China White singer Chris Neumann, left, and guitarist Don Walker, spent many evenings rehearsing next to cinder block basement walls while building the band. “It was a full volume basement practice,” said Neumann. “We had all the regular guitar amps. Full microphones.”

Photo provided by Chris Neumann

METRO DETROIT — When teenagers start a rock band, they need a place to set up their equipment, practice, hash out ideas and let their creativity flow.

So, they often transform their parents’ basements into makeshift rehearsal spots amid washing machines, low ceilings, worn-out carpeting and concrete floors.

By the time Jimmy Burkard was 12 years old, he knew he wanted to play guitar. A few years later, with music pumping in his veins, he recruited friends Mike Alonso, a drummer, and Kurt B

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