S.O.S. “What does that stand for?” a lot of people ask. “An internationally recognized distress signal in radio code.” Why don’t they make it something funny or more original? They all have “real” jobs and by the end of the week, they are definitely under distress, they are ready to let loose, and have a great time. If you follow their S.O.S. “signal” they’ll make sure you’re having a great time too.
Jonny Cee and Scottie P started jamming together about 4 years ago, and they always wanted to form a band. One day Puliti stopped by, liked what he 
heard, so he decided to learn Bass, so he could make the “band” complete. They tried getting a fourth member, or a 2nd guitarist for a while, they actually recorded their first E.P. with 2 guitarists. Now after dealing with a lot of stress, they finally are back to the original three members and loving it. Jonny and Scottie are both writing a lot of originals. They are working on building their own mini studio so they can record their next EP or even a full CD! With that studio they’re also hoping to help bands get out of their “garages” and get demos made so they can hit the scene and get out there in a professional way. That just shows the heart of these guys. They care about everybody. They are a really tight knit group, they know what it’s like struggling to get on your feet and keep going.
heard, so he decided to learn Bass, so he could make the “band” complete. They tried getting a fourth member, or a 2nd guitarist for a while, they actually recorded their first E.P. with 2 guitarists. Now after dealing with a lot of stress, they finally are back to the original three members and loving it. Jonny and Scottie are both writing a lot of originals. They are working on building their own mini studio so they can record their next EP or even a full CD! With that studio they’re also hoping to help bands get out of their “garages” and get demos made so they can hit the scene and get out there in a professional way. That just shows the heart of these guys. They care about everybody. They are a really tight knit group, they know what it’s like struggling to get on your feet and keep going. I started asking S.O.S. my same “cheesy” questions, but they weren’t giving me direct answers, so this article will be a little different than usual. It’s my own personal view on what I’ve witnessed about S.O.S. in the past year. S.O.S. is the first band I saw by myself as “Rachel Rocks.” They were playing at Tubby’s in Duncannon, which is a great place to see any band. The first time I saw them they did have four members. Jonny at the time just sang back up and Puliti 
and Scottie barely sang at all. It sort of shocked me at first at how fast they played but then I realized that’s the modern “pop punk rock” I’ve heard so much about. After I could get my beat wrapped around their rhythms you can’t help but dance and have a great time. They try to stay on top of things and play a lot of the most current songs, Blink 182 is personally one of my favorite bands they cover, but my favorite song they play is “Told You So,” one of their originals. They occasionally announce they’re playing an original, but usually they just sneak them in…the melody and words of the song are so full of meaning, you can just relate with their loss, or their life, and just keep partying right along, like nothing ever changed. I’ve seen S.O.S. so many times since that first night, it’s hard to keep track of where and when. I just know that every time I’ve heard them, it’s always been a great time.
and Scottie barely sang at all. It sort of shocked me at first at how fast they played but then I realized that’s the modern “pop punk rock” I’ve heard so much about. After I could get my beat wrapped around their rhythms you can’t help but dance and have a great time. They try to stay on top of things and play a lot of the most current songs, Blink 182 is personally one of my favorite bands they cover, but my favorite song they play is “Told You So,” one of their originals. They occasionally announce they’re playing an original, but usually they just sneak them in…the melody and words of the song are so full of meaning, you can just relate with their loss, or their life, and just keep partying right along, like nothing ever changed. I’ve seen S.O.S. so many times since that first night, it’s hard to keep track of where and when. I just know that every time I’ve heard them, it’s always been a great time. Around this time last year their friend, Jim Fetzer, decided to help out and start booking some shows for them. Jim wound up being pretty successful getting them bookings throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York. Jim was so successful he actually wound up starting Fetzer Music Management and C & B Bookings, both of which represent several bands throughout the United States. To me personally Jim was a little too successful. S.O.S. was everywhere but here, in the Harrisburg area. They loved being on the road, and they still travel quite a bit. The best part about being on the road is less stress. You’re just expected to show up, do what you do, and entertain the masses! They also say their originals are much more accepted in different areas. Up in New York where they’ve played they discourage cover songs, so that’s why Jonny Cee and Scottie P, are working so hard at coming up with more great originals.
Recently they finally took a break from everywhere else and came back home. It was great getting to see them again, and it was amazing to see how much they’ve grown as a band. They are so much more relaxed with only three guys on stage. All 3 are singing now and they have fantastic harmonies. Jonny Cee is singing lead and playing lead guitar, which I’m told also isn’t an easy thing to do. Puliti even now leads on a few songs, with an amazing amount of energy.
Scottie P sings all the originals he writes. One of my favorites of his is “Prove Me Wrong.” I love how much more excited a band plays when they’re playing their originals. It’s awesome to see them doing something they’ve always dreamed of doing, and that is sharing their music. Sometimes it’s hard for S.O.S. to see their band as a “business.” They are having so much fun they sometimes forget the big goal of being “full time” musicians.
Scottie P sings all the originals he writes. One of my favorites of his is “Prove Me Wrong.” I love how much more excited a band plays when they’re playing their originals. It’s awesome to see them doing something they’ve always dreamed of doing, and that is sharing their music. Sometimes it’s hard for S.O.S. to see their band as a “business.” They are having so much fun they sometimes forget the big goal of being “full time” musicians. One of the normal things they did want me to do is to thank everyone who has helped them along their way. Stu, Rod, and Jesse are their roadies, and of course Tim, their security guard. Jesse is their unbelievable sound and light guy that travels with them everywhere they go. Also, if Jesse is ever begging you for 2 Quarters, please give it to him. Puliti needs it to go on stage for Good Luck! They also wanted to thank all the bands that have allowed them to open their shows, and all the great musicians that have opened for them. Some other great assets of the guys are their women…sorry ladies they are taken. Amy Jo, Melissa, Tasha, and Shannon, are definitely their strong support. Unfortunately a lot of times the ladies don’t get to go on the road with them, but the guys definitely miss seeing their familiar faces in the crowd. I know I personally love being greeted by the ladies. Every time I go to a show as soon as I walk in I get a big “Hello!” They are the ones making sure the fans have everything they need and help everyone have a good time. It’s always easier to get on the dance floor when there is already a crowd dancing and having a great time.
S.O.S. will also be playing the Millennium Music Conference this year. They were a little disgruntled to find out they weren’t playing the main stage, but then they found out they were playing Carnahan’s in New Cumberland. Carnahan’s was the very first place they played, so it will be nice going back to their roots and drawing a crowd to the place that gave them their “big break.” You can check out their performance there on Friday, February 15th at 11:30, or you can check them out at various other stops throughout the state. You can check out their full schedule in this issue.
Become S.O.S.’s friend at www.myspace.com/sosrockspa so you can follow their “signal” to their next big show. You’ll be glad you did!
Photo by “Twisty of Suicide Puppets
Article by: Rachel Rocks