2010: Chen Santa Maria

Chen Santa Maria is a duo consisting of Steve Santa Maria and George Chen.

“Question: How would you describe your live set to someone who has never seen you perform before? GC: We find out when you do.” —SFGate

The group utilizes a mix of samples, drum machines, guitars and effects to hone their varied outputs. The duo was formed in the winter of 2005 out of two solo acts (Megaweapon and Fun Santa Maria) which were thrust together on a West Coast tour. An ever fluctuating instrumentation and dedication to computer-free improvising has been the only consistent factor since CSM's inception. Buffalo native Steven Santa Maria has made copious CDR noise releases under the names Fun Santa Maria and collaborated with Randy Lee Sutherland in Jah No Dead. George Chen has played in the bands KIT, 7 Year Rabbit Cycle, Boxleitner, Vholtz, Grey Daturas (as touring bassist), Must Have No Magic, and Common Eider King Eider. Having shared stages with pinnacles of rock and noise (Yellow Swans, UsaIsAMonster, Hair Police, The Better To See You With, Evolution Control Committee, Sic Alps, YACHT), CSM have toured West and East Coasts of the United States and plan to continue said campaign for the foreseeable future.

Artist (photo by Photographer)