Crystal Kid

Artist Information

Biography

"It's impossible not to connect when you're brothers. We may fight, but our emotions are very similar," explains Charles Torrealba. He and younger brother Frank founded Crystal Kid in 2003, and their intuitive sibling chemistry has fuelled their electrifying pop-rock sound ever since.

The Torrealba brothers were born in Brazil and later moved to Venezuela and Mexico before settling in Calgary, AB, as teenagers. It was in their new Canadian home that Charles picked up his father's guitar and, after learning a few chords, convinced Frank to learn bass. The pair spent years holed up in their parents' basement, perfecting their craft. Drawing on an array of pop and rock influences from the '70s up to the present, they wrote feverishly, collaborating on every aspect of the process.

"It all begins with a melody," Charles says of the duo's creative approach. "Sometimes there are arguments, but that comes with being brothers. Even if we're frustrated with each other, it translates into music. We do everything together."

After honing their sound for five years, they hit the studio and released the self-titled Crystal Kid EP in 2008. It was then that the world began to take notice of the brothers' infectious, dance floor-friendly style. Crystal Kid became a staple of the Canadian concert circuit, playing at festivals such as Canadian Music Week (Toronto), CMJ (New York), MUSEXPO (Los Angeles), Sled Island (Calgary) and sharing stages with Three Days Grace, Seether, My Darkest Days and more. Radio audiences were impressed, and Calgary's AMP 90.3 FM Rock Star contest awarded the band a whopping $50,000 in grants between 2010 and 2012.

This money funded a second EP, 2011's The End of the Beginning. As the title indicates, this EP represents the end of the first phase of the band's career. With these meticulously crafted and expansively arranged songs, the Torrealbas have finally arrived at the dynamic, synth-spiked sound that they first envisioned in their parents' basement all those years ago.

In 2012, Crystal Kid toured across Canada then hunkered down in a Los Angeles studio with Grammy-nominated, Juno Award-winning producer Brandon Friesen (Sum 41, Finger Eleven, Billy Ray Cyrus) "We're making the songs sound bigger, but without losing the substance of the lyrics," reveals Charles. "That's us: we like layers of sound, lots of keyboards, huge guitars. Bigger choruses, bigger tones."

Look for the band to hit the road in 2013. Considering that the Torrealba brothers spent their childhood moving from country to country, it's only fitting that they are now poised to spend their adulthood thrilling audiences around the world.

Instrumentation

Frank Torrealba - Vocals, Bass
Charles Torrealba - Guitar, keyboard

Discography

Crystal Kid EP (2008)
The End Of The Beginning EP (2011)

Official Website

http://www.crystal-kid.com

Links

• Last.fm
• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• YouTube channel
• iTunes

Audio

• Make The World Mine
  Listen   Download
• You Make Me Wanna (Scream)
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Make The World Mine
• You Make Me Wanna (Scream)
• Come Dance
• Breakout
• Final Attempt

Video

Come Dance

Photo Gallery

Press

• Crystal Kid ROCKS Hollywood [+ Show ]
  

  Next up on Stage Two is Canada’s Crystal Kid, fronted by brothers Charles and Frank Torrealba. The a...Next up on Stage Two is Canada’s Crystal Kid, fronted by brothers Charles and Frank Torrealba. The anthemic “Ready For a Good Time,” which featured some intricate, intriguing instrumental jams, earned an enthusiastic response from an audience that’s clearly in a partying mood. Their hard-rock licks accompanied by radio-ready songwriting combine to form a most appealing mix, one that has clearly resonated with crowd. The songs, from the recently released album The End of the Beginning, possess a propulsive pop power that is impossible to deny. MUSEXPO has witnessed many quality Canadian acts over the years, and Crystal Kid surely ranks amongst the best. Forecast: big things in the future!
  

• Local band Crystal Kid thinks global with pop rock release [+ Show ]
  

  Be local, think global. If there’s a Calgary band that’s set up perfectly for that scenario it’s ...Be local, think global.
  
  If there’s a Calgary band that’s set up perfectly for that scenario it’s electro pop rockers Crystal Kid, who are poised and prepared for great things, ready to follow their radio-friendly sound as far as it will take them.
  
  So far, it’s helped them earn a huge buzz in the scene even winning them a nice chunk of change — $25,000 in total — from local station 90.3 AMP Radio through a pair of Rock Star band wars competitions. Now, the band, which is led by brothers Frank and Charles Torrealba, is putting that cash and that big picture attitude to good use with a new six-song EP, The End of the Beginning, which they’ll release Saturday night with a show at MRU’s Wyckham House that they want, in sound, lighting and energy, to rival anything on a larger, more international stage.
  
  “We want to see that more and more from bands locally,” says Charles over a coffee in Southwest Calgary. “We don’t want to just play a bar show, invite our friends and everyone gets drunk and give them our CD and everyone forgets about it. We want people to come to our show and say, ‘Holy s--t, these guys could be the next big thing.’”
  
  But the global side of Crystal Kid, doesn’t just come from their mindset, but also from their beginnings, and more specifically from the brothers’ globe-trotting upbringings. Born in Brazil, their father’s oilpatch job subsequently took them to Venezuela, Mexico and, for now, Calgary.
  
  Frank admits the exposure to different cultures and, more importantly, sounds, has informed the direction of Crystal Kid.
  
  “Growing up to a wide variety of music and different people, different forms of life just really has added to our music creatively,” he says.
  
  Hence The End of the Beginning’s blending of South American rhythms with North American and British pop stylings or, as Charles says, “We like big songs, we like big drums, all of those harmonies.”
  
  And the EP — which is now available on iTunes and from Amazon — delivers all of those things recalling everyone from current party poppers such as Down With Webster and These Kids Where Crown to other mainstream rock acts such as Maroon 5, The Killers, U2 and even, a huge early influence for the bros, Oasis.
  
  The latter is of particular note for the pair, considering its core featured the eternally fussin’ and feudin’ Gallagher boys, whom the Torrealbas can relate to on a songwriting level, albeit it on a somewhat less fistic degree.
  
  “The thing with being brothers is,” Charles says, and then pauses. “You fight. You fight. But as brothers we relate to pretty much everything. So I guess we do have an upper hand on a lot of bands because we have two members that are constantly thinking the same thing. From there on, the writing is easy,” he laughs, “ish.”
  
  Besides, any punchups that may have happened over the years have yet to take place onstage, which has resulted in the music and the stage show of the duo — plus drummer Dustin Corkran and bassist Carey Adams — being the sole focus.
  
  And for that reason, a tour earlier this year which saw them performing at the CMW festival in Toronto not only earned them a whole new regional legion of fans, but also caught the attention of a talent discovery, development and consultation company titled, quite fittingly, A&R Worldwide.
  
  The company, who’s reps have worked with such musical acts as Avril Lavigne, Lily Allen and LMFAO, have set up an early October showcase for Crystal Kid, something the brothers are already planning for and focused on as yet another step in taking their music global.
  
  “We’re always going to set the bar higher and higher,” Charles says. “This is an opportunity to go and tell the bigwigs that, ‘Hey, there’s a little band that’s trying to be as big as the bands that you represent.’
  
  “Hopefully they’ll dig it.”
  
  Crystal Kid releases its new album The End of the Beginning with a show Saturday night at Mount Royal University’s Wyckham House.
  

• Like Oasis without the fighting [+ Show ]
  

  Like Oasis without the fighting Crystal Kid keeps it all in the family Published September 15, 201...Like Oasis without the fighting
  Crystal Kid keeps it all in the family
  Published September 15, 2011 by Gerry Krochak in Music Previews
  
  Crystal Kid keeps it all in the family. Bothers Frank and Charles Torrealba had long admired the Gallagher brothers and, more specifically, the music of Oasis. But seven years after forming Crystal Kid, Frank maintains that no one has been punched in the mouth — at least not yet.
  
  “I think it’s fair to say that we’ve been close,” the affable singer and bassist says with a chuckle. “Charles and I have always been into the same music and I know our vision was pretty similar. We were both huge fans of U.K. and U.S. pop-rock in the mid-’90s, and we admired and were heavily influenced by everything from Michael Jackson to Oasis to Radiohead.
  
  “It seems like we always knew what we wanted without talking about it too much,” he adds. “Even though we’re very similar, we have our differences — both of us have to allow the other’s input. But we’re big boys and we know when we’ve crossed the line. For the most part, we stay pretty grounded and have a lot of respect for each other.
  
  “I joke about it, but we have a good relationship and great chemistry.”
  
  That natural chemistry found its way into the grooves of The End of the Beginning, the group’s first full-length album, and followup to its 2008 self-titled six-song EP.
  
  With the aid of a pair of $25,000 performance grants from AMP 90.3’s Rock Star Finale, the lads have been able to produce an album that has radio programmers buzzing in both Canada and the U.S.
  
  “We’re always hard on ourselves and we’re always pushing hard,” Frank says. “Our goal was to make it the best it could possibly be and I really think we captured everything we intended. It’s something we’re very proud of.
  
  “I describe the record as a mix of sex, love and rebellion. It captures the two-year period in which we started writing for it in 2009. It has a lot of different feels to it, but it also remained pretty cohesive — a little dance, a little melancholy... and it rocks. I hope people enjoy the ride.”
  
  As hopeful as Frank is for the future of The End of the Beginning, he’s quick to point out that he and Charles honed their skills from seven years of jamming and playing live every chance they got. He maintains that Crystal Kid is a live band first and foremost.
  
  “It’s a pretty high-energy and interactive thing that we do,” Frank says. “We want people to let loose and we know that it’s our job to be entertainers as well as musicians. We want people to really take something away and feel like they’ve had an experience as opposed to just having watched a band.
  
  “We take this very seriously and we give it all we’ve got every time we play. We love what we do and I think people can see and feel that.”

• Review: Crystal Kid's 'The End Of The Beginning' [+ Show ]
  

  Crystal Kid’s new EP The End of the Beginning, does exactly what I wanted them to do after their fir...Crystal Kid’s new EP The End of the Beginning, does exactly what I wanted them to do after their first more ballad based EP. “Make The World Mine”, the opening track, kicks off the album perfectly. It’s a dance jam that you could see Family Force 5, 3OH!3, or old school Cobra Starship playing. The following tracks keep the mood alive. The EP has a steady dance feel to it, and is a step up from their last EP. The closing track, “You Make Me Wanna (Scream)”, gets you excited for their next release whenever it comes out. Crystal Kid is heading in the right track. They’re a band you should look out for. Get ready for their dance ready tracks!

• Film Mention [+ Show ]
  

  CRYSTAL KID cd is included in the opening scene of Mila Kunis' 2007 Alliance Film "Boot Camp". Sc...CRYSTAL KID cd is included in the opening scene of Mila Kunis' 2007 Alliance Film "Boot Camp".
  
  Scene:
  The store clerk notes CRYSTAL KID's E.P and makes a positive remark.

• Wildy's World CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  September 7, 2008 Crystal Kid - Crystal Kid 2008, Crystal Kid Crystal Kid is brothers Frank a...September 7, 2008
  
  Crystal Kid - Crystal Kid
  2008, Crystal Kid
  
  Crystal Kid is brothers Frank and Charles Torrealba. The Calgary, Alberta duo grew up in Brazil and has spent time traveling the Americas; along the way they have been influenced by a multitude of sounds and styles. Crystal Kid released their six song self-titled EP in 2008 and have been touring in its support.
  
  Lead vocalist Frank Torrealba is strong and vibrant song who is instantly recognizable as a front man. The songwriting on Crystal Kid is strong and the performances energetic and engaging. Come Dance is a driving rock tune vaguely reminiscent of The Tragically Hip. Sorry is a bit fluffier but still substantial. Don't Slow Me Down would be the class of the album, with In A Little While a very close second if it weren't for The Distance Between Us, which is the sort of song that songwriters buy mansions with. Drive is the big guitar rock tune that could put Crystal Kid on the map of Modern Rock stations, and would have strong commercial success with the right placement.
  
  Viscerally, Crystal Kid is a surprisingly good rock band. On first listen I was pleasantly surprised but not terribly moved -- as I listened more I started to realize just how talented these brothers are. I shudder to make the obvious reference, but this is the sort of music the Gallagher brothers (Oasis) set out to make but got too caught up in themselves to complete. With the right breaks, Crystal Kid could be that kind of band.
  
  Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
  
  
  http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/09/cd-review-crystal-kid-crystal-kid.html

• Interview [+ Show ]
  

  INTERVIEW with Charles from CRYSTAL KID. July 2008 *Tell us a story behind one of your songs*. ...INTERVIEW with Charles from CRYSTAL KID. July 2008
  
  *Tell us a story behind one of your songs*.
  
  Let me see…our song ”Don’t Slow Me Down”, is about moving on when things have gotten stale in a relationship/friendship while taking that negative situation and turning it into a positive.
  
  *What do you listen to when you are at home?*
  
  I listen to myself…and occasionally my brother who is also in the band.
  
  
  *Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?*
  
  I grew up on pop music; the Rock and roll came in smaller doses later on. However, everyone in CRYSTAL KID cites the following bands as main influences: Oasis, U2, Aerosmith and Michael Jackson.
  
  *What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us"
  
  There isn’t a gig in particular that stands out In my mind, but I can honestly say that when trying to master songwriting – which by the way, is something that no one ever masters – the song that really turned the tide for us, was “In A Little While”.
  
  *What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing experience?
  Work hard, and if you feel like you have accomplished something, work harder.
  
  *Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?*
  
  Be open-minded, and don’t rely on one specific music genre to get ideas flowing.
  
  *What plans or goals do you have for the next year?*
  
  We hope to put out a successful full length on an international scale and tour tour, tour. *Cross fingers*
  
  *Where can we buy your CD?*
  
  Our new E.P is available online at cdbaby.com, iTunes and in Calgary at Megatunes on 17th Ave and Sloth Records on 4th Street. Also, visit us at www.crystal-kid.com for updates on the band.
  
  http://www.calgarysongwriter.com/interv18.htm

• YouthInk Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  http://crystal-kid.com/exports/pressclips/press1008_youthink.jpg OCTOBER 2008 When you hear Cr...http://crystal-kid.com/exports/pressclips/press1008_youthink.jpg
  
  OCTOBER 2008
  
  When you hear Crystal Kid, you automatically think energy...
  
  *Please copy and paste the link above on your URL bar*

Setlist

Approximately 60 minutes

1. Make The World Mine
2. Breakout
3. Drive
4. Sorry
5. They Don't Care About Us (Cover)
6. In A Little While
7. Don't slow Me Down
8. Final Attempt
9. You Make Me Wanna (Scream)
10. Come Dance
11. The Distance Between Us
12. We Are Young by fun.
13. Crazy
14. Say Hello
15. Sudden Change

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