Approaching Darkness
Fresno, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Fresno hard rock band Approaching Darkness may actually be approaching a little national attention.
The band recently inked a developmental deal with DBM Records and will release its debut album next week. "Halls" was released locally in April, but now the CD is getting a wider release, thanks to the label, which will push Approaching Darkness on dirtbagmusic.com.
We talked to bass player Nathan Pedersen to learn more about the band.
Give us the quick story of how Approaching Darkness got started. Approaching Darkness formed around October of 2006 with Andrew Dennison and Chris Dennison putting an ad out on the Internet looking for a bassist, and found me. We only needed a full-time drummer and this was filled by Rigo Rodriguez, a bass player himself and a friend from another band, who agreed to try out drumming.
Describe your sound and give us some influences? The band's sound has been described as "brutal." If you like music like Disturbed, Drowning Pool, or Soulfly, there's a good chance you'll like Approaching Darkness.
What separates you guys from other hard rock bands in Fresno? Our stage presence. We'll jump right into the pit during a song. As aggressive and in your face as we are onstage, we're complete opposites off. If we're playing that night, you can guarantee we're there before the show starts and we'll be there until the club closes, hanging out with fans, friends, and cheering on the other bands.
You guys released your first CD in town in April. How's the response been? The response from the CD release has been amazing. The show was broadcast digitally world wide on Indie Life Radio, and had over 47,000 logged-in listeners. Fans would come up after the show, and even at other shows just saying how they related to the music, or how they would crank it up on the car stereo. It still feels dreamlike.
How did you guys hook up with DBM Records? I printed up a list of music labels that would accept unsolicited music, and DBM (Dirtbag Music) was on the top of the list. We knew the company for its clothing line, and heard they were starting their own label. Chris boxed up the CD along with a band bio and contact information, and a few weeks later we got a call from Dirtbag offering up a developmental deal.
Describe your live show in exactly 13 words? In your face music and energy that demands attention, leaving everyone wanting more.
What should people look forward to from Approaching Darkness?
Approaching Darkness can be heard on 104.1 (KFRR, FM) at 8 p.m. on Sunday and seen Wednesday at All Pro Pizza in Visalia for an all-ages show. We're also writing a ton of new material right now for the future. More shows are always being added and you can find them at approachingdarkness.com.
- The Fresno Bee
Discography
Debut album "Halls" released 05-01-09 locally.
World wide realease 07-23-09
EP "Ruin" released 10-09-10
Several tracks played local radio stations 103.7 KRZR and 104.1
Several tracks have had some streaming radio airplay on multiple stations.
Photos
Bio
Approaching Darkness was founded in Fresno, California around October of 2006. The band has a similar music style such as; Soulfly, Ill Nino, and Drowning Pool. The members consist of Andrew Dennison who heads up the band with his in-your-face vocals, his brother Chris Dennison tears it up on guitar, Nathan Pedersen who can be found pumping up the audience plays bass, and combining all those sounds together is Rigo Rodriguez on drums.
The way the band came together couldn’t have been scripted better. Approaching Darkness started with Andrew and Chris playing any instrument needed that they couldn’t fill with temporary friends helping out. They needed permanence, people willing to dedicate the time needed to Approaching Darkness. They put an ad on the internet searching for a bassist, and the ad was answered by Nathan. The band only needed a full time drummer. This was filled in by a bassist, Rigo, who agreed to try out drumming. Who knew he’d be a natural.
Now complete, the band set out to take over the local scene. Approaching Darkness has shared the stage with bands such as; Five Finger Death Punch, Prong, 10 Years, and Powerman 5000. They have been featured on various radio and internet radio stations. Maximum Threshold, whose internet radio station is syndicated around the world, has ranked 2 of Approaching Darkness’ songs on their top 20 charts.
Approaching Darkness, now armed with their new EP "Ruin", is breaking out of the central valley, look for them in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the world! If their trucks can make it, and greasy drive thru is on the way, you can bet their beating down the door and setting up on stage.
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