Biography

... Girl On Top is an all-original Boston-based band, formed in 1988, with a diverse sound ranging from punk to pop to heavy and dark to straight ahead “Girl On Top Rock”!

They perform regularly in New England and New York venues and have opened for such bands as Tracy Bonham, Extreme, The Goo Goo Dolls, etc.

Girl On Top won first prize in an International Music Search for Meridian Records, and won runner up in Ticket Master Showcase Contest. Karen also won an award in Boston for Most Voluptuous Performer. Fifteen of their songs have been were placed in an Independent Film Getting Personal.

Karen DeBiasse - Singer/Songwriter/Guitar
Singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist, is an Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music and Emerson College studying music, dance and acting. She is certified by her world renowned vocal teacher of fifteen years the legendary Dante Pavone and is well known and much respected in the Boston area as a professional voice and instrument instructor.

David Simmons - Lead Guitar
Lead guitarist virtuosos Dave is one of the hottest guitarists around with his soaring solo’s influenced by his hero’s Jimi Hendrix/Jimmy Page 70’s rock guitar style.

Mike Tofalo, Sr. - Bass
Two time winner of Berklee School of Music “All Star Bass Player” Award at 15 and 17 years of age with contestants from all over the US. At just 15 years old he was playing with Buddy Rich and was Gary Burton’s Bassist for his All Star Band. Later, as a union musician, he had the chance to play with many well known musicians such as Brad Delp (Boston), Willie Nelson, Jimmy Dickens, Kitty Wells, Buddy Rich, Chubby Checker, Pete Sears and many more. His recent work as a Bassist and Keyboardist was for Rounder Records and Kevin Youkilis’s CD “Hit’s for Kids” due to be released in 2010. Some of the styles he’s played: Fusion, Rock, Metal, Country, Jazz, Big Band, Orchestra Pit! Musical influences: Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Stanley Clark, Victor Wooten. “I actually learn all the parts to all the instruments of a song or band that I like” as he plays every instrument equally well as bass. I am very excited to be part of “Girl On Top” and promise to take the energy to a new level!

Mike Tofalo, Jr. – Drums
Mike is Girl On Top’s bassist, Mike Tofalo’s, son. On his first audition, having not even heard the songs yet, we were so blown away by his potential that we asked him to join on the spot. Thinking he was playing double kick, when I looked closer, he had been playing all those intricate, extremely fast bass parts with just one foot! The fastest I’d ever seen. Although playing since 12 years old Girl On Top is the first “real” band he has ever been in. This soft spoken, kind hearted and gentle young man brings out his passion and power in his drumming. We are proud to have him in Girl On Top with his multi-talented dad, Mike Tofalo, Sr.