The Upwelling Tribute to Queens-based “Ladder 116”

September 10th, 2010 by Janice Brown

Queens-based rock trio The Upwelling formed the day after 9/11/01, when singer/songwriter Ari Ingber wrote the song “Ladder 116” and called his brother Josh, asking him to move to NYC and start a band.

The Upwelling: Ari Ingber, Josh Ingber and Mike "Show Time" Mulieri.

Six years later, Tyson Ritter of The All American Rejects signed the band to his new label, Edmond / Doghouse Records. Their debut full-length album, An American Stranger — produced by Ritter and Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind and NYC-based Mark Plati — debuted last summer.

It was recorded, at least in part, out at Sabella Studios, on Long Island. Soon after, The Upwelling added Sabella engineer Mike “Show Time” Mulieri to the lineup, on bass.

We just discovered the band today and thought we’d share the “Ladder 116” video with you. To purchase the video, go to http://www.theupwelling.bandcamp.com — proceeds go to the New York Police & Fire Widow & Children’s Benefit Fund.

The song pays homage to the Queens-based Ladder 116, of which the band shared a friendship. The company was held in the Midtown tunnel the day of the tragedy, due to a security warning, which inevitably saved their lives. Two members, however, Paul Gill and Thomas Casoria, worked on rotation for their engine company, and were two of the many brave heroes who lost their lives. This song, and its corresponding music video, remembers these two and the many others who were lost, as well as the legacy of the World Trade Center.

For more on The Upwelling and to hear some of An American Stranger, visit http://theupwelling.com and for more information on the New York Police & Fire Widow & Children’s Benefit fund, please visit https://answerthecall.org.