Dear Beloved Blasted Fans:

One day in 2003 I had enough of ignoring my calling. I had finished singing in The Vibe a year earlier and something came over me. My obsession with No Doubt and Gwen Stefani gave me a huge idea. I wanted to start a new band but this wasn't going to be just any band. At the time all NJ had ever seen as far as female singers, were female fronted wedding ensembles and dance bands. A world conquered by Henry's, Joe's and Will's needed someone like me. I thought, "I want to be one of the boys" and I want to do it just as good. Enter the yellow and black Stryper pants, black work boots and dreadlocks, and Blasted was born.

The first lineup, consisting of myself, JD, Matt, Johnny, Chris and Greg, fearlessley attempted our very best first impression. Although no one caught on right away, I never expected the circus that was about to come. It was a circus with both up’s and down’s and a lifetime of memories.

Within four years, I think Blasted had the most members out of any cover band in history. One thing is for sure, the members that were present from start to finish were Ryan, Johnny and I. Johnny Rivera’s influence and heavy guitar playing cemented the Blasted sound. The idea was to play as heavy as we wanted and no matter what, the "girl-factor" would soften the blow. Ha Ha. Brilliant. Insert my secret weapon, Ryan Hoagland, who knew how to sing heavy and entertain like a clown at a kids birthday party, became my greatest accessory since my tube socks. Let’s face it, as testosterone driven as I tried to be, no one wanted to hear a chick singing “Down with the Sickness”. However, I earned the respect of male goers for that very fact. I’m not excluding any other members as being any more or less important, it’s just vital to mention that we three as the foundation and stability of this band became inseparable and unstoppable. I think it’s quite obvious that Blasted's greatest hey-day was the Ryan, Johnny, Kara, J3 and Damon lineup. At the same time we mystified and scared equal amounts with our undeniable unity, which I am continually proud of. Regardless of the best or worst days, we appreciate and love every member we ever had.

Blasted Fans – Wow! They were a unique breed and we're more appreciative of them then they know. I have to admit, I feel guilty because I truly think we created some bona-fide alcoholics. I remember people coming up to us and saying "I can’t stop drinking around you guys and I cant keep up". We were one big party coming to a club near you and many times the party didn’t end when the clock struck 1:30am. Blasted is so grateful to the ones who were always there and came to every show, you know who you are and I wish I could give you props, but it wouldn't be fair, and would break my heart to unintentionally exclude anyone. We love you all.

I have a hard time choosing between stage time and time with all of you as my best memories. Just know, you kept us all going till the end. I have a hell of a story to tell my daughter, but I think I'll wait until she’s old enough to hear all the gory details - LOL. I conquered what I wanted to do and I think I did an ok job. Blasted is like a miniseries of life lessons and good old crazy fun. I want to thank everyone and anyone who helped to support us. I hope you will continue to support Ryan and Johnny with their NEW project… WASTELANDS.

Love You All,

Kara

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