Channel K

Channel K recently released Human Beings, a 3-track EP designed to introduce the band’s music to a wider audience. You can get a digital copy for free at the Channel K website, and any donations will benefit Communities in Schools, which helps at-risk children. You can also catch a free acoustic live set from Channel K–the band’s debut performance–next Friday, 6.29.12, at Khon’s.

The Exclamations and Chad Asuncion are also on the bill.

Channel K producer and musician Ken Sarmiento (formerly of local band Phuz) recently answered some questions about his latest project.

Houston Calling: What can you tell me about Channel K’s debut release?

Ken Sarmiento: The new rock album is a 3-track single album under Phuzaxeman Productions. It’s the same production entity I started since I produced actress/singer Julin’s album, Transitions, back in 2007. Human Beings will be only available through download on my official www.kensarmientomusic.com site. There will be no charge.

Houston designer guru, Carlos Fernandez (Fernandez Designs) did all of the amazing Channel K logos and album design. It’s an amazing artwork by itself. He’s brought the music into a visual entity that makes the whole album complete. I really love the “simplistic” look but intricate details of how everything looks. He’s one of the best in the biz. His artwork from the 2007 Phuz album, Forgiveness, was also a hit.

I also worked with Don Cobb and Eric Conn from Independent Mastering out in Nashville. Those guys have worked with some great artists including, James Taylor, The Pointer Sisters, Quincy Jones, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Dan Fogelberg, & Jimmy Buffett. Don worked with me a little on the mixing process on the song, “These Thoughts.” I’m pleased with their work on the Channel K album. I’ve learned a lot.

HC: You’re donating all proceeds from the new songs to a charity for at-risk children, right?

KS: Yeah, that’s correct. While there’s isn’t a charge, I do accept donations which will be toward the non-profit organization, Communities in Schools. The program is geared for providing services for at-risk students. It’s a great cause.

HC: How does Channel K differ musically from your work with Phuz?

KS: There are similarities including elements of groove, funky guitar stuff, catchy melodies, and familiar arrangements. But Channel K is also much different than Phuz. I’ve got a role of music director in Channel K as opposed to splitting duties in Phuz. So that’s much different already. Also, the music per se is more “aggressive sounding” and I think more driving with Channel K than Phuz. There’s a lot more electronic sounds with Channel K too. I’ll let the listeners decide. I love both bands for their unique qualities. If anything, Channel K is what I currently sound like today.

HC: How did the songs for Human Beings come about? The songs showcase singer Haydee Lou, correct?

KS: Yes, Haydee Lou is my featured singer on my album. It’s also her first official work to display her vocals on an album release. I did a lot of artist development and musical directing with her for these particular tracks.

In terms of the songs, I did all the arrangements, production, and music for the album. Haydee co-wrote the songs. Haydee also wrote the lyrics and worked with me on the melodies of the song. Vocal approach, selection, and vocal arrangements were some focus areas I really worked with her on. Haydee currently sings in the band Silence on Hold if you want to check more of her vocals out.

HC: You’ve been nominated for “best guitarist” and “best producer” in the local music awards. How do you think the musical landscape in Houston has changed over the past few years?

KS: I’m very honored for being even mentioned. And I wholeheartedly thank the people that thought of me. There’s so much talent out there.

In terms of musical landscape in Houston, I try to stay up on all the H-town artists and bands. But there’s so many artists/bands in this big city. There’s older bands from the 90’ still doing shows while new country, singer/songwriter, hip hop, rap, house, blues, jazz, rock, Spanish, and metal are spread all over Houston more than ever.

From what I see, I think there are a lot more bands that emerge and become extinct really quickly than before. But there’s a lot of good bands that have gotten some great attention too. Houston has a lot more music events/festivals around town showcasing some fine talent than say 10 years ago. People have more access to local bands/artists around town because the city as a whole has grown and there’s more places to watch local music. There’s wine bars, coffee joints, music venues, clubs, sport bars and all kinds neat places in Houston that host their own music events. It’s really amazing and I’m personally happy that the festivals, venues, and events seem to be numerous around town.

There’s also the technology aspect of music that’s had its effect on even the - David Cobb Houston Writer

Channel K recently released Human Beings, a 3-track EP designed to introduce the band’s music to a wider audience. You can get a digital copy for free at the Channel K website, and any donations will benefit Communities in Schools, which helps at-risk children. You can also catch a free acoustic live set from Channel K–the band’s debut performance–next Friday, 6.29.12, at Khon’s.

The Exclamations and Chad Asuncion are also on the bill.

Channel K producer and musician Ken Sarmiento (formerly of local band Phuz) recently answered some questions about his latest project.

Houston Calling: What can you tell me about Channel K’s debut release?

Ken Sarmiento: The new rock album is a 3-track single album under Phuzaxeman Productions. It’s the same production entity I started since I produced actress/singer Julin’s album, Transitions, back in 2007. Human Beings will be only available through download on my official www.kensarmientomusic.com site. There will be no charge.

Houston designer guru, Carlos Fernandez (Fernandez Designs) did all of the amazing Channel K logos and album design. It’s an amazing artwork by itself. He’s brought the music into a visual entity that makes the whole album complete. I really love the “simplistic” look but intricate details of how everything looks. He’s one of the best in the biz. His artwork from the 2007 Phuz album, Forgiveness, was also a hit.

I also worked with Don Cobb and Eric Conn from Independent Mastering out in Nashville. Those guys have worked with some great artists including, James Taylor, The Pointer Sisters, Quincy Jones, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Dan Fogelberg, & Jimmy Buffett. Don worked with me a little on the mixing process on the song, “These Thoughts.” I’m pleased with their work on the Channel K album. I’ve learned a lot.

HC: You’re donating all proceeds from the new songs to a charity for at-risk children, right?

KS: Yeah, that’s correct. While there’s isn’t a charge, I do accept donations which will be toward the non-profit organization, Communities in Schools. The program is geared for providing services for at-risk students. It’s a great cause.

HC: How does Channel K differ musically from your work with Phuz?

KS: There are similarities including elements of groove, funky guitar stuff, catchy melodies, and familiar arrangements. But Channel K is also much different than Phuz. I’ve got a role of music director in Channel K as opposed to splitting duties in Phuz. So that’s much different already. Also, the music per se is more “aggressive sounding” and I think more driving with Channel K than Phuz. There’s a lot more electronic sounds with Channel K too. I’ll let the listeners decide. I love both bands for their unique qualities. If anything, Channel K is what I currently sound like today.

HC: How did the songs for Human Beings come about? The songs showcase singer Haydee Lou, correct?

KS: Yes, Haydee Lou is my featured singer on my album. It’s also her first official work to display her vocals on an album release. I did a lot of artist development and musical directing with her for these particular tracks.

In terms of the songs, I did all the arrangements, production, and music for the album. Haydee co-wrote the songs. Haydee also wrote the lyrics and worked with me on the melodies of the song. Vocal approach, selection, and vocal arrangements were some focus areas I really worked with her on. Haydee currently sings in the band Silence on Hold if you want to check more of her vocals out.

HC: You’ve been nominated for “best guitarist” and “best producer” in the local music awards. How do you think the musical landscape in Houston has changed over the past few years?

KS: I’m very honored for being even mentioned. And I wholeheartedly thank the people that thought of me. There’s so much talent out there.

In terms of musical landscape in Houston, I try to stay up on all the H-town artists and bands. But there’s so many artists/bands in this big city. There’s older bands from the 90’ still doing shows while new country, singer/songwriter, hip hop, rap, house, blues, jazz, rock, Spanish, and metal are spread all over Houston more than ever.

From what I see, I think there are a lot more bands that emerge and become extinct really quickly than before. But there’s a lot of good bands that have gotten some great attention too. Houston has a lot more music events/festivals around town showcasing some fine talent than say 10 years ago. People have more access to local bands/artists around town because the city as a whole has grown and there’s more places to watch local music. There’s wine bars, coffee joints, music venues, clubs, sport bars and all kinds neat places in Houston that host their own music events. It’s really amazing and I’m personally happy that the festivals, venues, and events seem to be numerous around town.

There’s also the technology aspect of music that’s had its effect on even the - David Cobb Houston Writer

This piece was originally written for Columbia College Chicago’s ECHO Magazine during the Spring of 2012.

Chicago music fans may not be too familiar with Ken Sarmiento, but the Texas musician can show off an impressive musical resume. He’s one part of the brother duo that founded the Houston-based PHUZ, who has played shows alongside big names like Sting, Alanis Morrissette and Alicia Keys. Sarmiento has also had the pleasure of interviewing Charlie Bentate, drummer of the legendary Thrash Metal band Anthrax.

Sarmiento’s latest project is Human Beings, a 3-song album with his current band Channel K.

The album begins with a quiet, semi-percussive intro to the genre-bending song, “Check Your Head”. The funky bass combined with a bit of synth keeps a steady groove with the drums, while the guitar is reminiscent of any classic rocker’s favorite overdriven Marshall amplifier. “These Thoughts” unleashes a guitar solo near the middle, surrounded by a slow, dark, futuristic-sounding journey through space. The final track, “Human Beings,” brings back the funky groove, conjuring images of a swirling, mysterious alien disco. The album is sure to get you on your feet dancing.

Human Beings will be available for free download on April 27. Donations are accepted, and all proceeds will be donated to local Houston communities and schools. Check out Ken’s official website for more on his background, and get more info about Human Beings by clicking here. - Spinning Infinity Productions - Chicago

Channel K Music – Human Beings review by Jennifer Tress (D.C. writer for www.yourenotprettyenough.com)

Channel K’s latest offering, Human Beings is reminiscent of Metric. Haydee Lou's lofty, purposeful voice integrates beautifully with Ken Sarmiento’s impressive guitar and production work to create catchy, alt pop anthems. And like Metric, the music speaks more broadly to the human experience, reaching beyond the genre’s“go to’s” of intoxication with love or being in the club.

“Check Your Head” reminds us that we all live inside our own mind from time to time, and sometimes we need a nudge to pull out and let go. The chorus – do check your head / at the door / though you are welcome to stay / come away, come away with me – is an earworm you’ll be happy got stuck.

“These Thoughts” is a coming of age tale that recalls the moments when we first begin to fathom who we are as individuals, and deciding whether or not we want to own it. It feels like I have waken up from a dream and I cannot find myself / It feels like these thoughts are not mine and I can’t return from what I have become / so why don’t you turn back and give yourself right back to me / why don’t you turn back and take these thoughts so I can breathe.

“Human Beings” are curious creatures, maintaining that our values and beliefs are in fact, gospel, made more prevalent through the use of social media: You with your attitude / you’re so f***ing rude / but that’s your choice and that’s the way that you want to be / what may be right for you / may not be for me / so for now, let’s just agree that we can disagree. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Thought provoking and sweeping, Human Beings commands you not to check your head at the door. Get your free download here and come away, come away with Channel K.

- Jennifer Tress Washingon DC Associated Press Writer