Jackson Free Press

The four talented musicians known collectively by the moniker "Charmed I'm Sure" gather in the confines of their provisional studio, secluded in the backyard of a Reservoir neighborhood. Russ Clark, vocalist and lead guitarist, sits cross-legged on the floor along with Nick Vallas, Charmed I'm Sure's drummer. Reclining nearby are guitarist Matt Weems and bassist Blake Edward Thomas.

"I realized recently that we are all complete nerds!" Russ exclaims with a laugh. It is this mix of soft-spoken humility and youthful exuberance that characterize Charmed. Clark, a University Christian School graduate, started the band in July 1999 with cousin Kevin Holdiness. Their early lives were consumed by music. "I've always wanted to start a band and have been pushing it since I was 13 years old," he says.

"Music is life," Nick Vallas chimes in, "You breathe it in, and you breathe it out." Vallas, a graduate of Northwest Rankin, has backed Charmed on drums since February 2001. If Clark is the band's soul, then Vallas is its heart, providing pulsating time and staccato rhythms. He plays with great gusto and his passion and energy is contagious.

"I was one of the troublemakers in the neighborhood," Matt Weems says with a smile. He doesn't smile when he thrashes his Stratocaster, and since joining Clark and Vallas in 2004, his throbbing chords have established a heavy and serious presence. Weems also graduated from Northwest Rankin, and he believes music can benefit the listener in many ways. "Music is therapy for love, aggression or excitement," he says.

Charmed I'm Sure would not be complete without the subtle-yet-serious bass sounds of the eclectic Blake Edward Thomas. Also a Northwest Rankin graduate, Thomas started playing the guitar at 8 years old, and he endured several open-mic nights at the Coffee Roastery in Flowood, before replacing Kevin Holdiness in late 2005.

While Russ Clark writes the lyrics for Charmed, the music is a collaborative effort. The result is a unique blend of rock and jazz that pays homage to three of their idols: Prince, Smashing Pumpkins and Third Eye Blind.

Charmed I'm Sure's first EP recording, "The Cyber Shot," has been shipped out this month. "Sannya Sin" serves as their signature song, and it showcases each member's instrumental talent with finesse and originality. "Firecracker" follows close behind, and when performed live, it could make your ears bleed. The rest of the album closely resembles the sounds of vintage Red Hot Chili Peppers or the younger band Buckcherry.

Thomas learned a lot from his brother: "I used to go to sleep at night listening to him playing Metallica over and over."

Vallas admits it was his religious heritage that brought home the power of music home to him. "The Greek Orthodox church has a lot of music," he says. "My family is also very musical. It influences me personally."

Weems firmly believes in the power of the fan. "There is nothing like being on stage in front of two people, 25 people, a hundred people or 15,000 people—you get a rush like you own the place."

"There is no drug out there that can beat it," Clark agrees. "That is something that makes me feel really good, that people might identify with it or take it to heart."

Charmed has spent most of its time writing and performing at clubs and coffee-houses in both Jackson and Hattiesburg, but the four amigos are optimistic about their future. They hope to hit the radio oneither local shows like Rock 93.9's popular "15 Minutes of Fame" or WLEZ 103.9's evening showcase "Mississippi Happening."

The road to fame and fortune will not be easy, but Charmed believes that they can only grow together. "Your band can always gain talent over the years," Clark explains. "The most important part is keeping a strong state of friendship."

Charmed I'm Sure plays The Joint on April 29.