By Rachel Goodman
Dave Ridenhower browses a Guitar Center magazine, looking for the next addition to his daughter, senior Zoe Ridenhower’s, band, Undecided. This would be one of many purchases he has already made. He searches for guitars, drumsticks and what he finds most expensive, amps.
“ I’ve enjoyed being the provider or financial support on this adventure,” Dave said. “I wish I would have done something like this when I was younger, but I lacked talent.”
Zoe appreciates the support from her father. Not only does he back her up financially, but he also goes to all of her shows. He says he has no doubt that she will go far in music, and he always tries to give her his best advice– make money, become famous and explore music.
Along with focusing on her homework and any upcoming Drama Club events, Zoe also finds time to plan the next band practice. It all started in sixth grade when she played the trombone in her middle school band.
“I was in middle school band, and in seventh grade, I went to a music store and bought an electric guitar,” Zoe said. “The rest is history.”
Their first headlining show was at the SciFi Lounge in Questwood Plaza Mall. There were three other performers and an audience of around 30 people. Their big hit was the cover song “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5. This is also where they made their first dollar. “It was only $25, but I hung up the first dollar in a frame in my basement,” Zoe said.
Justin Church, head of Open-Mic Night at the St. Charles Coffee House, is someone Zoe likes to call the band manager. Church helps the band get gigs outside of the Coffee House, as well as records them with his home-studio equipment. Undecided finished their second home-recorded CD consisting of six Christmas songs.
Since then, Zoe has landed some shows per- forming by herself, two of which were at the St. Charles Coffee House where she sings with her band and occasionally co-hosts the show. She began by singing cover songs from the radio’s Top 40 Hits list to now singing some original songs she wrote herself. Some people prefer Zoe to be solo.
“They’re not bad,” Carlos, a coffee shop worker, said. “They’re getting better, but I like it when she’s alone.”
On top of singing, Zoe also plays the guitar, bass, drums and basic piano. Her favorite instrument is the guitar; she has seven.
“My favorite is my blue, Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar, its my baby,” Zoe said. “No one can touch it.”
