sierra kusterbeck

For some people creating music is a choice, but for others it’s what they were born to do. VersaEmerge clearly fit into the latter camp.
VersaEmerge was formed by drummer Anthony Martone and guitarist/vocalist Blake Harnage back when both members were in high school. Although the duo instantly experienced regional success selling out their first ever gig and gaining critical acclaim in their local music scene, it wasn’t until the band solidified their line-up—which currently includes guitarist Jerry Pierce, vocalist Sierra Kusterbeck and bassist Devin Ingelido—that things really started happening for this dedicated group of teenagers. “When Sierra first tried out for the band we didn’t know what to expect,” Harnage explains, adding that the then sixteen-year-old female vocalist lied about her age in order to land an audition. “She’s always been amazingly talented, but now she’s learning how to use that talent to its full potential.”

While most of us were studying for tests and trying to sneak into R-Rated movies, VersaEmerge were busy crafting a brilliant EP of original material called Perceptions that attracted the attention of Fueled By Ramen. It’s not difficult to see why: Songs like the midtempo rocker “Clocks” showcase the band’s ability to create multi-layered sonic textures that serve as the perfect backdrop for Kusterbeck’s powerful vocals while melodic anthems like “Past Praying For” add a welcome layer of depth and musicianship to the typical pop-punk paradigm. In addition to listening to everything from Björk to Thrice during their free time, the band have toured with artists in nearly every genre and taken a little bit from each of these varied experiences in order to come up with something completely unique and unprecedented when it comes to their own music.

“We’ve gone on tour with everyone from dance-pop to metal bands,” Harnage explains with a laugh. “I guess people seem to think that we can play with pretty much anyone.” The band will soon be touring with We The Kings and Chiodos’ Craig Owens. More recently the band spent time refining their new material and releasing their debut EP for Fueled By Ramen with James Paul Wisner (New Found Glory, Underoath). “I think we’re getting closer to finding our sound,” Harnage explains when asked about the band’s yet-to-be-released material. “It’s dark and eerie, but at the same time it’s powerful and something that people can really relate to.”

Ultimately VersaEmerge are just excited to hit the road and get their music out to people on a larger scale than ever before—and they realize that right now is finally their chance to make that dream a reality. “We know that this is going to be the best year of our lives,” says Martone, “and it’s going to be the hardest working year of our lives, too.” When you consider the palpable excitement showcased by fans at the band’s incendiary live performances and the positive feedback from blogs and Web sites all over the world, it’s difficult to imagine how 2009 couldn’t be the year that VersaEmerge will become the breakout band that everyone will be talking about. “We’re just thankful to have this opportunity,” Harnage acknowledges. “There’s no way that we’re going to blow it.”