a band that he loved. Jeff lived for the show, he loved being behind those drums. I know this because he told me so after every show. He was very dedicated to his music and the band. He quit a good paying job and moved back to the area from Madison to be in the band. Before that he would drive back and forth every weekend to practice. Jeff you will be missed dearly, Rock on Brother! You will be with us through every show.
After the dust started to settle we were able to find Mark to hit the skins for us, and he hits them hard. At this point in time we have yet to play a show with Mark, but I know he's going to do a great job and he's going to fit in real good. We have our first show with him booked for August 25th 2007 at Red Brick. So the show must go on and on it will go!
Meet the Band
Brad Janssen: Lead Vocals / Bass
Mike Kuter: Lead Guitar / Vocals
Dale Pongratz: Rhythm Guitar / Vocals
Mark Marcoux: Drums / Vocals
Jeff West: Drums / Vocals 2005 - 2007 God Bless you Jeff. We miss you!
