Daily Inspiration: Meet Cönaxx

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cönaxx. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Cönaxx (pronounced con-axe) began back in 2016 when Anthony Manzanares (guitar) and original drummer, Rory Andresky, ran into one another while Rory was working at a local grocery store. After catching up with one another, Anthony asked Rory if he was still drumming for another local band, which Rory wasn’t. They started working together, musical chemistry was off the charts. Without any prompting or any planning Rory and Anthony knew where each other wanted to take the musical improv and led to the two writing at least 3-4 songs in just a few days. Full-length songs just poured out of them like the sweat running from them in the jam room. Both knew they had to start a band together and had similar ideas for the sound as well as what kind of singer and bassist to include. After a few months go by, Alec Smith (singer) was doing karaoke performing “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin. Footage of him doing so was sent to Anthony and Anthony immediately contacted him and asked him to meet at their jam space. Alec hadn’t been a singer in a band before but it was evident he was meant for it from the first session he showed up! Anthony and Rory had him rehearse some pre-written lyrics to the song, “Unleashed” and his voice was a perfect fit for the sound. Immediately, it was decided that Alec was the voice of Cönaxx. The three of them got to work writing lyrics and forming song after song and with a full-proof set of originals Cönaxx played their first show with other local acts Twisted Escape. Cönaxx stole the night. Everything was on point; in the pocket, ripping vocals, thunderous drums and shredding lead. Cönaxx knew then that they were a force not to be reckoned with. Oh, and Alec and Anthony found out they were like, 6th or 7th cousins at an afterparty! Small world… But, they needed a bassist… so began the search.

After two or three weeks of auditioning bassists, none of them quite fitting the vibe, Anthony chatted up Kenny Karsten, who was his co-worker at a local music shop, while both were giving private lessons. Kenny agreed to give it a shot, and he not only nailed it but brought forth a huge dynamic to the sound because Kenny wasn’t really a rock/metal bassist. Kenny came from the land of funk and modern psychedelic-rock styles. But it was Kenny’s magic touch that gave Cönaxx a unique vibe. After another few years of shows went by, we had released our first album titled “Unleashed”, Cönaxx was playing shows and rallying in fans of classic rock and metal along with modern styles. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, Rory (drummer) was no longer able to play in the band. That’s when current drummer Dylan Montoya jumped in, and the band has been playing shows across Colorado working with nationally touring acts as well as several local shows. All while writing new music and releasing another album “Spirit Smoker”. Cönaxx has played with 80’s acts including Quiet Riot, Warrant, Steel Heart, L.A. Guns, and many more. The band continues to write new music, play more shows both big and small, and look forward to a future filled with music and rockin’ times. Cönaxx has recently formed a side project titled Van Zeppelin, which as it sounds, covered Van Halen and Led Zeppelin hits in one set. Fans have been ecstatic about the cover project and it helps Cönaxx get noticed from another angle.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth in some and not in others. The band’s tight musicality and performances gain a lot of attention and have only good things to hear from others. Bumpy so far as; playing a style which doesn’t gain immediate traction with our peers, and the member’s busy work life can at times alter certain events or how long we have to record and get together to work on non-music related tasks.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Not sure if we believe in luck. Luck is winning the jackpot on a slot machine on your first try. We’ve just always worked hard and no matter what obstacles arise we don’t complain, we just handle it and preserver with a fighting attitude.

Contact Info:

• Website: Conaxx.com
• Instagram: @conaxx_official
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conaxxmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC0oaiq-pNf1JZvKjryNcqPg
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gXe0vLxj1jpTmvfNFZAyk?si=5NgUZj7VRgCVWyU_oWi5kQ

Image Credits
1. Front Row Concert Photos – Chris Deutsch 2. Anna Nichole Rinaldi