cranney

Artist Information

Biography

Where has rock gone? Since the beginning of the 21st century, the music market has become increasingly saturated with bands that have nothing new to offer. What about good old fashion rock licks, and melodic vocals from people that actually know how to sing and play?

Enter Toronto’s Cranney.

It all started a decade ago although none of the members of the band would know it at the time. Rai witnessed Nirvana’s “Smells like teen spirit” video and decided to pick up the guitar and start writing songs. After years of playing he began to search for a drummer to help engage upon his vision of what Cranney would become, luckily he discovered a hard pounding drummer named Rick. After a few different members came and went, Higgs impressed them. He joined the band and the Cranney sound was close to complete. All that was left was a bass line to fill the void; once Robbi arrived the band was absolute.

What gives Cranney its sound?? Each member of the band grew up on different styles, and different genres of music such as grunge rock, punk, classic rock, 80’s rock etc… These influences are all incorporated into their overall sound to make it something truly original.

With lyrics surrounded by the idea of “FEEL” mixed with melodic chord progressions, flawless beating of the skins, Flowing solos and super melodic vocals it’s not hard to see why Cranney will continue to be a success in the years to come.


Rai Starr: singer, songwriter, guitar raistarr@hotmail.com
Rikki Stixx: drums, vocals rikkistixx@msn.com
Higgs: lead guitar, vocals ryan_higgins@hotmail.com
Robbi: bass, vocals

www.myspace.com/cranney
www.sonicbids.com/cranney

Instrumentation

Rai Starr: singer, songwriter, guitar, piano
Rikki Stixx: drums, b.vocals
Ryan Higgi: lead guitar, b.vocals
Robbi: bass

Discography

We have recorded and released five albums independantly to friends, fans, and after shows:

...untill the day -2000
rock was dead... -2002
we came along -2003
cranney acoustic -2004
chapter five -2004
demo -2006

Audio

Lyrics

• buried
• hollow
• all you had to say

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Canada jams [+ Show ]
  

  Sonic Deli Records launched the first Indie Band Night at STONES PLACE, 1255 Queen Street West, Toro...Sonic Deli Records launched the first Indie Band Night at STONES PLACE, 1255 Queen Street West, Toronto, this Wednesday, May 31, 2006.
  In order of appearance; Cranney, The Droops & host Jim Armstrong and The Sonic Deli Band.
  This night marked a growth in the Canadian Music Industry.
  A new, regular Indie music night in an atmosphere surrounded by artwork, photos and other memorabilia of some of the greatest artists in world history, reminding us of the possibilties of 'what could be'.
  These three bands rocked away the rain and humid weather, paving the way for steady rounds of emerging talent bent on impressing the seasoned music fans of downtown Toronto.
  Just add teams of videographers, photographers and media specialists to extend the night into a permanent memory and the world-wide-web stage.
  What a great job they did - local Cranney warmed us up with original rock songs, then The Droops who got the crowd chanting "Droops.Droops.Droops..." because they couldn't get enough.
  Then the pro's - the finely polished Sonic Deli, with a 5 piece band to close.
  Photos/video coming soon.
  Brought to you by Sonic Deli Records, Stones Place, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, CanadaJams.ca, SPEAKmusic & Media Specialties/Essential Indie:
  www.stonesplace.ca
  www.sonicdelirecords.com
  www.canadajams.ca
  www.long-mcquade.com
  www.speak-music.com
  www.mediaspecialties.ca
  
  CRANNEY:
  “Cranney has been rocking the Toronto music scene for 3 years now and
  shows no signs of slowing down. With their melodic alternative rock
  sound, Cranney have played all the great clubs like El Mocambo, Lee's
  Palace, The Reverb, and the legendary Knitting Factory in New York
  City. Their debut self titled EP was recorded by Sean Gregory at TRH
  studios and is out now. Rai Starr: vocals, guitar - Higgi: lead guitar
  - Rikki: drums, and Robbi: bass”
  www.myspace.com/cranney - www.sonicbids.com/cranney -
  
  THE DROOPS:
  “If you’re looking for a fresh, funky sound then look down in the south of Ontario. The Droops are K-W’s premier new wave blues-funk-rock band, turning ordinary concerts into parties.
  Rhythmically, the Droops are based on the Blues duo of Dan Alac and Chris Flannigan, both having graced numerous Open Jams in the K-W region, as well as the “Blues, Brews & Barbeques” Festival put on by the city of Kitchener. Weave in the hi-energy guitar skills of Tyler Smith (formerly of Tucker, Name Game) and then add the lyrics of singer, Alex Machidon.
  From intimate venues (U of Waterloo’s Grad House) to popular bars (Fiddler’s Green in Cambridge) to festivals (Kitchener’s “Unity Jam”, New Hamburg’s “Bridging the Gap”) the Droops can play any crowd, anytime, anywhere.”
  www.thedroops.com www.myspace.com/thedroops
  
  JIM ARMSTRONG & THE SONIC DELI BAND:
  Jim Armstrong - For almost four decades of his remarkable,
  musical life, Jim Armstrong has lived with, and in spite of, severe
  epilepsy. Jim is the core of Sonic Deli (band, label, production house); a
  multi-talented singer-songwriter. Jim's melodies and lyrical imagery are
  reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt and Tom Petty. Jim has
  demonstrated his abilities as both an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and a producer. The Sonic Deli Band includes Wes Miller (bass guitar), Val Oddo (lead guitar), Rob Maurin (back up vocals/rhythm guitar), Debbie Shessel (back up vocals) & Andre Skinner (drums)
  www.sonicdelirecords.com
  www.sonicbids.com/JimArmstrongSonicDeliBand
  
  
  
  
  

Setlist

Our set list includes ten songs, or as many as they let us :) approx 45mins:

all you had to say
hollow
i must be crazy
burried
feeling dire
so beautiful
break it
goodbye
been through
i'll try to feel alive

Basic Requirements

Calendar