Band Members

Mike Visaggio
Keyboards, Vocals

Mike has been playing since 1962 and has been in many cover bands in the New York City area, a prog/fusion band called Randori also in NYC, recorded several discs with Billy Falcon's Burning Rose in the late 1970s, and played with several Richmond VA bands since 2000 including the legendary Strokers. He began the "Starship Universe" project in the spring of 2005, completing it in January of 2006 in response, he believes, to the prompting of God. Originally influenced by the organ playing of Felix Cavaliere (of the Young Rascals), Mark Stein (of Vanilla Fudge) and Lee Michaels, Mike fell in love with Yes (Tony Kaye, Rick Wakeman) and Emerson Lake & Palmer (Keith Emerson) in the 70's, and Asia (Geoff Downes) in the 80's. He is well grounded in all good classic rock and some jazz and fusion like Chick Corea, John Novello and Brian Auger. But what sets his music apart is the mix of prog and classic rock blistering from the keyboards, especially the Hammond B-3 and the Alesis synthesizer, and the wonderful inspiration provided by God, to whom Mike is forever indebted, as he found true Christianity in 1978 and has had his worldview informed by it ever since. However Kinetic Element is NOT a "Christian rock band" and does not proselytize. Mike began recording "Starship Universe" alone, but now has the band to perform it and newer compositions.

 

Michael Murray
Drums, Vocals

Michael's dad is a drummer who started in school, has been playing gigs in and around Norfolk since he was a teenager and is still playing to this day. Michael really got started in school in 6th grade band himself. Once in while his dad would set up his drums in the house and he'd jump on 'em every chance he got so he's been playing since he was a kid. Michael has played off and on in his spare time with bands doing blues, rock, country/southern rock etc. He enjoy blues, jazz and rock, especially Prog. His favorite drummer is Neal Peart from Rush and along with that band some of his other favorite classic rock bands are Yes, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn. A couple of his favorite newer bands are Gov't Mule, Spock's Beard and even the Dave Matthews Band. Michael helped Mike Visaggio with three tracks on his solo project "Starship Universe" and joined Mike in September 2006 to form Kinetic Element, and he can take credit for coming up with the name.

 

Todd Russell
Guitars

Todd is a classically trained musician from the Richmond area, joined Kinetic Element in November of 2008 and has been working into the music. He is on the recording of Powered by Light that the band has recorded and has transformed KE's sound by his playing. Todd is a big fan of Steve Howe and after playing classical and jazz for many years is in his first progressive rock group.

 

 

George DeCola II
Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard

George DeCola is from Utica, NY. He's been singing since elementary school when he, his father and sister would sing “Goin’ To The Chapel” in 3 part harmony while cleaning up the dishes after supper. He's sung in many choirs in school and the community his whole life. He taught himself to play guitar and keyboards in 1989, so he could write songs because his girlfriend dumped him. Love provides great inspiration for song writing.

George played in rock-n-roll bands for about 5 years in bars, nightclubs, festivals, weddings, etc. He and his father started a Beatles Tribute Band called Abbey Road. For about 5 years this was a great project where they brought their guitars, amplifiers, wore costumes and wigs. It was a great show. They also put a slide show together with The Beatles narrating the audio portion, telling the history of The Beatles and their songs. They played great places in front of thousands of people some include: The Beatle Fest in New York City, New York State Fair, Hershey Park, PA and many premier gigs around central NY.

“In March of 2004, God tapped me on the shoulder and my passion erupted for the Lord. Turning to music I joined the praise band at church. Since 2004 I’ve been playing in church mostly but missed playing rock music with good musicians. So I answered an ad for Kinetic Element with great musicians and I’m really glad I did.”

Len DuPilka
Bass

Born in NY and started playing music at age 15. Began formal studies under Norm Irvine, Bassist - Richmond Symphony and jazz with Herb Smith at NVCC. Joined US Special Operations Forces – Ranger w/tours in Central America & North Africa. Completed undergrad studies (BS) in Economics & Finance and Music at Austin Peay State University under Dr. Solie Fott playing with members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Also studied under Roger Spencer, Double Bassist of the Nashville Jazz Institute. Completed the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Middle Tennessee State University.
Teacher, Composer, Performer and Studio musician having played all types of music in all different genres, settling on Fretless Electric Bass with my biggest influence being Jaco Pastorius. Moved to Richmond, VA and joined Kinetic Element in summer, 2011.

 

Melanie DeCola
Backing Vocals