Herman Astro is a Milwaukee-based band whose current lineup was solidified in 2009. Stepbrothers Zachary Pluer (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Cody Calderon (drums), joined childhood friends Eric LeMieux (electric guitar) and Adam Dosemagen (bass), in what proved to be a powerful assemblage of their diverse musical backgrounds. Characterized by locked in drums and bass (funk, jazz and latin influences), gritty and riffy guitar hooks, and buttery, deeply soulful vocals, Herman Astro has created a sound with rich dynamics and intensely emotive qualities.

In December of 2009, Herman Astro recorded their first, self-titled EP at Bobby Peru Recording in South Milwaukee, WI. The strong reception of their single “Sambawete” (named “Catchiest Song of the Year” by 88.9 Radio Milwaukee) and the buzz surrounding their live performances, allowed the band to play at venues such as Turner Hall Ballroom, High Noon Saloon and the “Emerging Artist Series”  at Summerfest in support of national acts such as Fitz and The Tantrums, Kings Go Forth, Orgone, The Constellations and Milwaukee-legend Paul Cebar.

Chico is the latest album from Herman Astro, released in December of 2011. Tracked live, in a log-room, Chico captures the deep dynamics that has quickly become emblematic of Herman Astro’s sound and takes the listener through the development of Herman Astro’s sound in their sophomore year. Quick promotion of Chico created a quick buzz and the band was added as direct support for Alabama Shakes at Milwaukee's Historic Pabst Theater in March of 2012.  Herman Astro was recently nominated for several WAMI awards (WI Area Music Industry), for Song of the Year - "Tell Me (What I Gotta Do)", Album of the Year - "Chico", and Male Vocalist of the Year - Zachary Pluer.  
 

“When I’m asked what Milwaukee looks like, I talk about the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World and Lake Michigan; when I’m asked what Milwaukee tastes like, I point people in the direction of great beer and cheese – now when I’m asked what Milwaukee sounds like, I can confidently say “Herman Astro” .  Their new disc “Chico” blends rock and soul and blues with a side of horns and a groove that grabs your attention from the first song to the last.  Milwaukee sounds GOOD, these days.”  -  Mark Keefe, Program Director, WYMS Radio Milwaukee, 88.9 FM.

PRESS

INTERVIEW (SHEPHERD EXPRESS): http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-17091-herman-astro-catches-grooves.html

CHICO REVIEW (THE ONION AV CLUB): http://www.avclub.com/milwaukee/articles/herman-astro-chico,66468/

INTERVIEW (MKE JOURNAL SENTINEL): http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/herman-astro-makes-stew-of-funk-blues-rock-k23cpmn-135585693.html

INTERVIEW (ON MILWAUKEE): http://onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/hermanastro.html

CHICO REVIEW (MKE JOURNAL SENTINEL): http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/cd-reviews-n43benn-135481513.html

"TELL ME REVIEW (105.5 TRIPLE M, MADISON, WI): http://www.1055triplem.com/FREE-MP3--Herman-Astro---Tell-Me/12299418?pid=228454

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE (89.7 WUWM, MILWAUKEE): http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/lake_effect_segment.php?segmentid=8932

BLOG ENTRY (KISS KISS BANG BANG E-ZINE): http://kkbbezine.com/2011/11/09/herman-astro/

CONCERT REVIEW (EXPRESS MILWAUKEE) http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-18003-alabama-shakes-w-her.html