Band featuring Shikellamy grad could get more airtime on Sirius XM channel with listeners' help

Francis Scarcella, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 12—SUNBURY — A 2017 Shikellamy graduate can now be heard playing his guitar all over the world now that his band, "Take the Name," has landed on Sirius XM radio.

John Supsic, 27, of Northumberland, has been playing music his entire life and has released music videos and albums. The band's latest song made its way to Sirius XM Thursday night.

"Kerosene" debuted on the Sirius XM Octane channel and was played Friday morning and night as part of a new artist competition which allows people from across the world to vote for their favorite new songs to be played in a regular rotation on the platform, Supsic said.

The song will be played again, Saturday at noon, Sunday at 6 p.m., Monday at 3 p.m., Tuesday at 9 p.m., and Wednesday at 10 p.m., according to the Sirius XM channel guide.

Supsic said the song will be the first played at those hours, and people can vote to put the group and song in regular rotation on the channel.

"This is a big deal for us," he said. "I am so excited for all of us and just happy to get the support we have been receiving."

To vote, Supsic said people would need to use Instagram and tag the band's name and song, with the Sirius XM Octane channel.

Supsic said he joined "Take the Name" in 2023. He auditioned for lead guitarist in front of band members, Tyler Kern, of Leigh Valley, Nick Metz of Wyomissing, and Keith Gensure, of Tamaqua.

"They chose me and I couldn't be happier," Supsic said.

In March, the band signed with Theoria Records, of Lancaster, and the company submitted requests to Sirius XM to listen to the group, Supsic said.

Once the executives at Sirius heard the music, the song was set in motion to be played.

"They said they loved it," Supsic said. "This is all just so exciting for us."

Cory Fasold, Sunbury business owner and member of the Haven Ministry and Sunbury Municipal Authority board, said he has known the Supsic family his whole life and is proud of him.

"John is a great kid," Fasold said. "The opportunity that just arrived for him is incredible and could lead him to a long-term career. I pray for his success and that he uses it to do good things. I am very proud of him."

Shikellamy school director Slade Shreck said he also knows the Supsic family and has watched John through his career in high school wrestling and as a musician.

"He wrestled, his father John Supsic wrestled, his uncle Bob Supsic, wrestled, and I remember him practicing guitar at the Sunbury Elks," Shreck said.

"He has been at this a long time and he is so very talented. I couldn't be happier to see another she graduate pursuing their dreams and making a name for themselves."