Groundlift is a power trio hailing from the cold streets of Boston, Massachusetts.
The joining of their three varied and eclectic music tastes resulted in a fresh, unique sound where Ace’s love of beautiful melodies, Mike’s adventurous Queen-like writing style, and Leah’s unbridled technical prowess all shine through.
Starting at Berklee College of Music, they are three musicians obsessed with their craft, allowing each other to fire on all cylinders with no holds barred. Combining tasty and inventive licks with catchy melodic hooks, surreal lyrics, shredding guitar-drum-AND bass solos, and an unfathomable rhythmic tightness, Groundlift is truly a band unlike any other.
Serving the music is Groundlift’s only goal. In a world where many things are fake and manufactured, Groundlift aims to rise above the norms and bring people a unique, honest, and contemporary rock experience. Now with their latest collaboration with producer Steve Evetts, the trio has honed their sound into a mix of hard rock, funk, blues, progressive rock, and Brit-pop glory.
MEET THE BAND
Ace McCormack - Guitar & Vocals
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Mike "The Ace" McCormack is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Groundlift. He started playing guitar at the age of 8 while growing up in Northborough, Massachusetts. He quickly became fascinated by Green Day, Guns N' Roses and Oasis. Throughout middle and high school he played in bands with his friends and performed in the jazz band. Groundlift was formed in 2015 by Ace and his high school friend Michael Dutko. Since enrolling at Northeastern University in 2016, he has enjoyed playing with Leah Bluestein on the drums. Ace writes many of Groundlift's songs and carefully crafts his guitar parts to take after the style of his favorite players.
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Influences: Slash, Billie Joe Armstrong, Liam and Noel Gallagher
Leah Bluestein - Drums
Leah’s journey as a drummer began in 2008 when her family got the video game Rock Band. As soon as her father opened the box, she was immediately drawn to the drums and after a year of shedding the game, she could play Tom Sawyer on the expert level. At that point, her mother decided it was time to buy a real drum set. Since that day, Leah hasn't put down her sticks. She went on to meet Groundlift at Berklee College of Music where she earned a degree in Drum Set Performance. Being in Groundlift has allowed her to have complete creative freedom writing drum parts that embody all of her heroes, and that she is truly proud of.
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Influences: Neil Peart, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins
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Mike Dutko is from Southborough, Massachusetts and starting playing the bass at the age of 14. He quickly became obsessed with the instrument and a few years later met Ace, who was equally obsessed with the guitar. Michael varies his bass playing style greatly with each song, sometimes being the lead instrument and other times laying back taking on a more traditional role. He plays Le Fay basses and studied at Berklee College of Music, where he met Leah.
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Influences: Chris Squire, Krist Novoselic, Mike Dirnt
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