Space Debris began way back in 1982. Back then, I was working for a company called "Legi-Tech," which was the first firm to computerize legislative data and campaign contributions in California. The data entry work was interesting, but grueling. Fellow co-workers began to gather on Friday nights to play music.

My first song written for the band -- "Terminalizing" -- made references to dangers associated with the emerging culture of computers and mind-numbing work tabulating votes, amendments and sometimes unsavory political influences of campaign contributions.

Space Debris was heavily involved with energy issues from the outset. Our first gigs were in support of candidates for the publicly elected board members of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). In fact, Space Debris was very active in the successful political campaign to close the Rancho Seco nuclear power plant. We played in a large solar-powered rally right on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento in 1989.

The band went on to champion environmental issues and to celebrate the music of counterculture icons such as The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. The band's first commerical CD release occurred in 1997. The Space Debris version of The Dead's "Dark Star" gained national radio exposure on David Gans' syndicated show. The band also made many appearances at the Whole Earth Festival in Davis, the "Hoesdown" in Capay Valley, and numerous street fairs and benefits for progressive and environmental causes.

The sound of the band has evolved over time, blending retro pyschedelic rock 'n roll, older folk tunes,  wild and adventurous improvisations, and new pop. Reggae classics and suprising gems from artists as diverse as David Bowie, Paul Simon and John Prine all make their way into sets that draw from over a songlist of over 100 songs.

Three of the current four band members are original band members: Peter Asmus (guitar & vocals); David Clites (bass, keyboards & vocals) and Gary Duke (guitar & Vocals). The current drummer and new member of the band -- Gene Whitmore -- has been playing with Space Debris since 1992 (and is the son of political activist Martha Ann Blackman, who once sang with the band.)

Space Debris is set to release two new CD's, a project that has been in the works for over 2 years. Entitled "It's Not Rocket Science," this CD focuses on shorter pop, rock and folk tunes. While most of the material is orginal, covers of songs by David Lindley, the Kinks and the Byrds are also included. "Under The Radar" features longer works integrated into a string of pyschedelic excursions, culminating with the band's take on the Grateful Dead's "The Other One." To order these CD's, go to the following websites: http://cdbaby.com/cd/spacedebris1 and http://cdbaby.com/cd/spacedebris2.

For more information about Space Debris, go to the following website: www.spacedebris.us.

"You've lost your soul, and your freedom.

You kill yourself, you kill today.

Make bombs for your friends.

Celebrate The End.

When will we give back to the earth,

what we have taken,

have taken,

have taken away?"

-- Peter Asmus, Terminalizing