Dave Paulson- Guitar Vocals
When he was 10, Dave Paulson saw Jack Black in the comedy film School of Rock, and the rest is history. Ever since, he's been sporting a lefty acoustic guitar and singing while his roommates are probably trying to sleep. In 2011, Dave began performing publicly in coffeehouses, farmer's markets, and cramped restaurant corners, which led to forming Water Street in 2014 as the band's singer/songwriter. His songwriting is heavily rooted in acoustic pop artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Ed Sheeran. More recently, Dave has enjoyed writing music for Water Street that is inspired by great indie pop bands; The Head and The Heart, Valley, Bleachers, and The Aces, to name a few. Outside of the band, Dave is a local music teacher, Giants fan, and an audio technology geek.
Brendon Gardner- Bass Guitar
Brendon picked up the bass guitar while he was in high school and quickly developed a deep passion for performing and writing music. Bass was not Brendon's first encounter with a musical instrument as he had taken piano and saxophone lessons prior to picking up a bass guitar. Without ever having a teacher, Brendon gained a reputation for his unorthodox yet groovy bass playing. Since his start on bass, Brendon has played with numerous acts throughout the New York-New Jersey scene in a variety of genres, including rock, jazz, funk, and folk. When Brendon isn't playing with Water Street, he can usually be found playing with another band called Debacle or doing some mixing and mastering from his home studio.
Connor Konecnik- Drums
Connor is a local drummer who has been drumming for 13 years, 7 with Water Street. He taught himself to drum by playing Rock Band and picking up pens and tapping along to The Strokes’ “Reptilia”. Connor married his high school sweetheart, whom he enjoys traveling with when he’s not drumming, or playing with his floppy-eared basset hound Penny Lane.
Mike Stark- Lead Guitar
Mike Stark is a guitarist in northern New Jersey who was raised on a healthy dose of Rush and Boston. He's been playing guitar for longer than he hasn't been playing it and is active in worship leading at his Church. Mike's philosophy is to not take names and shred people's faces off with merciless riffage of the fretboard. He also likes flowers. When he's not playing guitar, he is on the quest for the most delicious cheeseburger ever made and the jury is still very much out for him on that matter.
Julia Aiello- Vocals
In August 2020, Julia posted a video of herself singing the song “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” on Facebook. Soon after, Dave asked if she’d like to sing harmonies on Water Street’s new album. She had no idea she’d be in a band two years later. She grew up in Bloomfield, NJ singing in the back of her dad’s car to Billy Joel and Elton John. Outside of Water Street, she is an educator, a proud owner of a strong sweet tooth, and a fan of the New York Rangers & Yankees.
TJ Viola- KEys/Keytar
Known by few as a jack of all trades, and known by many as “the keytar guy,” Thomas John “TJ” Viola is a keyboardist, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer hailing from Harlem, New York City. TJ grew up in a musical family from Northern New Jersey, where he spent most of his years listening to all different kinds of music. He is the newest and youngest member of Water Street. When he’s not playing keyboard or running his home studio, TJ attends the Manhattan School of Music, where he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in classical French Horn.