DIVER THROUGH is a band based out of Brooklyn/NYC founded by veteran songwriter Michael Baynes (vocals/guitar/songs), with Mike Rellah (BASS), and Ken Nasta (DRUMS). The sound of Diver Through is ethereal, dreamy, catchy, indie rock.
Based on a phrase in a poem by a friend, “Diver Through” was first used publicly in 2013 when Michael got a few friends together to record a set of new songs in one night. That session became the “Scattered Days EP” which was the first official Diver Through release (Subluna Records).
Prior to Diver Through, Michael Baynes was the principal songwriter for a fledgling modern rock band HAVEN in Jacksonville, FL where he received his first taste of airplay on commercial radio as an unsigned artist. Later as an independent solo artist in New York City on Subluna Records, he received airplay on college radio stations across the country - charting on many university playlists. His songs appeared on compilations for CMJ, Magnet Magazine, and 93.3 Planet Radio (Jacksonville, FL/Clear Channel). He played shows from NYC to FL including a BMI songwriter showcase at NYC's The Living Room.
In the years that followed, Michael pursued songwriting in Nashville via NYC. He used that time and experience to be more independent and hands-on in the studio, collaborating with other writers, singers, and musicians while further honing his songwriting chops. He realized that there was a lot he didn’t like about the business of songwriting, and also that validation in songwriting could only come from being himself. In 2018 he released the solo single “Wherever You Are I’m Going” under his own name. In 2019 he refocused on using Diver Through name and released the home demos “Be Enough” and “Go”. In the challenging times of 2020, Diver Through finally wrote and recorded “The Way We Were”, their second full release of new material which included the songs “Last Photo” and the title track “The Way We Were” which were well received at college and independent radio. That was the first iteration of the current Diver Through.
Mike Rellah is a world class musician based out of Jacksonville, FL. He has previously played bass in powerhouse original bands like Rev-7 (FL), Mandorico (GA), HAVEN (FL), as well as guitar in The Living Deads. He has played shows all over the USA. He also sings and plays guitar as a solo act. When he is not cranking it up for DT he is live on stage with Julia Gulia. His alter ego is “Mikey Clams”.
Ken Nasta is one of the greatest drummers to come out of the southeastern USA period, end of story. Ken was a member of The Fenwicks (NYC) as well as the seminal indie-noise band Royal Trux (NYC), and later regional “it’ bands of the 2000’s like Monkey The Fish (FL) and Big Sky (FL). Ken is the guy they called when a band was ascending and getting label attention and he was also the guy they called once a band got signed to replace the drummer in-studio. His session work is legendary and prolific. He literally doesn’t remember all of the records he has played on.
DIVER THROUGH is Michael Baynes (vox/guitars/songs), Mike Rellah (Bass), and Ken Nasta (Drums)
Subluna Records is an independent record label and is part of Diver Through LLC. It was established in 2003.
When DT is not making music - we are probably surfing somewhere around the world or here.
