Singer-songwriter Ernie Halter went through a real “shit storm” this year.
“The new record is called ‘Starting Over’ for a reason,” says Halter. “I wanted the title to be direct, simple, and set the tone for the album. In this past year, I experienced the ending of a marriage and the birth of my first son. It was during this year that I wrote the material for the new record and performed over 150 shows.”
“More than ever I think it’s important to be as open and honest as possible, both as a songwriter and as a person,” Halter continues. “One positive side to the tumultuous year I’ve had is this new-found freedom to say it as it is, to admit who I am and where I’ve been. I feel this is a total crossroads for me.”
Since signing on the dotted line with ICON MES in September of 2006, THE GRADUATE have gone from virtual unknowns to gracing the cover of CMJ magazine in a matter of just a few short months. After several years of heavy touring with previous bands, these Springfield, IL natives have created quite a buzz and amassed a following that feels more like a family than a fan base.
THE GRADUATE eagerly awaits hitting the road and sharing the new material with fans. Best described as solid, mature pop-rock showered with sincerity and honesty, ANHEDONIA, a name chosen for its reference to ‘lack of emotion’, reflects the idea of just existing. Singer Corey Warning notes that the guys came into their own during the recording process and the finished product encompasses everything they were striving to achieve.
“I think that the people who liked the EP are going to like the full-length [album], I’m pretty confident about that. I think it’s progressive for us. I feel like we’re really starting to define our sound and what we’re trying to do as a band with our music.”
KaiserCartel are the dynamic duo of Courtney Kaiser & Benjamin Cartel. Each previously leaders of their own indie bands, they met on March 4th four years ago and formed KaiserCartel when they joined forces to tour the country that summer. They self-released an EP (Double Standard) and toured throughout the US and UK on their own before signing to bluhammock music late last year. March Forth, their debut album – was produced by Matt Hales (aka aqualung) and mixed by Matt and Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros) - and is full of low-fi, harmony-heavy, bittersweet songs full of charm. KaiserCartel is currently on tour and intend to stay there until they’ve played for all of you. Here’s what 411mania.com has to say about the duo: “While KaiserCartel look like a couple of emo kids who have lost their way don’t be deceived, they certainly bring their own brand sunshine with them and that reflected light is as warm and inviting as anything you’ll find.. A fantastic collection of songs from two people that know how to play with each other and for each other. My album of the year so far.”
Those crazy Brits… always so quick to label the next big thing. Well, here they’ve labeled 11. Check out NME for the latest, greatest bands in the world HERE.
Ever heard of Santogold or Brett Dennen? Well you might soon… get a head start and check out Rolling Stones choices for “bands to watch” in 2008. I don’t always agree with RS, but you can always find 1 or 2 new bands in these things that suite your tastes… Check it out HERE
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