The Bloodlines

Artist Information

Biography

Still a budding band, The Bloodlines have already proven themselves to be an asset to the New England music scene. A band that has excelled in the studio, and have taken it to a whole other level live can easily accomplish this toilsome task. Combining the catchiness and marketability of pop, the control and intricacy of a jazz group, and the edge and attitude of a rock band, The Bloodlines are in a class of their own. Each member is so remarkable and unique in his or her own right, Hannah Sumner, Stephen Gaspar, Jeremy Vovcsko, Ryan Broderick, and Cory Sterling set this band miles apart from their competition. If bets were being taken on bands that will define our generation, put your money on Hannah & The Bloodlines, because it is only a matter of time before The Bloodlines change music forever.
Even though they have only existed for just over a year and a half, The Bloodlines contribution to music can already be considered to be rebellious, extreme, and even seditious. “We’re playing what comes naturally to us. I have orchestrated parts for each song, but its always up to our (The Bloodlines) interpretation” Ryan says. Their fans might not number into the millions just yet, but make no mistake, there are fans, and they consider The Bloodlines to be their musical outlet, and they will fight for them. They are a band that takes no prisoners at their live show, and that you can listen to over and over again at home – and you’ll want to! That’s something you can’t always find in today’s music scene. The album reveals secrets that can only be noticed with numerous listens, but you won’t mind spending time to discover them. Take it from us; The Bloodlines do more than their share of putting up.

- MSM (Massachusetts Singles Magazine) Nov. 2009

Instrumentation

Hannah Sumner- vocals
Stephen Gaspar- guitar
Ryan Broderick- drums
Shaun Munday- bass
Jeremy Vovcsko- Saxophone

Discography

Far From The Tree- April 1st 2009
Nobody's Fault But Mine: 3 song EP released May 11th
Single- Nobody's Fault But Mine: released May 11th
Single- Zim Ba Du Wei Um: released June 20th
Both Singles have been playing on radio stations throughout the country.

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook

Audio

• Raven
  Listen   Download
• Nobody's Fault But Mine
  Listen   Download
• Zim Ba Du Wei Um
  Listen   Download
• Medusa
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Raven
• Nobody's Fault But Mine
• Zim Ba Du Wei Um

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Boston Band Crush Blog [+ Show ]
  

  The noble raven pops up everywhere, from famous Edgar Allen Poe works ("...Once upon a midnight drea...The noble raven pops up everywhere, from famous Edgar Allen Poe works ("...Once upon a midnight dreary...") to disturbing Howard Stern clips ("...let it all hang out..."), and here it is. Hannah & The Bloodlines "Raven" is in line with exactly neither of these examples.
  
  Their "Raven" is a cool, laid-back character, the kind you'd expect to find sitting in some neo-classic lounge, sipping a martini while using one of those futuristic touch-screen things from Minority Report or CSPAN. This track is smooth-smooth-smooth as the expensive, futuristic alcohol they probably serve in such joints.
  
  The tempo to this track has just enough give to it to remain relaxed - yet solid. This song is propelled by its accents and jazzy undertones. The jazz influence is definitely there - but it thankfully never breaks off into freeform mind-jazz. Vocalist Hannah Sumner soothes her way through the jazzy refrains, as if the melody is a familiar room that she can navigate with her eyes closed. The music envelopes her vocal perfectly, like a well-crafted hammock. This track is somewhat dark and smoky, but it's a luxuriantly pleasant smoke, like we've just wandered into a cigar bar and we want some future-scotch.

• Earbiter (Oorbijter) [+ Show ]
  

  Boston-based band Hannah & The Bloodlines is mixing pop, jazz and (indie)rock. The song below Raven ...Boston-based band Hannah & The Bloodlines is mixing pop, jazz and (indie)rock. The song below Raven (live) in fact is very smooth and catchy. And what's more: Hannah Sumner has a great voice. More songs of this band here.

• pH Balanced Music Blog [+ Show ]
  

  This New England-based group has a very different sound. Some tunes, like the one I’m featuring here...This New England-based group has a very different sound. Some tunes, like the one I’m featuring here, have a smooth, jazzy feel… others get a little groovier. At times, their music reminds me of Incubus but with a female singer. It’s tough to describe but it’s different and enjoyable… check it out:

• Sound Planet Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Hannah and the Bloodlines is an experimental pop/jazz band based out of Boston. Their first single “...Hannah and the Bloodlines is an experimental pop/jazz band based out of Boston. Their first single “Nobodies Fault But Mine” aired on independent radio stations throughout the country, and even Europe!
  
  SP: How did you hear about soundplanetmag.com?
  
  H: I found it through an artist's page, Nicollette Varanelli.
  
  SP: Your music seems to be a mixture of genres— What and who has inspired both your lyrics and sound?
  
  H: Our inspirations are very mixed, but I think it is safe to say we all started with groove. Listening to Ray Charles, The Roots, Van Morrison, Dave Mathews. We then took that and mixed in a bit of jazz and rock. For our first album, 'Far From the Tree' we were very interested in Meshell Nedegeochello's 'Comfort Women'. It is such a beautiful piece of art, and it really did put my mind at peace. People have often said our music sounds romantic and etherial, which I LOVE, because that is the music I love the most. Music that melts like butter.
  
  SP: With a sound so unique, is there a particular audience you are seeking to draw? Or is your music simply a personal enjoyment that you hope all can enjoy?
  
  H: With the music we make we want what any other musician wants, a connection. When there are groups of people all focusing on the same thing it creates an energy, much like praying in groups. When an entire audience connects to a song or a show the energy is bursting! It is group meditation, and it feels great! Why else would we pay so much for a stadium ticket? Because it is something we value. When everyone focuses their energy on the same thing they are all connected. The audience has the power to enlighten an artist. It's a beautiful relationship.
  
  SP: In an industry that seems to be obsessed with selling a superstar and creating a limited liason between artist/band and the fans, you seem to be unselfishly accessible. How important is it to you to have a connection with the fans and be a friend to the people who follow you?
  
  H: Well we are at a place in our careers where we are accessible. You will see us on the street, talk to us, drink with us. I don't know if it would be the same if someone was constantly taking pictures, or putting us in gossip columns, but I don't think we would let that happen. People just need to be open to the possibility of meeting
  someone at all times. Say hello on the subway, in the store, it will make you and the people around you feel better. Again, it is all about connecting. We are lucky enough to be able to send our music to thousands of people and make a connection. So, to answer your questions, at this point, we will always be accessible.
  
  SP: I'm sure there are both advantages to and roadblocks that come along with making experimental music. Can you talk about both the pros and cons of not being pigeonholed because you encompass experimental elements and endeavors?
  
  H: I think it is very important for musicians to use music as a way to discover themselves, because the music knows, probably before the artist, what it wants to say. I can think of nothing better then when you find an artist who makes you, as the listener feel like the story teller. When you hear the music you feel like it is your own voice or
  hands creating the music, telling the story. When a person can relate like that they create a bond with the music, and the artist. I am so excited to see where the music business is going. All of these quirky bands like MGMT, Vampire Weekend, and St. Vincent are getting so much attention, all because of the information we find through the internet. It is very powerful, and we should protect it. Never allow it to be censured..
  
  SP: You've already obviously made an impact on the music scene. How do you hope to change music?
  
  H: Honestly, I just want to teach more people how to dance like hippies, I see it at the festivals where kids are just bouncing around like crazy to some loud noise. I adore it! If there is one thing I personally want our music to do, is I want it to make people feel comfortable to freak out for a bit. Sway, jump, twitch, do the worm, whatever you gotta do, just be a freak with me! At one show a group of kids actually came on stage and started banging heads with me. It was one of my favorite memories, I must say.
  
  SP: The excitement and intrigue of a band such as yourself is the element of surprise—you never know what to expect and you can't wait to see/hear what you're going to do next. Is being ever-changing a must in todays musical melee and is it possible to sustain such a wheel of what next?
  
  H: I think right now masses of people are just discovering that they are not limited to what is on the radio. They are branching out and finding unique acts that would never be on popular networks today. However, this is making bands like 'Cold Play' and bigger acts try to sound like the 'indie' bands. It is a strange circumstance, and I am
  not sure that they should change. Like I said, all musicians should be trying for honesty in music. It is a life long quest. We never try for the 'surprise' we just want to challenge ourselves and continue to grown through music. Whatever feels good is what works.
  
  SP: Hannah and the Bloodlines have already embraced audiences on television and radio, including Europe. What your strategies to get your music heard by a vast audience such as independent radio?
  
  H: I basically spend hours a day finding contacts online. One of the best ways to do that is by searching similar artists touring schedules to see where they are going. Then you send out your music and hope someone likes it.
  
  SP: Your music is sensible without being shallow, fancy but also fluid, and catchy yet creative. How much thought and effort do you put into striking this balance, and also thank you for doing so?!
  
  H: ;-) You are welcome! You really understand what we are doing! The first album 'Far From the Tree' was about testing our limits. We all came from 'pop' backgrounds, and were trying to push the envelope. For the first album we didn't really have a thought out 'sound'. However, by doing that we found our sound! The new batch of songs is a little more confident and controlled, because we have a clearer view of what we are going for. Whereas, our first album's main goal was to create something unique, and from what people have said, we just might have!
  
  SP: It's great to see a band in which music matters and you have past persuasions that you give a shot of present perspective. How influential has music been in your life—listening to it and also creating it?
  
  H: The great thing about music is that it is shared. Ryan Broderick, the drummer of the band, grew up listening to hip hop and soul. When I met him he showed me some great music that I wouldn't have picked up otherwise, and it became part of our sound. We actually co-wrote the track 'Raven' that has become one of our strongest songs! It is
  definitely groovin'.
  
  SP: Stephen (guitar) had the experience sharing the stage with musical legend John Blackwell (drummer of Prince and Justin Timberlake), and Ryan played drums with blues hero Sam "Bluesman" Taylor. Does Hannah and the Bloodlines have plans to work with other artists in future projects?
  
  H: I am so lucky to have Stephen and Ryan playing with me. They care about the music so much! Those famous artists saw them play, and asked to play with them. That's how good they are! And we are always looking to play with new musicians. It keeps the music fresh, because they bring a new perspective and texture. I also want to collaborate.
  
  SP: On your myspace page, it looks like you are currently only playing live shows on the East Coast- Are you going to ever bring your shows over to the West Coast?
  
  H: We want to play all over! If there are any bands who want to gig swap, or any other creative souls who want to collaborate contact us! We are open to all ideas.
  
  SP: In your journey as musicians so far, is there anything you would want to change, at all? What do you hope to accomplish for the remainder of 2010?
  
  H: The fear that you could give your whole self to something and not see it reach its potential is something I wish I could get rid of, or change, but you have to realize that there is no reason to fear. My band I will just continue to grow musically, and become more confident with the sound we make. We are already doing that, and I know our music will become everything it needs to become. In 2010 I would like to explore new cities and countries by playing music. We all just want to have amazing adventures with music guiding the way, and we are already doing that. Everyone should try to inspire and be inspired!.

• WMVY Radio!!!! [+ Show ]
  

  “A truly fresh and unique voice, has to be natural. Even the most modern technology can’t fake it. H...“A truly fresh and unique voice, has to be natural. Even the most modern technology can’t fake it. Hannah and (the) Bloodlines are naturals.”

• MSM (Massachusetts Singles Magazine) [+ Show ]
  

  If bets were being taken on bands that will define our generation, put your money on Hannah & The Bl...If bets were being taken on bands that will define our generation, put your money on Hannah & The Bloodlines.
  
  MSM, Nov. 2009

• Appetizer Radio [+ Show ]
  

  "It's so refreshing to find new artists trying new things. Hannah and the Bloodlines brings fans of..."It's so refreshing to find new artists trying new things. Hannah and the Bloodlines brings fans of music something they've hungered for for a long time-originality and creativity. Groovy tunes, great beats, and lyrics that you want to play in your head all day. No wonder they're winning fans and ears all over the country."
  
  -D Grant Smith
  host/producer
  The Appetizer
  "Savoring The Flavors Of Music"
  www.appetizerradio.com
  

• Team Shred Productions [+ Show ]
  

  “HANNAH & THE BLOODLINES is a cool and unique sounding band that brings the party to any show they ...“HANNAH & THE BLOODLINES is a cool and unique sounding band that brings the party
  to any show they play.”
  
  -shred, president team shred productions

Setlist

We can play up to four hours of music, half covers half originals.

Basic Requirements

Calendar