By Brandy Smouse
I was recently sent some info on an artist by the name of Rick Denzien. The powers that be didn’t feel that his story was worthy of the paper because he wasn’t local. Rick is originally from Springville, NY (out towards Buffalo). Ok, so maybe he’s not local, but I think what’s happening for Rick would be of great interest to many local bands that are trying to get their foot in the proverbial door.

Rick Denzien is the first Buffalo Area artist to simultaneously occupy the top position on the Internet music charts. Mpulse.com tracks the most popular artists and most listened to songs on the Internet. Denzien and his song "Desperation," from his latest CD, Exit 21 (released March 1999, by the Slot-1/Orchard label, an independent record label), has consistently climbed the Internet charts since its release. Denzien currently ranks #4 on the Alternative Rock Chart. "Desperation" ranks #4 overall on the Top Song Chart, ranks #2 on the Alternative Rock Chart, and ranks #1 on the mpulse.com MP3 chart.

Rick Denzien’s music has an eclectic alternative rock style that reminds me of a mix between Richard Marx and Pearl Jam. Sounds strange, I know, but if Richard Marx had Stone Gossard on guitar and didn’t sing so mellow all the time, you would have something quite like Rick Denzien. Make any sense? If not, go to Clips at ITunes and listen for yourself. The really cool thing about Denzien’s music is that while I was listening and liking it, I caught my mom tappin’ her foot, too.