Syncro-Tonic Swag comes to Statesville to share their swag

Syncro-tonic Swag band (courtesy of Syncro-Tonic Swag).

Syncro-tonic Swag band is coming to Statesville this Wednesday performing at the Piedmont Folkways located in Downtown Statesville. Piedmont Folkways is a non-profit organization with a mission to support local bands and live music. 

Syncro-tonic Swag is composed of four members—Yusy Abreu (singer), Steve Folger (bassist), Eric Woody (drummer) and Phil Shirley (guitarist). The band comes together to create groovy beats and remind audience members of their favorite songs.  

“We are the ‘Wow! I forgot how much I love that song!’ type of band,” said Abreu. “It is our challenge to get someone wowed and I think that is what we strive for.” Abreu explains how Syncro-tonic Swag fuels her passion for music and performance. “Just being in the band highlights my personality for sure,” she said. 

Syncro-tonic Swag is a cover band that aims to include songs that are not covered all the time by other cover bands. “We are starting to throw some originals into the mix and rotate them throughout the night,” said Shirley. Shirley has a passion and love for people having a good time. 

Shirley gives a brief history behind the coming up of the band. “I was invited to play in an all girls band but they needed a guitarist to play,” he shared. He added how the band fizzled out over time as members started careers and families. “Steve and I have been playing together since the early 90s and it was natural. Eric is kind of our vocal coach and reminds us when to sing our parts. When it lands, it lands really nice,” said Shirley, speaking about how each musician's parts come together. 

“It was an evolution of the swag from the band to get where we are,” added Abreu. 

Each member of the band shares their experience as musicians and performers. Shirley shares how it is a never ending learning experience for him and his guitar. “I love trying to master my instrument and I have a long, long way to go before getting it done,” he shared. Folger added about his experience with meeting different types of people while being a musician. “I have met so many musicians over the years and we have developed into our own family. It is just a different way of communicating with other musicians,” Folger shared. 

Abreu added how she feels as if she can tap into her alter ego when she is performing. “I don’t get to be this person when I am not on stage,” she said. “I get to connect with humans in such a way that only music can.” Woody shared that it makes him feel good when he is able to perform. “Well, being a rock god is not easy,” he joked. “But, it feeds your spirit and it feeds your soul. It is my happy place and it makes me feel good to see folks smile.”

“I can say that every single time we play live, there is not a single night where I don’t look over at each member of the band and just grin because each member of this band did something incredible,” said Shriley. He describes how the band comes together in both musical talent and energy that is remarkable when playing. “It just makes you grin ear to ear because it’s that badass,” he said. 

Syncro-tonic Swag is performing on Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Statesville Historical Collection (117 S Center St). Check out their Facebook page to keep up with local performances and updates on the band.  

“Spread the word and share the swag,” added Abreu. 

Promotional for Syncro-tonic Swag band happening in Statesville (Piedmont Folkways).