JIM MARCHESE (GUITAR, DJ)
Jim has been with Metallic Pea since the early days, when he, Aiello, and O'Grady
recorded several songs under the name "Jackie's Phone Number." While his bandmates
immersed themselves studying film in college, Marchese remained active in Philadelphia's
underground music scene. Trip-hop, drum and bass, jungle, and house have since become signature elements
of Marchese's sound. Long known as the only member of Metallic Pea to actually "play" an instrument,
Marchese's booming hooks stand in stark contrast to his slight stature.
JENNIFER NYE (BASS)
Jennifer joined Metallic Pea in 1998, following several successful bass lessons. Nye lent Metallic Pea
a much-needed sense of style, as well as an instant female fan base. She was quoted at the time
as saying, "I thought the boys were really cute. Well, maybe not Josh." Jennifer quickly found
herself more than musically interested in the band's leader, Jim Marchese, and the two began
dating soon after. A portion of Metallic Pea's subsequesnt recordings grew out if their
affair, including the now-classic Taller Than My Boyfriend. Despite the obvious affection
between the two, several music critics have linked MP's sometimes moody persona to a complicated
romantic scenario also involving Patrick O'Grady, the band's lead guitarist. To which Nye retorts:
"Not so loud."
PATRICK O'GRADY (LEAD GUITAR)
Patrick is perhaps the least understood member of Metallic Pea and a source of constant speculation and gossip
among fans. His rumored affair with MP bassist and Marchese paramour, Nye, is the stuff of legend. His longtime rivalry
with vocalist Aiello has at several times brought the band to the point of breakup. O'Grady and Aiello first met and bonded at film school, where they were the two palest guys in their class. Stylistically
quite different, the two nevertheless forged a musical partnership, beginning with their underground hit, Another Dateless
Friday Night. Currently, O'Grady splits his time between Metallic Pea, temping, and his side project,
"General O'Grady's Freedom Fighters." He is also the tallest member of the band, much to Marchese's chagrin.
JOSH AIELLO (VOCALS)
Josh wrote his first song, with classmate Jim, following a particularly painful encounter at an eigth grade dance.
Popular Girl (And Me?) heralded the beginning of a lifelong musical collaboration, only enhanced by the additions
of Pat and Jen several years later. Aiello honed his skills, along with O'Grady, playing in Boston's alternative music scene of the
late nineties. There, Aiello's signature string of bad luck with women resulted in the penning of what would later
become Metallic Pea classics. Songs such as Trendy Girl (And Me?), Stripes and Barrettes (Take Me Home), and
Urban Outfitters (Is Hiring) grew out of this period. While managing to remain outside the fray of the Fleetwood Mac-esque Marchese-
Nye-O'Grady triangle, Aiello's devotion to his side project "Aiello Submarine" has been a constant source of tension within
Metallic Pea. Aiello is currently working on a Euro dance album called "I Like Is Dance."
