VersaEmerge

Starting in 2003, Floridian alternative rock band VersaEmerge released their first EP “Cities Built On Sand” with Spencer Pearson on vocals steering in the post-hardcore direction. In 2007 after a complete overhaul of band members aside from founder Blake Harnage, they recruited Devin Ingelido from Bury the Ashes on bass and found the new voice of VersaEmerge in the young pipes of 16 year old Sierra Kusterbeck. Her powerful emo-centric vocals led the band to a more melodic sound which fed into their first release with Kusterbeck in the form of the “Perceptions” EP in 2008. Now having solidified their sound the band were picked up by Fueled By Ramen later that year. In 2009 they released their self-titled EP featuring tracks such as “Past Praying For” and “Theatrics”. Through relentless touring with similar bands, festivals and supporting label-mates Paramore and Weezer they saw their increasing fanbase grow rapidly. Their highly anticipated full length debut album “Fixed At Zero” saw them experiment with electronic aspects taking influences from artists such as Bjork and Imogen Heap. Making a grand entrance on stage with an enchanting piano intro (an expression of Harnage’s love of musical soundtracks), Kusterbeck hits the stage screaming “I wanna see you guys move!” to which the crowd respond instantly. “Fixed at Zero” is a perfect opener as she spins across the stage, pointing the microphone into the crowd as they sing back in perfect unison. The energy levels are set to maximum as they move into “Past Praying For”, with dark moody lighting the band are only visible through the barrage of camera flashes. Flitting between Harnage and Kusterbeck’s beautifully intertwined harmonies, they jump across the stage encouraging the crowd to follow suit. It’s clear that they truly have a passionate fan base as they scream before, during and after every song and any moment the microphone is pointed in their direction by Kusterbeck, they sing back at the top of their lungs. With the crowd shouting for an encore they close the set with an acoustic version one of their older tracks “Clocks” to which they crowd go crazy for. Watching VersaEmerge is truly a cinematic experience between epic soundtracks and musical interludes you’re taken on a wild adventure directed by Kusterbeck’s impeccable vocals and endearing stage presence.