Bleeding Rose Band members talk about their origins, performances, and future plans to rock n roll through the world. 

By Gabriel Acevedo

Ever since 2022, Bleeding Rose has been rocking the island with their passion for music and entertainment. You might have seen them taking the stage of Flagship Brewery in Tompkinsville or saw them at their concert at the Kreischer Mansion at Charleston during the Halloween season. 

Today, the banner was lucky to catch up with guitarist Matthew Asmat and lead singer Gianna Romano to discuss their band history, their passion for performance, and their ambitions for the future. 

While their plans for stardom might be big, their origin story is from the small music shop of Castellano’s house of music. “We’re all music teachers at this shop, Castellano House of Music,” states Asmat, “So we all just kinda met there.” As their passion for music grew, so did their desire to perform in a band. “It was a day I just came in, and Matt and Joe started talking about starting a band,” Romano recalls, “When they asked ` Hey boss! Do you know anyone that can sing? `, she suggested it to me and that was how we started.” 

While originally aiming for the battle of the bands, they were still able to find home in Flagship Brewery. Since then it isn’t rare to see the band rocking out the Tompskinville bar. Since their first concert, they have dedicated time to practice, learn new music, and find new ways to entertain the crowd. Flagship is not the only place either, expanding to venues like The Ole Swiss, Ralph’s sports bar, and even at St George theater, playing all over the island. 

.A typical practice consists of guitarist Matthew Asmat, followed by the arrival of lead singer Gianna Romano and Bassist Joe Casaliggi Jr, with Artie Driscoll arriving “fashionably late.” Together, these four-review music they would like to cover, rehearse for the next show, and spend time together as fellow band members and friends. “Usually, we practice our songs until 9 or 10 o’clock, then we hang out, sometimes mess around with each other, and end it off by eating somewhere.” Stated Asmat, who reflects on the fun times while practicing. 

After hours of practice, then comes the time to hit the stage. For Romano, it’s nothing but an overwhelming joy of rush. “I was never afraid, I always thought `get me up there! ` and there’s something about when… everyone’s watching you and you’re doing something awesome, and hearing everyone applauding, it’s like this overjoying feeling and it’s addicting!” Asmat, however, can admit he’s a bit shy, but when he’s out there playing, he states “it’s like he puts on a mask and becomes a different Matt Asmat, ready to shred.” 

The band does not plan to stop at just Staten Island, as they plan to move forward to other places in New Jersey to perform. Notably, the band’s eyes are set at The Stone Pony at Asbury Park on December 30th. “Jersey is a big hotspot for music, especially by the Jersey Shore. So if you can make it over there, then it`ll gain a lot of traction for us.” Stated Romano. “It’s a very big place for bands, so that has been the goal for us going forward.” Added Asmat, who stated that this opportunity will help their potential venue size grow in Jersey.

With hints of a new original song in the works, as well as more gigs in lower New Jersey, Bleeding Rose is hoping that 2024 brings success to the band, while providing the crowd a rocking experience.