About the Band
Points North creates melodic guitar-driven instrumental music, combining musicianship and a modern aesthetic with classic tones, song structures, and pop sensibility.
Some of the diverse and noted artists Points North has played with across Northern and Southern California include:
- Blues Traveler
- Al Di Meola
- Steve Morse
- Larry Carlton
- Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, MSG)
- Steve Lukather (Toto, legendary
studio musician)
- Pat Travers
- Ronnie Montrose
- Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions, Electric Sun, Sky Academy)
- Eric Martin (Mr. Big, Eric Martin Band)
Who We Are
Eric Barnett
Eric Barnett (guitar) began playing music at age 5 as a
violinist, attending Manhattan School of Music and Juillard summer
programs. After switching to guitar, Eric attended GIT in Los Angeles,
and played and taught in LA until 1991. Later on, Eric worked in
New York as a studio musician, including with noted performer/producer
Kenny Vance (Jay and the Americans, Steely Dan). Prior to joining
Points North, Eric has shared the stage with national acts as diverse
as The Offspring, Henry Rollins, Ween, and The Lemonheads.
Eric was also a finalist in Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar 2008 Competition, hosted by Andy Summers (the Police), with judges including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Elliot Easton (the Cars), and George Lynch, and performed (with Points North) at the opening night of the Guitar Superstars Live! tour in San Francisco.
Eric at Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar 2008
Additional recent accomplishments have included an unprecedented 18 month stint as the Pro champion on the respected music competition site guitarwar.com, and recording the lead track for a videogame to be released internationally on Playstation and Nintendo Wii for Crave Entertainment.
Eric is endorsed by Seymour Duncan pickups, Snapjack cables, MXL Microphones, Sfarzo Strings, and Suhr guitars.
Points North represents a long time dream of Eric’s to develop the guitar as a lead instrument and primary voice.
Damien Sisson has been a fixture in the Bay Area for the last several years, establishing himself as a player and performer with some of the area’s best known rock and metal cover bands, including Whiplash (Metallica), Children of the Damned (Iron Maiden), and Junkhead (Alice in Chains). Damien has also had a rising profile with his original music, with the bands Arc, Premeditated, Scarecrow, and now Points North. Damien brings a dynamic combination of technique, feel, and presence that is uniquely suited to the challenges inherent in being a bassist in an instrumental three piece band.
Damien is endorsed by Snapjack cables.
Kevin Aiello (drums) is a seasoned veteran drummer who grew up in the SF Bay Area. Having played in many working bands over the years covering many styles, Kevin brings versatility and an amazing range of musical knowledge to Points North. Prior to joining Points North, he has shared the stage with a number of classic blues acts such as Etta James, Mark Ford, Stu Blank, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. A long-time fan of instrumental music, Kevin's solid foundation and visually exciting approach is the perfect compliment and adds a fine finish to Points North..
