Rockin’ for ANWR

Give drilling a chance, says ANWR — the band, America’s future relies on responsible drilling in ANWR — the refuge

Steve Sutherlin

PNA Managing Editor

Anchorage-based rock and roll band ANWR believes in music with a message, and its message in the song, “Drilling — Yes or No” is that the nation needs oil from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Alaskans have a right to develop their resources.

There are lots of good reasons to drill in ANWR, but many people haven’t become engaged enough with the issue to understand, the band said. That’s where music comes in.

“Music touches the core of a person,” said Joan Massart-Paden, ANWR keyboardist.

If America hears through music that real people support ANWR development, politicians blocking drilling might change their votes, she said.

“People won’t listen to a debate or read a well-written article, but they’ll listen to a four minute song,” said Connie Wilhelm, vocalist and co-writer of “Drilling — Yes or No.”

The profile of the six-piece band has risen rapidly since its inception in August. Already its drilling song has gotten airplay on The Rick Rydell radio program on 650 KENI radio in Anchorage, and a mention in the Sept. 29 Alaska Ear column in the Anchorage Daily News.

The band grew organically, and isn’t controlled by any commercial or political group, Massart-Paden told PNA. Wilhelm’s co-writer Gary Webster, ANWR guitarist/vocalist, and bass player Dan Webster were playing in another band when Gary Webster heard Wilhelm singing as she went about her work at his dentist’s office. He shared his idea for the ANWR name, and Wilhelm wrote the lyrics to the drilling song. Webster added the music.

When Webster went to speak with Kim Duke at Arctic Power about a web site for the band, Duke suggested Massart-Paden as a keyboardist. Massart-Paden was already working with drummer Bruce Finlay of the ‘60s group, The Sorrows, and lead guitarist Gene Hall. The six came together as ANWR and started recording.

As Congress considers the ANWR issue, the band is scrambling to find ways to get its message out. Already the opposition is planning a counter-attack, Massart-Paden said. The band has heard the Sierra Club is dusting off an anti-drilling song it recorded a while back, for re-release.

For more information visit: www.anwr-band.com.