10th Concession

We all know that Ellen DeGeneres discovered pop idol Justin Bieber.
Is her next hot young success story right here in Tampa?
No knocks on the door yet, but the superstar talk show host might just gobble up the amiable and talented musicians in 10th Concession (pictured, right) –the hard-working and down-to-business pop-rock band led by enterprising brothers Ian and Evan Koteles.
The Koteles boys grew up with music. Their dad, Albi Koteles, played with the members of Rush in their early years and was in a prog-rock band called Conspiracy. The Koteles sons named their band after the Canadian address of Albi’s childhood.
The senior Koteles imparted the valuable lesson that getting your sounds heard involves making sound business decisions, and the boys have learned their lesson well, recording a top-notch, self-titled debut CD that was meticulously engineered in Nashville, landing cherry gigs in big-name venues and scoring opening gigs at major concerts and events.
We’re thinking that DeGeneres might take notice because the young rockers claim to have raised thousands of dollars for one of her non-profits, a support network for GLBT teens, and has written a song with a near and dear to Ellen’s heart — a tune to raise awareness against bullying and let teens know they are not struggling alone.
Has Ellen heard the tune yet?
“Unfortunately no contact with Ellen has been made directly,” 10th Concession’s Ian Koteles said. “However, we were able to raise $5,000 at our EP release for Tampa’s local chapter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network), which is one of Ellen’s three major charities. Bullying is such a major issue right now and we simply wanted to do our part to help raise some awareness. We have big plans that are in the preliminary stages along with a number of people ready and willing to support. Until then we will keep working locally and spreading the word as best we can.” - Julie Garisto - CL Tampa

For the second week in a row, our spotlight shines on a band led by bros. 10th Concession, led by siblings Ian Koteles, 26, acoustic guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Evan Koteles, 21, electric and acoustic guitar and vocals; features Matt Brady on bass and David Daniels on drums.

10th Concession’s style of radio-friendly, contemporary pop doesn’t fit in a trendy niche. If anything, it’s somewhat of a throwback to ’70s soft rock bands like America, but with touches of today’s mainstream pop bringing it up to date. They say they’ve gotten the brush-off, and people often don’t know what to make of them, but are proud of their unique accessibility. “I feel that it’s a strength to attract a wide audience,” Evan said. “We’re not the comb-over band. We don’t wear girl jeans.”

You can check out 10th Concession at 8 p.m. Friday at Three Birds Tavern, 1492 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg; and Saturday night at Fly Bar, 1202 N Franklin St., Tampa. Both shows are free.

LISTEN - 10th Concession, 'You Don't Have To Apologize'

After the jump, check out Julie Garisto's full profile of 10th Concession...

Oh, brothers, part 2: For the second week in a row, our spotlight shines on a band led by bros. 10th Concession, led by siblings Ian Koteles, 26, acoustic guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Evan Koteles, 21, electric and acoustic guitar and vocals; features Matt Brady on bass and David Daniels on drums.

Formed: In 2008 in Tampa. The Koteles brothers have been playing as an acoustic duo for more than 5 years.

Dual citizenship: Ian and Evan who were born and raised in South Tampa, are both Canadian and American.

Keeping it in the family: The Koteles boys grew up with music. Dad Albi, they say, played with the members of Rush in their early years and was in a prog-rock band called Conspiracy. He now plays with the Johnny Charro Band.

Mass appeal: 10th Concession’s style of radio-friendly, contemporary pop doesn’t fit in a trendy niche. If anything, it’s somewhat of a throwback to ’70s soft rock bands like America, but with touches of today’s mainstream pop bringing it up to date. They say they’ve gotten the brush-off, and people often don’t know what to make of them, but are proud of their unique accessibility. “I feel that it’s a strength to attract a wide audience,” Evan said. “We’re not the comb-over band. We don’t wear girl jeans.”

Their live sound: “More straightforward,” Ian said.

Their CD: Self titled, released two years ago, it has what Evan called a “Nashville sheen,” recorded in the music capital by producer Fred Mollin. The CD, they say, has gotten both praise and flak for its layered style and polish. They add that their next release will sound more raw.

Sentimental band name: Ian and Evan named 10th Concession after the address of their father’s childhood farm home, a tract of land the Canadian government conceded to their grandfather for tobacco farming. In Canada, each property is labeled with a number, usually a Roman numeral, and the Koteles’ land was the 10th.

Their bassist: Brady listens to a lot of classic rock and drives a forklift during his day job.

Their drummer: Daniels listens a lot of hard rock and works as an athletic trainer.

On being a four-piece: We got tired of just being two guys,” Ian said. “Being in band is a breath of fresh air.”
Evan: “We don’t want a Jonas Brothers-y type of thing!”

Hear them: Friday night at 8 p.m. at Three Birds Tavern, 1492 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, and Saturday at the Fly Bar, 1202 N Franklin St., Tampa. Both shows are free. myspace.com/10thConcession.

-- Julie Garisto, tbt* - TBT

10th Concession

The brothers Koteles’ sparkly blend of middle-of-the road pop and modern arena rock is what you’d get if the ’70s group America were reincarnated as Lifehouse (and had a Mediterranean way with the ladies). [Pictured right, photo by Tracy May.]
For fans of: Keane, Coldplay, latter-era Cars
Next Show: Dec. 19 Album Release Party, The Ritz, Ybor City, 10thconcession.com - Creative Loafing

OK, yeah, so a lot of you are gonna see the Koteles brothers' cute, postured photos, and listen to about 15 seconds of the first tune on their project's self- titled full-length, and write 'em off as too slick, too formulaic. And yeah, there are moments here - like "My Letter," "Surrounded (By You)" and "Time Won't Wait" - that come off as disposable, manufactured, contemporary pop/rock. But to dismiss 10th Concession out of hand would be a disservice, 'cause there's also a lot of strong songwriting here, along with a well-developed vision. Opener "Run Away" tempers taught '80s cliches with a bit of Americana strum; "100 Kisses Ago" delves fully into perfectly constructed pop-country; "Never Knew Your Name" rings true with a Ben Folds-esque melancholy; "Starting Over" is cute, vaguely reminiscent of Clarity-era Jimmy Eat World, and genuinely moving. Sure, it's heartthrobby post-Goo Goo Dolls/Matchbox Twenty singer/songwriter pop. But it's also better in places than just about everything currently in heavy rotation on Adult Contemporary radio
-Colin Kincaid - REAX Magazine

"Ian and Evan Koteles,the main dudes in 10th Concession, stopped by the office to drop off a press kit the other day,and I couldn't help needling them a little bit,asking if they were the next Jonas Brothers. They disavowed any such aspiration,although admitted that they wouldn't mind trying on that sort of popularity for size. I'm happy to report that the cute guys' music,while very guitar-poppy, is not the insipid drek that Jones' spew-and that Ian and Evan can really sing." - Eric Snider

TBT Tampa's Best Bands: Let There Be Rock!
Category: Music
10th Concession: If South Tampa brothers Evan and Ian Koteles, a.k.a. 10th
Concession, sound too polished for a local band, there’s a good reason: They’ve been
around music their whole lives. Dad Albi Koteles drummed for the bands Orleans and
Conspiracy. After recording in Nashville with former Disney music honcho Fred Mollin,
Evan and Ian — is it too soon to call them the KoBros? — are preparing for the big time
with a self-titled album full of radio-ready pop-rock singles.
-TBT March 20, 2009 - Tampa Bay Times

The debut album from brothers Ian and Evan Koteles is ready made for adult contemporary playlists, with creamy harmonies, crisp production and melancholy but hook-filled melodies. - Tampa Tribune

E&i, which stands for Evan and Ian, is a duo inspired by their father, Albi Koteles, also a musician. Playing music at an early age, it was soon evident that music had become a passion for Ian and Evan. Songwriting has been a passion for the two and has built into a friendly competition. Not since Lennon/McCartney has this reporter heard about such a competition in songwriting. And for musicians, there's no higher compliment.
"Music By The Lake" will be E&i's last stop on their I-24 tour. Fans will be in for a treat from this band that's been featured on "Daytime NBC"

-Ian Skotte
Staff Writer - Herald Chronicle - 2006