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RECORD REVIEW: STEREO IS A LIE
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RECORD REVIEW: Stereo is a Lie
Stereo is a Lie
By: Julia R. DeStefano
Dark. Melodic. Psychede...RECORD REVIEW: Stereo is a Lie
Stereo is a Lie
By: Julia R. DeStefano
Dark. Melodic. Psychedelic. These are just a few of the adjectives one could utilize to describe Stereo is a Lie. On their self-titled debut, the band has carved out an identity for themselves, offering up a collection of deliciously raunchy and anarchical 1980s-inspired arena rock. The record practically begs to be put into the listener's stereo and turned up at maximum volume. Frontman Glynn Wedgewood's inimitable vocals shine throughout, calling to mind Thom Yorke of Radiohead, while fellow band mates build subtle, mature layers of sound through a variety of symphonic instruments.
A combination of Oasis and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "It's Too Late" is an example of quality musicianship that is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish, while "Get it Right" evokes INXS's Michael Hutchence. Things slow down a little with "I Won't" and "Stop," in which Wedgewood sings, "Too much is nothing / It becomes no fun." Although the music is stellar, it's top class production that really puts this effort center stage. Crisp and clear sound enables listeners to feel as if they are enjoying a private concert in the comfort of their own home, which only serves to make the record that much more enjoyable. (Monolathe Recordings)
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Album review
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At last, after nearly a year in the making, STEREO IS A LIE's debut album is finally here and it was...At last, after nearly a year in the making, STEREO IS A LIE's debut album is finally here and it was well worth the wait. The Austin, Texas five piece have put together not just one of the finest debuts but quite possibly, the album of 2011. All 10 tracks on the self titled release have been beautifully crafted together and each on their own could be considered stand out tracks, right from the opening bars of the uber cool 'What We Do' right to the fading notes of the slow building finale of 'Look At Yourself'.
We don't give our Band of the Month award away to just anyone, so it is no surprise on evidence like this that our Band of the Month for February was STEREO IS A LIE.
Albums don't start much better than the opening three tracks here, 'What We Do', 'Last Call' and 'It's Too Late' pack a punch that makes anyone listening for the first time realise that they are on to a sure fire winner. The tunes never let up, not a weak track out of the ten on here, which in this day and age is a big blessing.
With a sound that should feel at home on this side of the Atlantic as well as in the States, STEREO IS A LIE should be checked out post haste. It captures the coolness of bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Oasis and the ilk.
Austin claims to be the "Music Capital of the World", which for those that have been to visit the capital of Texas will know they may very well have a claim and it is because of their love of music that in this small city in America they have produced countless quality musicians and bands over the years, in STEREO IS A LIE they can add one more to the list.
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LP review
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On its self-titled debut, Stereo Is A Lie arrives with a fully formed sound: a towering mix of Britp...On its self-titled debut, Stereo Is A Lie arrives with a fully formed sound: a towering mix of Britpop swagger, post-punk paranoia, and arena-rock bombast. Frontman Glynn Wedgewood’s vocals simmer in the verses, then explode in the choruses, striking the same type of needling/inspiring balance that has served fellow countrymen like Thom Yorke, Damon Albarn, and Liam Gallagher so well. Behind those vocals, Wedgewood and his bandmates build mountains of sound, setting a pre-apocalyptic atmosphere of air raid-siren guitars, voices harmonizing across vast distances, and drums that would just as soon blow the hinges off the door as lead a woozy waltz. It’s as symphonic as a band can get without employing an actual symphony—on standout ballad “I Won’t,” even the melodica sounds downright monolithic.
Unfortunately, the record’s uniformly packed arrangements become stifling over the course of its 10 tracks, a dilemma Wedgewood seemingly addresses when he sings “Too much is nothing / It becomes no fun.” The creeping ambience of “I Won’t” and “Stop” provide breaks in the action, though, their restraint lending a personal touch to the David-versus-Goliath lyrical thread that runs throughout the record. Thoroughly asserting your identity on a debut record is a difficult trick, and Stereo Is A Lie pulls it off with remarkable gusto. With that identity established, here’s hoping the band explores more of its nuances in the next go-round.
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STEREO IS A LIE Releases Single “It’s Too Late”.
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True, Austin does seem to be the hotbed for a myriad of indie bands in the scene. But there’s also p...True, Austin does seem to be the hotbed for a myriad of indie bands in the scene. But there’s also plenty coming forth in a harder-rockin’ vein. Make way for STEREO IS A LIE. Songwriter and vocalist Glynn Wedgewood sat down to chat with KUT’s Laurie Gallardo about forming the band, and its lean toward a darker, heavier sound. You can listen to the interview by clicking on the mp3 below.
STEREO IS A LIE just released a new single, “It’s Too Late,” which you can hear at the end of the interview. They’re having a release party Saturday night at the Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. Also on the bill are New Roman Times and dead black hearts. Things get started around 10 p.m.
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STEREO IS A LIE (record review)
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If you're student of the great art-form known as rock 'n' roll (or perhaps a listener of SirisXM Und...If you're student of the great art-form known as rock 'n' roll (or perhaps a listener of SirisXM Underground Garage - especially Andrew Loog Oldham's long-running show) you are certainly aware that English lads love all things Americana (from the Rolling Stones to Joe Strummer) and Yanks dig the Brits (from Tom Petty's Heartbreakers to Devendra Banhart). So it makes perfect sense that guitarist Glenn Wedgewood of the UK 60's retro rockers IV Thieves, would settle in Austin, Texas and start his own band with kindred spirits Dave Hamrick (Lomita) Marcus Pina (Alta Ray), and Justin Scott and Danny Stapleton (Our Black Love Song).
However rather that recreate the first British Invasion Stereo Is A Lie emerges as an engaging and uplifting melting pot of 1980s inspired arena rock from across the pond. Regardless if you're old enough remember U2, Simple Minds, Big Country, Echo & The Bunnymen, INXS, and the Cure when they were thinner and had their own hair, or you are of the generation that borrowed your parents' worn cassettes and made the digital transition to your iPod, SIAL rocks in all the right places. Big guitars, big drums, big thumping-bass lines, lots of echo on the vocals, and those signature keyboard string samples beneath it all are as comfortable as an old pair of parachute pants, painter hats, mesh hair ties, jean jackets, and Champion sweatshirts (I know…I was there…). That could be Robert Smith on "It's Too Late." Cue Bono for "What We Do." I hear Michael Hutchence on "Get It Right."
Go ahead, party like it's 1985 with Stereo Is A Lie!
--Tom Semioli
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The Deli's Emerging Artist of 2009
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The results of our byzantine Year End Poll are finally in, with the all-caps by nature STEREO IS A L...The results of our byzantine Year End Poll are finally in, with the all-caps by nature STEREO IS A LIE scoring a rare double win: after coming out on top of the readers' poll, they combined those points with votes from our expert jury and from our own Deli Austin writers to emerge victorious overall. And so...your emerging artist of 2009: STEREO IS A LIE. Missions took second and Neon Indian and Black Joe Lewis ended up in a deadlock for third.
The champs play Beauty Bar tonight (along with Buttercup, Ideal Soul Mart and Bear Bones). Missions is at the Mohawk one week from today - Jan. 29th - and Neon Indian is out at Hailey's in Denton on the 30th. Full poll results below...
http://austin.thedelimagazine.com/node/663
http://austin.thedelimagazine.com/node/654
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THE 30 MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2011
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BAND: STEREO IS A LIE
ALBUM: STEREO IS A LIE
ARRIVING: February 8th
THE SKINNY: STEREO IS A LIE (...BAND: STEREO IS A LIE
ALBUM: STEREO IS A LIE
ARRIVING: February 8th
THE SKINNY: STEREO IS A LIE (yes, they require their name in all caps) have been crafting their debut album for a few years now, and this February it will see release on newly formed Monolathe Records. The band have already been named "Best Emerging Artist of '09" from The Deli Magazine Austin and the quartet's brand of charming Brit pop influenced indie shoegaze is sure to catch on nationwide. Download album cut "I Wont" for FREE HERE [right click, save as].
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NEW: STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010
NEW: STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late
For all you indie kids out there, ...Tuesday, November 16, 2010
NEW: STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late
For all you indie kids out there, who sometimes get reminiscent of the good old indie days of the late 90s, early 00s, I've got a little gem for you that goes by the name STEREO IS A LIE. They are from Austin, Texas, by location but from the UK by heart, since it is Glynn Wedgewood, songwriter and mastermind of the band, who brings in the UK sound to SIAL, being strongly influenced by bands of that formerly mentioned era. A few years ago he moved from Nottingham to the States with his then band IV Thieves (formerly Nic Armstrong & The Thieves) and settled down in Austin.
The rest of the band is made up of Davy Hamrick (drums & percussion), Marcus Piña (bass), Justin Scott (keyboards), and Danny Stapleton (guitars).
Today SIAL have got their first single "It's Too Late" coming out, with the self-titled full-length to follow on February 8th, 2011. It was mixed by Chris Cline (Trail Of Dead) and mastered by John Golden (Sonic Youth, Film School, Japandroids, etc.). Glynn sent me the album in time for the single release to get a full impression of it and I'm excited to announce that there is something fab on the way.
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STEREO IS A LIE - Debut album, 8th Feb
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Listening to the self titled long player from Stereo Is A Lie you`d never have guessed these guys we...Listening to the self titled long player from Stereo Is A Lie you`d never have guessed these guys were an Austin TX band (not drawing conclusions with geographical genres of course), but browsing through recent press reviews, BritPop influences are mentioned on more than one occasion - a flawless fusion of Southern eccentrics and Northern swagger would be a highly developed observation I should imagine. Strip down a few more layers and ignore the last thirty years - I`d bet my house early U2 (New Years Day/Boy) and post Reckoning REM paid a huge influence in their musical direction. Overall a tantalising listen, highly polished with accessible style.
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STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late - Coolness Personified
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STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late
Find out more about STEREO IS A LIE here
Coolness Personified
Tue...STEREO IS A LIE - It's Too Late
Find out more about STEREO IS A LIE here
Coolness Personified
Tue Nov 16 19:45:29 2010
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Rated 13 out of 13 [details]
Following a free download as a taster, Stereo Is A Lie release their inaugural single in the shape of 'It's Too Late', taken from their self titled debut album, which will be released early 2011.
'It's Too Late' is coolness personified, think Black Rebel Motorcycle Club meeting early Oasis and you come close to the sound for this track. It is a pure foot tapper from start to finish. Quality musicianship throughout the five piece, production is top class, the only bad thing anyone can find over this song is the abrupt finish pulling you out of the pleasure zone.
Officially released on the day itunes announces that The Beatles is finally available via their service, is this just coincidence or the music gods hinting at something here? If Room Thirteen did bands to look out for in 2011, Stereo Is A Lie would be there right at the top of the list.
Track Listing
01 - It's Too Late
02 - I Won't (acoustic version)
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A.V. CLUB - STEREO IS A LIE
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Effortlessly transplanting the we-opened-for-Oasis, arena-destroying swagger of his former IV Thieve...Effortlessly transplanting the we-opened-for-Oasis, arena-destroying swagger of his former IV Thieves project, immigrant Englishman Glynn Wedgewood’s Stereo Is A Lie wraps layers of jet-scream guitars around equally huge vocal hooks that sneer even as they soar, making for a convincing batch of homebrewed Britpop. Recent single “It’s Too Late” makes good on the fist-pumping promise on the band’s anthemic live shows, lighting the launch pad for the band’s self-titled, debut LP, due Feb. 8. The album should place Stereo Is A Lie at the head of a class of stylish, up-and-coming Austin bands.
http://www.avclub.com/artists/stereo-is-a-lie,21444/
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STEREO IS A LIE at The Parish
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Another Free Week Gem, this Central Texas Britpop band headed by Glynn Wedgewood (ex-IV Thieves), co...Another Free Week Gem, this Central Texas Britpop band headed by Glynn Wedgewood (ex-IV Thieves), could be the next big thing in town.
-Michael Corcoran
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New Austin Music Roundup
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Stereo is a Lie just put out their first full-length record, and it features many of the tunes they’...Stereo is a Lie just put out their first full-length record, and it features many of the tunes they’ve been perfecting over the years live in venues around town. The production is glossy, but with enough bite to stay true to the band’s alt-rock sound. Lead singer Glynn Wedgewood’s voice makes him sound every bit the long-lost Gallagher brother, and the band’s music would appeal to an Oasis fan, too.
Some of my personal favorites on this album include “It’s Too Late,” which features a lilting chorus and explosion of aggressive instrumentation, “Get It Right,” which screams (literally, thanks Glynn!) “101x hit,” and “Fine Lines,” which is one of the slower tracks on the album, but still manages to dig its chorus into your brain and live there for days.
The songs on the album are a strong advertisement for catching a live show from this group. Wedgewood and drummer Davy Hamrick are the show-stealers in live settings; Hamrick is a wild child on drums, often leaving the stage with bloody knuckles, and Wedgewood’s sweet offstage personality melts away into a commanding, fearless leader persona onstage, as he stares down audience members and sings every word with spit and vinegar. The group’s next official gig is the Manchester Orchestra/Cage the Elephant Official aftershow; for a full listing of upcoming shows, check their Facebook page.
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Interview: STEREO IS A LIE / Glynn Wedgewood
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After ransacking the Austin music scene in 2005, with blues-driven gunpowder and Brit spit, it seeme...After ransacking the Austin music scene in 2005, with blues-driven gunpowder and Brit spit, it seemed that lead-guitarist and singer/songwriter Glynn Wedgewood and his pond-hopping mates in IV Thieves were poised to be the heirs-apparent to the “throne” of the Live Music Capital of the World.
And then 2 years later, faster than you can say, “beans-on-toast”, Austin’s favorite adopted sons, like the thieves for whom they were named, slipped out the back door and they were gone.
4 years on and several tunes later…
On a cool, Tuesday evening in January in Austin, Texas, its “Free Week”, and the music faithful have turned out in droves to participate in this first-of-the-year, no-cover phenomenon. As every bar from Red River to Congress experiences the highest foot traffic it will see until March, a small upstairs room on the corner of 6th and San Jacinto called The Parish is no exception. Known amongst fans and musicians alike for it’s impeccable sound and intimate feel, tonight it plays host to a smartly-dressed, 5-piece band who are lightning-charged to rip it down like a wrecking ball smacks a wall.
As they furiously race to the end of the last tune of a blistering set, a familiar ginger-haired Geordie leading the charge flashes a fiery glance towards the audience as he skulks ever closer to the front of the stage. Tightrope walking the edge for what seems like an age, he suddenly drops himself down into the audience, and offers his precious cherry-red 335 to the strangers below, who are ready and waiting to see him willingly sacrifice it all in the name of the song.
No sooner do his boots touch the ground than the crowd quickly forms a circle around him, their collective breath hanging heavy in the air, looking for a front row seat to what comes next, as they watch him bare-knuckle threaten and throttle his guitar in an effort to give every last ounce of it’s sound to them.
And when the soul of the four on the stage finally meets the man on the floor, and the five reach the sonic crescendo of one, through the feedback static and the pounding of the drums you can feel the heart of Austin music skip a beat.
And if you look closely, you can see a phoenix screaming out the truth as it rises from the ashes.
STEREO IS A LIE.
It is indeed.
Born in a small town just southwest of Newcastle, England (“that’s where the beer comes from”), and relocating to Austin in 2005, Glynn Wedgewood has made a career out of layering lyrically poignant tunes with massive riffs and irresistible, on-stage charisma. And while his penchant for the song has resulted in such career highs ranging from opening slots for The Pretenders and Oasis, to the co-founding of a record label (Monolathe Recordings), self-admittedly, his greatest musical accomplishment thus far is STEREO IS A LIE.
One week after their performance at The Parish, and exactly one month before the release of STEREO IS A LIE’s self-titled, first full-length offering, a more mild-mannered Wedgewood trades giving guitars life-or-death ultimatums for a seat and a chat with EG15M about his life in Austin, some of his favorite local bands, the state of making music today and his unabashed, barely-contained excitement for his band’s debut record.
Go on then, Andy Carroll. Around these parts, Newcastle’s got a new favorite son.
When did you first start playing music?
I was probably about 16 when I first started making a racket. I started off playing drums and then switched to guitar. It’s pretty tricky to write a melody on a drum kit.
Who are some of your musical influences?
There are just too many to list, I tend to be inspired by certain elements from artists though I might not necessarily be ‘into them’. A few bands that have inspired me over the years are: Constantines, These New Puritans, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, The Meters, Sigur Ros, The Smiths, Von Bondies, These Animal Men, Portishead, The Bees, Suede, Longpigs, The Small Faces, The Raveonettes, Super Furry Animals, Stevie Wonder, The La’s, Six By Seven, Interpol, Led Zeppelin, Gillian Welch, Patrick Wolf, Tim Buckley, Mansun.
For all of those who don’t know the story, how’d you end up Austin?
I used to play in a band from the UK called IV Thieves. The band’s US label, New West Records, had offices here, so after spending a while in the city working on demos, we decided to stay and record an album. By the time we had completed the album, all but one of the members were involved in relationships here in Austin, so everybody decided to relocate.
After that relocation from the Nottingham/Newcastle area to Austin, in what ways did you find it most difficult to adapt?
Apart from not being around my close friends and family, there wasn’t that much to it. It all felt very much like an adventure, probably because it was. Austin was very welcoming, so it wasn’t too hard to settle in.
How much time elapsed between the Thieves break-up and the forming of STEREO IS A LIE?
A year or so maybe? That project officially ended in 2007, and I believe SIAL first played right at the end of 2008, but we didn’t start playing regularly until 2009.
I know we didn’t have anyone to play drums until three weeks before the first show!
How did you meet with your current line-up?
Pretty much all through friends. No crazy Craigslist stories I’m afraid.
Had you already been working on material for SIAL while you were in IV Thieves?
I was certainly working on material that I never thought would work with IV Thieves. For instance, I was messing around with a lot of synths towards the end of that project, something that IV Thieves never really touched upon.
At a time when the scene is overloaded with bands and names that get wilder and wilder, how did you settle on “STEREO IS A LIE”?
Believe it or not, I woke up from a dream one morning with the statement stuck in my head. I thought it would a great band name, so I immediately went to Google. Oddly enough the only reference was in an article on Moses Asch (Folkways Records) and his views on capturing performances. It was a great article, I agreed with 99% of what he said, so I was sold. Fortunately the lads were all into it and didn’t think I was a loon.
What is your favorite track on the new record?
That changes constantly. Right now I’m really into ‘What We Do’ and ‘Last Call’.
What is your most memorable moment making this record?
I’d say it was running one guitar into x3 amps, turning them all up and then having to wear ear defenders while we tracked the part. I always remember leaving the studio in the early hours of a cold January day as well. The bleak weather that morning seemed to be perfectly in sync with the feel of the album.
What was it like to work with Chris Cline (co-owner/recording engineer at Monolathe Recordings)?
Great. His attention to detail is phenomenal. I’m still going to take that Neve desk when he’s not looking though.
Who are some of your favorite bands in the Austin music scene at the moment?
In no particular order I’d say: Ringo Deathstarr, New Roman Times, dead black hearts, The Strange Attractors, She Sir, White Dress, Astronaut Suit, Motel Aviv, High Watt Crucifixers, The Boxing Lesson, BK & Mr. E. I could go on forever, there are a lot of great bands in this city.
What has been your personal high point in your career so far?
I tend not to look back too much, though touring with Oasis was a great experience. There’s so much still to be done. Saying that, I’m really happy with how SIAL’s debut has turned out and was chuffed once the record was completed. Now I’m just itching for it to be released!
Speaking of Oasis, when I read other reviews of SIAL, more than once I have come across that comparison. How do you react to people who pigeonhole you as just another Brit making rock?
I don’t really…it’s fairly accurate. Some journalists are lazy, some have to hit quotas and some are genuinely trying to help the music reach a certain audience.
What’s the biggest difference between British and American audiences?
I’m not sure there’s that much difference at all really. In general if a British band travels to America, the chances are the majority of the audiences are going to be pretty open-minded to them and vice versa. Making a trip across the pond goes a long way. If you compare somewhere like London to NYC it becomes pretty hard to find any differences…well, in my opinion anyway.
What do you do when you aren’t writing songs or playing shows?
I’m usually spending time with the family, teaching music, or checking out other live shows.
Where would you like to see this band in 5 years time?
Wembley.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Living on a farm somewhere in Europe, searching for truffles.
Many songwriters talk about how there is no real formula to writing a tune. Do you find this to be the case? When writing a tune, is there a “formula” that works best for you?
The second I feel I’m repeating myself, or being complacent, I run in the opposite direction. I definitely do not have a set formula or method, the thought of that just bores me.
From distribution to recording and everything in between, the landscape of music has changed so much in the past decade. What would you say is the biggest hurdle with which current musicians have to deal?
Being heard or seen. People are bombarded with new music every day and a lot of the time things fall through the cracks. It might be easier to get music to the masses these days, but so much still revolves around who has the biggest chequebook when it comes to promotion.
You mentioned earlier that you teach music, and in that regard, having experienced every facet of the process from student to stage, what would be your biggest piece of advice to a kid today who is picking up the guitar for the first time?
Love what you do. If you’re not passionate about something, you shouldn’t be doing it.
Glynn Wedgewood loves what he does and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Jenna who is a photographer and their 4-year-old son Owen.
STEREO IS A LIE’s 1st single “It’s Too Late” is out now, and the full-length, self-titled debut on Monolathe Recordings will be available everywhere on Feb. 8th, with an album release party on February 12th at 9pm at The Ghost Room on 4th & Lavaca in Austin, Texas.
If you’d like to peek behind the curtain and see SIAL in rehearsal mode, check them out earlier that same day (February 12th) from 3pm-6pm at the Arthouse on Congress, as they become part of “Rehearsal At The Astoria“, an ambitious installation by London-based artist Graham Hudson to rebuild the famous London Astoria theatre in the middle of downtown Austin.
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Austin Brit-rock band STEREO IS A LIE will blow your eardrums.
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Funny as it may sound, Austin has our own Brit-rock band. Their name is STEREO IS A LIE, and they’re...Funny as it may sound, Austin has our own Brit-rock band. Their name is STEREO IS A LIE, and they’re legit. One listen to frontman Glynn Wedgewood’s accent in the video, below, and you’ll know it’s true.
STEREO IS A LIE is loud and they rock, so it’s easy to compare them to Muse–but I wouldn’t say that’s accurate. To me, they’re more closely related to the 90's alternative British pop scene, kinda like if Damon Albarn from Blur grew a pair, or if Noel Gallagher from Oasis stopped whining AND grew two pairs. And I dare you to go to one of their shows and try to leave with your hearing still in tact.
For the last 7 months, STEREO IS A LIE has been in and out of the studio working on their first album. They finish laying the tracks this week and then send it off to Chris Cline for mixing. Chris has done a great job at reigning in stage rockers Trail of Dead, so it will be interesting to see how well he can translate STEREO IS A LIE’s stage show in the studio.
Although I’ve only heard one track off the album [Scroll down for a listen!], I like what I’ve heard. More mature, it’s filled with more subtle layers than a rocking stage show will allow. I can’t wait to hear the full album!
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STEREO IS A LIE release debut album today
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Today is the day for STEREO IS A LIE.
Today their debut album is out on the shelves of every good r...Today is the day for STEREO IS A LIE.
Today their debut album is out on the shelves of every good record shop. They certainly have caused much of a stir in the past few months to promote their album and not just in the Texas area but also outside and even abroad. They've been played on BBC 6music and even the Berlin independent radio station Motor FM has picked up on them. Great job guys!!!
That deserves some more exposure on my part as well.
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SXSW Day 1
STEREO IS A LIE at Rusty Spurs. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
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February's Band of the Month - STEREO IS A LIE
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With SXSW just over a month away we thought it was the perfect time to give our Band Of The Month aw...With SXSW just over a month away we thought it was the perfect time to give our Band Of The Month award to one of the bands we stumbled across at a previous SXSW. They blew us away in 2009 and 2010, so be prepared to be blown away in 2011 by STEREO IS A LIE. Also happens to be a perfect time to introduce STEREO IS A LIE as their self titled debut album is released this month and with people like BBC 6 Music finally getting on the act and playing their tunes, what better time.
One member of STEREO IS A LIE is no stranger to these shores, front man Glynn Wedgewood is an ex pat and former IV Thieves vocalist/guitarist. Look out for an interview we did with Glynn, which will be on the site later in the week.
Check out the bands website HERE for a free download of the studio version of 'I Won't' a nice taster of their wonderful Brit rock meets Texas rock sound but for now we give you our February Band of the Month, STEREO IS A LIE:
Bio:
Austin, TX based STEREO IS A LIE was formed when Glynn Wedgewood (IV Thieves) relocated from his native England and met up with Davy Hamrick (Lomita), Marcus Pina (Alta May), Justin Scott and Danny Stapleton (Our Black Love Song). SIAL spent a large portion of 2009 writing and playing shows, supporting such artists as Rob Dickinson (Catherine Wheel), Dead Confederate and Sixteen Deluxe along the way. In January 2010 they were named The Deli's 'Emerging Artist of 2009', beating off competition from Neon Indian and Black Joe Lewis. May 2010 saw SIAL complete the recording of their debut album, which was subsequently mixed by Chris Cline (...Trail Of Dead, The Society Of Rockets, Elephone, etc.) and mastered by John Golden (Sonic Youth, Film School, Japandroids, etc.). In June 2010 SIAL signed to central Texas based boutique label, Monolathe Recordings. The first single 'It's Too Late', was released on the 16th of November 2010, with the debut full length following this month.
Members:
Davy Hamrick - drums & percussion
Marcus Pina - bass
Justin Scott - keyboards
Danny Stapleton - guitars
Glynn Wedgewood - vocals & guitars
Influences:
In no particular order:
PJ Harvey, Ride, The Meters, Sigur Ros, The Smiths, Von Bondies, Lush, These Animal Men, Portishead, The Bees, Suede, Longpigs, The Small Faces, The Raveonettes, Radiohead, Super Furry Animals, Stevie Wonder, The La's, Longpigs, Six By Seven, Interpol, Led Zeppelin, Gillian Welch, Tim Buckley, Mansun.
Sounds Like:
Catherine Wheel, Constantines, U2, Swervedriver, The Duke Spirit, Muse
Current release and where it's available:
STEREO IS A LIE (LP) will be available February 8th via Monolathe Recordings:
USA - physical & digital (Nail/Allegro Distribution)
UK/Europe - digital & physical (import only)
ROW - digital & physical (import only)
Amazon, itunes, emusic, zune, etc.
Up and coming artists you would recommend, both UK and Austin:
Swimming (UK)
Dog Is Dead (UK)
Ringo Deathstarr (Austin)
New Roman Times (Austin)
Future Plans:
Tour, record, rinse and repeat.
Tour Dates:
February 12th - Austin, TX (The Ghost Room)
March 5th - Austin, TX (The Ghost Room)
March 16th - 19TH Austin, TX (Various Venues during SXSW)
April 30th - San Marcos (venue TBC)
If you were the prime minister (president) for one day, what would you do:
Dissolve the government.
Live video of STEREO IS A LIE performing 'I Won't'
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Interview with STEREO IS A LIE
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When we first saw our current Band of the Month, Austin's STEREO IS A LIE, at SXSW in 2009 we loved ...When we first saw our current Band of the Month, Austin's STEREO IS A LIE, at SXSW in 2009 we loved their sound straight away. We then later found out that Glynn Wedgewood, front man for SIAL, is actually former member of past R13 favourites, IV Thieves, so we thought we would have a catch up and find out how he ended up in Texas from these parts and to find out more about his new band STEREO IS A LIE.
For those who have not been paying attention, STEREO IS A LIE releases their self titled debut album on 8th February and is available through the usual digital sources in the UK with the CD version available import only. Full details can be found at the bands website HERE.
R13: First of all, how did you end up in Austin?
GW: I used to play in a band from Nottingham called IV Thieves (formerly Nic Armstrong & The Thieves). The band's US label had an office in Austin, so we spent a bit of time here and wound up staying to record an album. By the time we had completed the album, all but one of the members were involved in relationships, so we decided to relocate to the land of Tex-Mex.
R13: Did you intend to remain a member of IV Thieves or did you know that those days would end?
GW: Sure, I felt like there was still a lot of work to be done with IV Thieves, but it just wasn't meant to be. Saying that though, I'd already written a bunch of material that I knew wouldn't work with that project, so I figured I start something new in addition.
R13: You must have had some fun times touring the world with IV Thieves, any stories you would like to share with us?
GW: We had countless fun times when we were touring, some of which I really can't talk about. I remember our tour manager letting off fireworks backstage after the very last show in the US we played with Oasis. That didn't go down too well with their crew, I thought it was pretty funny though.
R13: What are the other band members up to these days?
GW: Jonny has a new project on the go called Jonny 8Track, you might have heard him on a recent PSP commercial as it goes. Shane is playing in a band called Electric Touch and I've no idea what Nic is doing right now.
R13: You now have a new band, STEREO IS A LIE, how did that come to happen?
GW: I think we touched on it earlier, but basically towards the end of IV Thieves I'd started writing material that I didn't think would work in that project. So after everything imploded with that band I started looking around for people who might be interested in starting a new project with me and continued writing.
R13: Was it hard to convince Texans to join an English lad in creating a band?
GW: Not at all, I had a rag and some chloroform.
R13: Tell us more about the SIAL band members (eg past / current projects / stories)?
GW: I've known Justin for years, so when the time came to approach people to play in SIAL, he was the first person I called. I met Davy when we both briefly played in another band together, mrandmrsmays, by briefly I mean we only did one show! A friend in a local band suggested I give Danny a call, so I did and we all hit it off when we got in the practice room together. I met Marcus at a show just after he moved from Seattle, he used to play in Love Battery and Alta May up there. He loves football and that goes a long way in my book.
R13: From personal experience I know that the Austin people love their music but how are you finding the rest of Texas / USA taking to SIAL?
GW: It seems we're being pretty well received across the country, we're already getting airplay in San Francisco and Minneapolis. You're right when you say Austin people love their music though, the support down here has been amazing!
R13: Isn't most of Texas dominated by country music?
GW: It's true, country music is massive. Fortunately though there are a few pockets of resistance in the Lone Star State, Austin being one of them.
R13: You are signed to a new record label, Monolathe Recordings, we here are impressed that they are releasing your album not just in USA but in the UK too via the usual download sites, what can you tell us about Monolathe Recordings and as they already have dipped their toes in the UK market, are they looking for bands over here as well as there?
GW: Basically it's a brand new boutique label and SIAL has the honour of being the first artist to have a full length released on it. Having the album available in the UK was essential to SIAL, especially me having spent most of my life there. Fortunately Monolathe work with Nail/Allegro Distribution, so they had that covered. I've no doubt Monolathe will be working with bands from across the pond, in fact I know of two European bands the label is looking at right now.
R13: Towards the end of last year you popped over here and did a couple of low key acoustic sets, any plans to see a full SIAL tour of the UK any time?
GW: That's definitely something we're talking about, with a touch of luck it'll happen sometime after summer. I'm really looking forward to us all getting across the pond, for some in the band it'll be the first time and for others it's been too long.
R13: Your self titled debut album is released early February (as previously stated, both in the UK and USA), how would you describe it to someone who did not know SIAL?
GW: I have no idea and to be honest the second someone can do that accurately we'll probably start doing something else. Whenever I try to describe SIAL, I'll make one point and immediately realize I've left five out. Answers on a postcard please.
R13: How did you find the recording process in Austin compared to over here?
GW: Warmer. Seriously, if I had my way we'd only record during the winter months in Austin. I miss recording when it all gloomy and raining outside, you have to really work hard at getting in a dark mental place when it's 100 degrees for 8 months out of the year.
R13: Austin, for a small city (small on USA terms), has had quite a few bands break through in recent years but what bands do you think we should be checking out over there?
GW: Ringo Deathstarr, Dead Black Hearts, New Roman Times, The Strange Attractors, She Sir, The Astronaut Suit. They're all great Austin bands and definitely worth a gander.
R13: Glynn, thanks for your time. Good luck with the album, we think it is a belter and deserves great success. Hope to see you all over here soon, with a bottle or 2 of Shiner!
GW: You're too kind, thank you very much. Oh, get your drinking boots on, you're going to need them!
Our thanks to Glynn for taking the time to answer our questions and we can only keep our fingers crossed that the possible UK tour does happen soon!
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Band Review: STEREO IS A LIE
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With the release of their self-titled debut album last month, STEREO IS A LIE is making moves.
S...With the release of their self-titled debut album last month, STEREO IS A LIE is making moves.
Set to play MR Fest next month, this dynamic five-piece band comprised of local Austin-Brit rockers, attacks classic alternative rock with a touch of rejuvenation. Lead singer Glynn Wedgewood’s vocals are distinct and memorable. The band’s sound is simple yet intricate, close to the iconic 90’s music that still lives on today. In fact their singles, “It’s Too Late” and “Last Call,” are reminiscent of influences ranging from R.E.M. to Sonic Youth to Oasis, with the exception that STEREO IS A LIE creates a more contemporary, personal sound.
Coming out of a breakthrough year, STEREO IS A LIE won Austin’s portion of The Deli magazine’s “Emerging Artist of 2009,” beating out competition from acts like Neon Indian and Black Joe Lewis. Last summer the band completed the recording of their debut album, mixed by Chris Cline (…Trail Of Dead, The Society of Rockets, etc.) and mastered by John Golden (Sonic Youth, Film School, etc.). With a helping hand from the best of the best, it’s no wonder that after watching their performance at KTSW’s Third Thursday concert series last fall, STEREO IS A LIE deserves all the attention they get. If San Marcos loves them, so will you.
STEREO IS A LIE will play MR Fest 2011 at Texas Music Theater on Saturday, April 30 during the afternoon set. Come by and say hi!
-Sonia Onescu
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Austin Brit-rockers STEREO IS A LIE perform “What We Do” outside Thunderbird Coffee–PLUS bonus jam sesh vid! [VOYEUR MUSIC VIDEO]
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This week, the band revealed the fruits of their labor with the official release of their self-title...This week, the band revealed the fruits of their labor with the official release of their self-titled album STEREO IS A LIE. And now, after listening to the complete album, I’ll tell you it’s a solid release. Much of the wall of sound that occurs live has been reigned in, allowing each of the distinct layers to weave in and out in a way that just isn’t possible in a live show.
Hearing each element makes me completely fall in love with all of the instruments in this aural soup. Davy’s solid, steady drums are like the chicken stock. Simple and necessary, they create the base, setting the foundation and moving the songs forward.
Glynn’s guitar and vox are the meat, giving the ear something to chew on. Marcus’s bass is the potatoes. Thickening, they make the soup heartier. And Justin’s keys add a hint of chords and ambient noises, kinda like that spice that brings an extra layer of taste you can’t quite identify: It’s totally understated while in the mix, but to remove it would ruin the full flavor of the soup.
Oh, and Danny’s guitar is kinda like lemon zest. The showiest of the bunch, his stylings blast the whole dish into the stratosphere.
Mixing also brings out Glynn’s vocals, spotlighting his upbeat lyrics. Well, upbeat may be an overstatement. There’s something hopeful, kinda like that realistic friend in zombie movies who manages to keep a level head as the world starts to turn to shit; instead of allowing you to wallow in your misery and die, he offers his hand and says, “we’ll get out of here.” Not bright and sunshiney, but reassuring.
That’s exactly the tone in today’s Voyeur Music Video. Shot at Thunderbird Coffee on the East Side, the band played a scaled down version of their upbeat track “What We Do.” Scaled down for STEREO IS A LIE doesn’t mean acoustic. It means fewer pedals, a smaller drum kit and lower volume levels. Loved watching them interact. One of my favorite parts of the video is when a car drives by blaring its horn right as Glynn says, “leave this all behind!”
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10 Reasons to Attend 'Red River on the Rocks'
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3. STEREO IS A LIE is one of those best-kept-secrets that won't be a secret much longer. This alt-ro...3. STEREO IS A LIE is one of those best-kept-secrets that won't be a secret much longer. This alt-rock quintet is wrapping up its debut album, and if it's anything like the band's pummeling and stylish live show, then SIAL will make an impression on fans of dark, heavy indie rock the world over. Check out this stripped down set the band recently played on the radio...
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STEREO IS A LIE’s debut release week!
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In case you haven’t yet “liked” Stereo Is A Lie on Facebook or don’t follow their Facebook, I am go...In case you haven’t yet “liked” Stereo Is A Lie on Facebook or don’t follow their Facebook, I am going to re-state certain important upcoming events of theirs for you. A good 8% of this blog’s traffic is for SIAL updates, so this post is all about meeting those needs. If you already know what’s up, ignore me now.
1. SIAL’s debut LP, in the making for over two years, is now available worldwide! Click here to purchase the whole thing via-iTunes.
2. At 4PM today, they’ll be featured live on KEYE Tv.
3. Thursday evening, listen in on KUT radio for more live goodness.
4. Saturday 3PM-6PM, SIAL will have a live rehearsal. Arthouse at the Jones Center (you’ve seen it; it’s on Congress downtown) is housing British artist Graham Hudson’s first solo exhibit in the US. He’s created an installation re-creation of The Astoria. I haven’t seen the art yet, but I’ve heard cool things. This is a cool event because the music is not practiced; it’s practicing. It’s a view of the making, the becoming, the ideas. Also, it’s two British forces colliding in Austin. How often does that happen? Never is correct; therefore, go.
5. And finally: the live performance, the CD release party, the relief, the event to attend if you don’t attend any other, the party of the year so far, it’s happening this Saturday night at The Ghost Room. Be there by 9PM to catch the very-acclaimed Astronaut Suit, The Strange Attractors should rock the stage heavily by 10:30PM, and then– ta-da!– Stereo Is A Lie.
It’s a big week for SIAL. Let’s show some love.
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STEREO IS A LIE @ The Parish Austin, Texas
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On a rainy, January night during "Free Week" in Austin, Texas, Stereo Is A Lie gave the elements a r...On a rainy, January night during "Free Week" in Austin, Texas, Stereo Is A Lie gave the elements a run for their money as they headlined The Parish to showcase their forthcoming self-titled debut.
Armed with its reputation for solid songwriting and sonically rearranging rooms, the black-clad five-piece opened with the hauntingly beautiful 'What We Do', and wasted no time in setting the tone for a night of meshing layer upon layer of lush, gritty reverb and swirling keyboards with the chest-rattling drums and heavy melodic bass of a solid rhythm section that threatened to shake the second floor venue down to the ground.
Effortlessly shifting gears from the lyrical intricacies and earnestness of tunes like 'Cracks' and 'I Won't' to the massive build-up blues explosion of 'Look At Yourself', and barn-burner 'Get It Right', lead vocalist and Newcastle native Glynn Wedgewood lent his soulful voice to the task of raising the audience out of its collective skin as his band mates continued bringing new meaning to the term "wall of sound" on hook-heavy foot-stompers like 'Fine Lines' and their first single 'Too Late'.
Wrapping up an evening of aural assault with the raucous, feedback laden and aptly titled 'Last Call', complete with their fearless leader playing chicken with the stage's edge before ultimately dropping himself (guitar in hand) 4 feet into the awaiting crowd below, seemed a no-brainer for SIAL as they sent the audience back out into the rainy, January night, mouths agape and eyes wide open with the knowledge that the real storm tonight had been indoors.
Reviewed for R13 by Russell Gustave Ochoa of EG15M
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Austin Music Minute: STEREO IS A LIE and White Dress Play Tonight at the Cactus Cafe
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Ordinarily, you’d have bands like STEREO IS A LIE or White Dress on any given bill and chances are t...Ordinarily, you’d have bands like STEREO IS A LIE or White Dress on any given bill and chances are things will be louder and a tad removed from “mellow.”
STEREO IS A LIE, featuring songwriter and guitarist Glynn Wedgewood (IV Thieves), is known for high volume, full-throttle mega-Brit pop/rock gigs driven by massive guitar action and ripping hooks. However, they’re making an exception for tonight’s show at the Cactus Cafe. They’ll be doing their music acoustic-style, which undoubtedly means a slightly lower volume, but don’t be lulled into thinking that the show won’t rock. They’re no strangers to acoustic sets, and they sound great doing them.
The same should be said for Austin-based guitar and drum band White Dress. Vocalist Arum Rae Valkonen and Grant Van Amburgh bring forth a heavier sound than would be expected from a duo – rough edge country meets whiskey-soaked rock, tied in with Valkonen’s sultry vocal delivery. Perhaps the volume may come down a couple of notches, but again, here’s a band that knows how to make it rock without always going up to eleven.
Don’t miss STEREO IS A LIE and White Dress at their show tonight at the Cactus Cafe in the Texas Union Building, at 24th St. and Guadalupe. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30. Recommended.
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SXSW DAY 5
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While the official SXSW showcases commenced on Saturday, those that were wise enough to stick around...While the official SXSW showcases commenced on Saturday, those that were wise enough to stick around caught another full day of free shows and exceptionally good concerts. I started my at one o’clock at the Six Stages Over Texas Block Party, just on the outskirts of the city. Arriving a few miles from where the show was taking place, it became obvious I was going to need to run to make sure I caught all of Austin’s favorite up-and-comers STEREO IS A LIE. After beating out the enormous competition to claim The Deli Magazine’s “Best New Artist” for 2009, SIAL played a scorching hot set in the early afternoon sun, comprised of nearly every track from the band’s upcoming debut. SXSW is a festival tends to focus on new music and the “next big thing,” and ladies and gentlemen, STEREO IS A LIE may very well be just what alternative rock needs. The band roared with cool washes of guitars, keys, and a very tight rhythm section, as band leader Glynn Wedgewood brought his songs to life with a charming snarl of Brit rock via Austin, TX. Imagine The Verve, Oasis, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s unholy offspring, and the sound of this quintet becomes more clear. Extremely accessible and radio friendly without ever sounding contrived, soulless, or mass produced, these guys are destined for great things, so be sure to check them out. The band enveloped the outdoor stage with their massive shimmering sound, playing personal favorites “Get It Right,” “What We Do,” and closing with the magnificent and time appropriate “Last Call”.
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Band to watch in 2010: STEREO IS A LIE
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STEREO IS A LIE has been getting quite a bit of local buzz lately, which makes me happy. I was hooke...STEREO IS A LIE has been getting quite a bit of local buzz lately, which makes me happy. I was hooked from this band's very first show in November 2008, when they caught me totally by surprise at Emo's. It's refreshing to see a confident, well-rehearsed band command the stage like SIAL does, rather than awkwardly fumble through a set (a common occurrence in Austin).
I could tell you about their influences... or you can watch this video I shot and edited almost exactly a year ago. The video features STEREO IS A LIE at Stubb's.
Also, check out my Flickr photo album of pictures I took at Ghost Room a few months ago.
STEREO IS A LIE is playing a cool showcase at Ghost Room on Friday, March 5. The showcase is called A Local Night For Local People, no doubt a jab intended for those of us who get cranky with the massive influx of tourists during SXSW. RSVP for this show on Facebook here. Other great bands are on the bill, including psychedelic rockers The Astronaut Suit.
Lastly, STEREO has just about wrapped up the mixing of its debut album. All that's left is for the band to figure out its distribution method, and whether or not that will include a record label.
http://www.nitesblog.com/2010/02/band-to-watch-in-2010-stereo-is-lie.html
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Interview with Josh Shepherd
mp3
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Free Week, Part Two
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STEREO IS A LIE have a fashionable yet elusive ability to be delicately pretty and really, really, r...STEREO IS A LIE have a fashionable yet elusive ability to be delicately pretty and really, really, really loud at the same time. I never forget to put their name in all caps! Would it be redundant to call an actual Englishman (leader Glynn Wedgewood) an Anglophile? Seems as if it would, but Manchester Invasion melodies and shoegaze volume levels have maintained their appeal on both sides of the Atlantic. I'd say more but I'm working on a feature on them for later in the month, stay tuned.
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Austinist
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The fast emerging STEREO IS A LIE, consisting of various local luminaries, including Glynn Wedgewood...The fast emerging STEREO IS A LIE, consisting of various local luminaries, including Glynn Wedgewood (IV Thieves), Marcus Piña (Alta May), Davy Hamrick (Lomita), along with Justin Scott and Danny Stapleton (Our Black Love Song), occupy the middle slot in the bill. The fledgling band is fine tuning its lush, explosive rock songs for a soon to be released debut EP. This evening’s show should be another stepping stone on its path to glory. We caught up with Wedgewood earlier this week -- read the interview after the jump.
Where did you grow up?
Glynn Wedgewood: My birthplace is Bishop Auckland in the North East of England, it's not far from Newcastle, home of the best football team on the planet. I also lived in Coventry and then Nottingham for a while.
What were some influences during your childhood?
Football and Star Wars, so the same as everyone I guess. On the music front I remember a cousin who used to watch the U2 (Live at) Red Rocks video religiously every Sunday morning, maybe some of that rubbed off on me.
When did you move to Austin?
It was October of '05 that I to moved to Austin, although I'd been living in the city since July of that year. Things had been non-stop for a while on the music front, so when I finally got a break I took a flight back the UK, grabbed whatever I could fit in two cases and made that delightful trip back across the Atlantic to be with my (now) wife. Ever since then Austin has been home, in fact I'm a proud parent of a Texan baby!
What are the various musical projects you have been involved in here?
IV Thieves took up a lot of time for a while as did Viterbo. Other than that I've played some guitar with mrandmrsmays and done some solo shows here and there. STEREO IS A LIE is where my focus is now though.
How did SIAL come together?
I wanted to do something fresh and exciting, so once I'd written and demoed a number of songs I asked some friends if they fancied building the tunes up and getting a band together.
http://austinist.com/2008/12/19/the_strange_attractors_stereo_is_a.php
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Amazing Debut - 'What We Do' reviewed
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Brit rock meets Texas rock as the band that was recently voted best breakthrough band in Austin, Tex...Brit rock meets Texas rock as the band that was recently voted best breakthrough band in Austin, Texas last year purely for their awesome live shows, Stereo Is A Lie, release their first song ‘What We Do’ for the rest of the world to realise what those in the ‘Music Capital of the World’ already know.
The sound is a perfect balance that feels just at home in an arena or an intimate, smokey, bar. ‘What We Do’ has powerful guitars with the ideal blend of distortion and emotional vocals that take you off on the journey with the band making it four and half minutes of pure listening pleasure.
If the debut album, which is due out later this year, is half as good as ‘What We Do’ then expect to hear a lot more from Stereo Is A Lie. Now all we need to do is get them here in the UK.
http://www.roomthirteen.com/cd_reviews/10737/STEREO_IS_A_LIE__What_We_Do.html
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CD review
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Stereo Is A Lie - Stereo Is A Lie (CD, Monolathe, Pop)
The Austin, Texas-based band Stereo Is A Lie...Stereo Is A Lie - Stereo Is A Lie (CD, Monolathe, Pop)
The Austin, Texas-based band Stereo Is A Lie is comprised of members of several other bands, namely IV Thieves, Lomita, Alta May, and Our Black Love Song. This self-titled album features slick pop tracks with plenty of commercial appeal. If you're looking for artsy weird stuff this may not be your kinda thing...but if you're looking for an underground band that plays plenty of hummable oughta-be hits...then Stereo Is A Lie might just be your new favorite band. Finely tuned pop cuts include "What We Do," "Get It Right," and "Look At Yourself."
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STEREO IS A LIE Q&A: Nothing is Out of Bounds and Nobody is Safe
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Deli writer Ellen Green recently tracked down our Year End Poll grand champions STEREO IS A LIE for ...Deli writer Ellen Green recently tracked down our Year End Poll grand champions STEREO IS A LIE for a quick Q&A. SIAL plays the Ghost Room this Friday (3/5) along with an all-local lineup of New Roman Times, Sad Accordions, The Distant Seconds, and DJ Parklife. And here's what STEREO IS A LIE had to say...
So, you have an album coming out. How was it working with Chris Cline?
We've been tracking the album on and off for the past seven months, but we'll be completely wrapped up next week. It has taken a little longer than we thought it would, but we wanted to explore every possible avenue, leaving no stone unturned so to speak. We've used every mic imaginable, smashed guitars, plugged in as many amplifiers at one time as we possibly could, learned new instruments etc. Finally, what we're left with are ten songs that we feel, capture the band. Chris Cline (...Trail Of Dead, The Society Of Rockets, Explosions in the Sky, etc.) is going to mix the record, so that's really the next step. Chris is one of the few people outside of the band that we trust to put the same amount of love into the record that we have, so we're very excited to be working with him.
When is the album due out?
It'll definitely be this year, but we don't have an exact release date just yet. I'm sure it would just change anyway, so I don't want to tell you any fibs.
What influenced the music (ie life, kids, other music, politics) for this album?
Lyrically there's a lot of social commentary and the music certainly reflects that as well. It's hard to ignore the rate at which the world falls further into chaos everyday, but I mean why would you ignore that? I'd much rather make honest observations as opposed to churning out another distraction that helps anesthetize the masses.
What is the live show about? Tour plans?
Blood, sweat and beers. I guess maybe watching a SIAL show is a bit like taking a non-stop train journey. Although you may be familiar with your carriage's environment, the surroundings outside of that are constantly changing.
We'll definitely do a bit of touring to support the release. Now that the recording part of our lives is nearly finished for this record, we can shift some focus toward more shows, festivals and tours.
What is your Saturday night album? Sunday morning album?
I don't know, there isn't really an album I go for when I'm putting my lipstick on, doing my hair and getting ready to hit the town on a Saturday night. Hit shuffle and go I say! Sunday mornings are for sleeping, but if I have to listen to anything then it had better be sensitive to my hangover.
First concert you ever saw?? Best concert?
The first concert I saw was The Mission at Newcastle City Hall, I think they were touring the Carved In Sand album. The best? That's way too tough to answer, there are just so many to choose from...Radiohead, Dubstar, Constantines, Suede, TVOTR, Longpigs, The Raveonettes, Suzanne Vega, BRMC, Ladytron, These Animal Men...the list goes on.
What are your/the band's musical influences?
There are countless influences, but definitely nothing we really lean towards, instead we prefer to subconsciously absorb everything and see what our brains spit out. We take from everything, be it a Renaissance piece by John Dunstable or Phil Collins 'In The Air' tonight. Nothing is out of bounds and nobody is safe.
--Ellen Green
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launch 787
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Glynn Wedgewood is, in a way, the new kid on the block. The Nottingham, England transplant who now c...Glynn Wedgewood is, in a way, the new kid on the block. The Nottingham, England transplant who now calls Austin home is the frontman for STEREO IS A LIE, Austin’s latest effort in forceful, modernistic rock ‘n’ roll. The quintet crafts a dynamic sound with one foot in smoky bars and another foot in a packed stadium, despite having only made its presence felt in Austin less than a year ago. Having played their first show in November of 2008 (and its first SXSW soon thereafter), STEREO IS A LIE has already accumulated a healthy amount of hype.
But it’s immediately apparent that STEREO IS A LIE has ideas of grandeur. The cuts are too polished, too professional to be a new flash in the pan. The performances are too tight and the band’s presence is too forceful to be just another act groomed for the confines of Sixth Street. In fact, Wedgewood fronted IV Thieves, a promising quartet with an arena-ready sound that gathered attention on both sides of the pond before making the move from Nottingham to Austin and splitting a couple of years ago. While IV Thieves was more than welcome in Austin, STEREO IS A LIE fills the hole nicely, while adding a few new touches.
STEREO IS A LIE has an ominous weight underlining its rock-heavy chords. It’s Jet without the cocky, superficial appeal, Queens of the Stone Age with more range, or Muse without the whole pre-apocalyptic fear-mongering thing, aiming more comfortably for a hybrid of alternative rock and snarling Brit-rock. Most impressively, the band – also featuring Davy Hamrick, Justin Scott, Danny Stapleton, and Brandon Tucker – maintains a rough edge throughout their otherwise sleek, glossy tracks. It’s raw enough to be heavy, but clean enough to sing to.
“Get It Right”, the band’s first recorded material, does just that. Starting with a twanged-out guitar riff, the track is carried by the crooning voice of Wedgewood and a mid-pace rhythm indebted to the annals of rock history. However, it’s the chorus that reveals STEREO IS A LIE’s potential, with a climactic, sing-a-long nature. The lyrics echo and the guitars sparkle as Wedgewood sings “Things are gonna change” with a characteristic poise and of an accomplished veteran of the scene.
STEREO IS A LIE is playing the headlining a set at the Hole in the Wall on June 19th. Supporting acts include Colour Wheel and Western Ghost House. Show information from our friends at Do512.
STEREO IS A LIE
Website
Posted by Elliot Cole
http://launch787.goodbarry.com/AnnouncementRetrieve.aspx?ID=23663
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Review – 40 Rocks Local Showcase
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STEREO IS A LIE was on next, a group I had not seen since March ’09 at South by Southwest. Still, t...STEREO IS A LIE was on next, a group I had not seen since March ’09 at South by Southwest. Still, the instant the first chords rolled off of their instruments, I remembered – they’re a big-sounding rock band, great for fans of Oasis and Jet. Though all members are clearly skilled musicians, what makes this band is lead man Glynn Wedgewood. He’s got that entrancing swagger and confidence that forces you to watch him and belies his small frame; he’s a giant when he’s performing. Wedgewood’s aura coupled with the band’s big sound made the Beauty Bar stage feel far too tiny – this is a band that needs to perform in a stadium or at a festival, with room to echo and fans to dive into (as Wedgewood did anyway at the end of the group’s last song.) Proof: my beer glass vibrated in my hand from the swirling sounds leaping off of every surface. You know that’s rock! Bonus: Davy Hamrick is not only a lively drummer, but he looks like Thom Yorke.
http://caitlinwittlif.net/?p=202
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Everyone Is Trying to Get to the Bar
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Stereo Is a Lie, thankfully, were unaffected by any kind of technical problems, which is a mercy bec...Stereo Is a Lie, thankfully, were unaffected by any kind of technical problems, which is a mercy because their massive volume level is quite enough for the human ear to deal with on its own. I think bands play too loud a lot of the time, but these guys can get away with bludgeoning it, because Glynn Wedgewood's fine range and natural vibrato make him perfectly audible singing even above the din. They also have a drummer who kills it but can play with repetitive precision when the songwriting calls for it. Their bassist and second guitar player aren't flashy, but they are right on the grooves, and they largely avoid the monochromatic trap into which a lot of bands following in the footsteps of My Bloody Valentine, Ride, et al fall (a pinch of Smiths works every time). I do wish that the onslaught slowed down more frequently, as it was only about every fourth song that the guitars stopped screaming long enough for their keys player to even be heard.
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Episode#28: Stereo Is A Lie
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Former IV Thieves singer/guitarist Glynn Wedgewood launched Stereo Is A Lie last November with four ...Former IV Thieves singer/guitarist Glynn Wedgewood launched Stereo Is A Lie last November with four like-minded Austin music veterans. I was at that first show and I wouldn't have known it was their first if they hadn't said so. These dudes came out of the box in mostly top form, a result of their combined experience and work ethic. Stereo Is A Lie has a knack for big arena-ready hooks, with a sound that tastefully blends classic rock influences with a more modern alternative sound. They're still flying under the radar because they're so new, but don't expect that to last too long. Stereo Is A Lie is bound to get lots of attention for the manic stage energy and tight live performances.
Filmed at Stubb's BBQ on February 26, 2009. Visit MySpace to watch this episode in three parts, including the songs "Look At Yourself", "We're Done", and "Last Call".
http://www.nitesblog.com/2009/03/episode28-stereo-is-lie.html
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STEREO IS A LIE
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Two years ago, STEREO IS A LIE made their debut as a band. As a fan, my patience is being rewarded t...Two years ago, STEREO IS A LIE made their debut as a band. As a fan, my patience is being rewarded this weekend as the band celebrates the official release of their new single, "It's Too Late" on Monolathe Recordings from their upcoming self titled album to be released in Feb 2011. The record was mixed by Chris Cline (Trail Of Dead) and mastered by John Golden (Sonic Youth, Film School, Japandroids, etc.). The lineup is completed by friends from 2 other local bands, New Roman Times and dead black hearts, who have joined SIAL on past shows together. This solid local triple bill will be playing this Sat, Nov 20th, at Beauty Bar. If you're a fan of a big guitar sound, powerful drums, and a live performance that will command your attention, I highly recommend checking out my favorite musical Men In Black.
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Austin Brit-Rock Band STEREO IS A LIE
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Austin now possesses its own Brit-rock band. STEREO IS A LIE is the name of this popular Austin rock...Austin now possesses its own Brit-rock band. STEREO IS A LIE is the name of this popular Austin rock band. This Austin music band, though quite unaccurately, is often compared to Muse as because thay are loud and they rock. This music band is however, more closely related to the 90's alternative British pop scene, kinda like if Damon Albarn from Blur grew a pair, or if Noel Gallagher from Oasis stopped whining and grew two pairs. STEREO IS A LIE has been working on their album for the last few months and their fans are eagerly waiting for it. This album is supposed to have exhibited the more subtle layers of their song than a rocking stage show will allow. It will also be interesting to see how well Chris Cline will be able to translate STEREO IS A LIE's stage show in the studio.
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STEREO IS A LIE debut full-length out 2/8
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Seems like good timing that one year after winning both the Readers' and the overall Deli Emerging A...Seems like good timing that one year after winning both the Readers' and the overall Deli Emerging Artist Poll, and in the midst of the current poll, 2010 champs STEREO IS A LIE are now ready to unveil their debut, eponymous full-length. The album - slated for release Feb. 8 - will also mark the debut release for the Austin-based boutique label Monolathe Recordings.
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STEREO IS A LIE @ The Parish Austin, Texas
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On a rainy, January night during "Free Week" in Austin, Texas, Stereo Is A Lie gave the elements a r...On a rainy, January night during "Free Week" in Austin, Texas, Stereo Is A Lie gave the elements a run for their money as they headlined The Parish to showcase their forthcoming self-titled debut.
Armed with its reputation for solid songwriting and sonically rearranging rooms, the black-clad five-piece opened with the hauntingly beautiful 'What We Do', and wasted no time in setting the tone for a night of meshing layer upon layer of lush, gritty reverb and swirling keyboards with the chest-rattling drums and heavy melodic bass of a solid rhythm section that threatened to shake the second floor venue down to the ground.
Effortlessly shifting gears from the lyrical intricacies and earnestness of tunes like 'Cracks' and 'I Won't' to the massive build-up blues explosion of 'Look At Yourself', and barn-burner 'Get It Right', lead vocalist and Newcastle native Glynn Wedgewood lent his soulful voice to the task of raising the audience out of its collective skin as his band mates continued bringing new meaning to the term "wall of sound" on hook-heavy foot-stompers like 'Fine Lines' and their first single 'Too Late'.
Wrapping up an evening of aural assault with the raucous, feedback laden and aptly titled 'Last Call', complete with their fearless leader playing chicken with the stage's edge before ultimately dropping himself (guitar in hand) 4 feet into the awaiting crowd below, seemed a no-brainer for SIAL as they sent the audience back out into the rainy, January night, mouths agape and eyes wide open with the knowledge that the real storm tonight had been indoors.
Reviewed for R13 by Russell Gustave Ochoa of EG15M
