Chasing satellites
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada | INDIE
Music
Press
by Geetha Subramaniyam
Greetings music fans! This is the first of a three-part series highlighting some of western Canada's brightest budding talents in the music scene.
Two rising stars in rock, Chasing Satellites and Vilot are the features for this week. Both bands hail from the West Coast and are making waves in Canada and across the world.
"Chasing Satellites"
Gone are the days where good rock songs had solos that inspired a whole generation to stand in front of their bedroom mirrors, and bend that last note on their air-guitars, one fist raised towards imaginary fans.
The glory days of the extended guitar solo may seem to be fast fading but this four-piece act from Nanaimo, B.C are not ones to get swayed by fleeting fads.
Still fairly new, Chasing Satellites have already received a lot of airplay on radio stations in British Columbia, Los Angeles and Europe without even releasing their first album.
Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Daniel Bryant, former frontman for the band Shifted, delivers powerful vocals, reminiscent of Silverchair's Daniel Johns.
What sets Chasing Satellites apart from the other popular bands is that they manage to combine elements of classic rock songs -such as blisteringly phenomenal guitar solos- with a more modern edge, creating a refreshingly unique experience.
"We love to write music that comes naturally to us, and we hope to please our listeners," explains lead guitarist Aaron Bethune. "But at the same time, we want to maintain our originality rather than trying to forcibly fit into an industry-defined mould."
Together with a tight rhythm section, Carl Schleppe on bass, who is a former member of Self Control, and Zack Friend on drums, Chasing Satellites is a contender in mainstream music.
Prior to being in Chasing Satellites, some of its members performed alongside industry heavyweights such as The Trews, Sum 41, ZZ Top and Evanescence.
The band is putting the finishing touches on their debut CD, 'Dinosaurs in Stanley Park', which is set to be released early next spring.
They are planning to tour Canada and Europe, including dates in Spain, Sweden and Germany this summer. The single from their album will be available on iTunes shortly and interested music lovers can check out their music on MySpace at page: www.myspace.com/wearechasingsatellites - The Endeavour
Discography
The Beginning EP
Dinosaurs in Stanley Park
Photos
Bio
Some of the best things in life happen when you stop looking for them. In 2006 singer Daniel Bryant and lead guitarist Aaron Bethune were introduced by a mutual friend, and four time Juno nominated producer, Rick Salt. They had recently come out of successful projects with bad endings. “It’s really hard to find the right combination of people that are dedicated enough to make something work, that contribute equally, and that most importantly have the same goal� said Bethune in an interview.
After jamming and writing songs on Vancouver Island for about a year the two teamed up with Aaron’s school buddy Zack Friend on drums and Dan’s longtime friend Carl Schleppe on bass. With the addition of the two new members and many months of rehearsals, the band was complete and ready to rock.
Individually the members of Chasing Satellites had already played at venues ranging from Europe to North America and shared stages with the likes of ZZTop, Sum 41, Sloan, GOB, Finger Eleven, The Trews, Evenesence, and a long list of etceteras. After leaving those experiences behind and almost giving up on the pursuit of music it seems their greatest musical adventure is the one they are on.
Since the Canadian band’s formation in late 2007, and lots of hard work, Chasing Satellites has earned rave reviews, been featured on the front page of Hitquarters and other noticeable publications, shared stages with artists including and not limited to Thornley, Mother Mother, Armchair Cynics, Young and Sexy, as well as received airplay from Vancouver to New York.
Chasing Satellites represents the will to follow your dreams and actively play a part in the soundtrack of your life, check out this band and you too will be Chasing Satellites!
Quotable Quotes
"Nanaimo's Chasing Satellites orbiting big league..."
Derek Spalding. The Daily News
"If you haven’t heard about Chasing Satellites, you will..."
Melissa Fryer. Nanaimo Bulletin.
"I really like these guys! Strong passionate vocals and very well written songs. I am sure I will have much success in placing their songs into TV and film," -Josh Zandman, Song and Film
Josh won a Grammy for playing keys on Kanye West's first album, he has also enjoyed triple platinum record sales!!!!
"We just listened to Dinosaurs in Stanley Park by Chasing Satellites and we are literally jumping up and down. Fantastic album and this foursome are going to see a bright future for sure. The track 'Under Repair' has all the makings of a true hit. Everyone we play it for loves it instantly and this is a rare authentic feeling you don't find in music today. Top notch from head to toe!"
Clay Phillips, TEA South.
"Chasing Satellites hail from Canada's West Coast. They bring an original rock sound that has been creating quite the buzz across borders and from coast to coast. The combination of the band's lead vocalist's 90's rock vibe, the lead guitarist creating soundscapes and throwing in the mix some epic solos, not to mention a rock solid rhythm section, Chasing Satellites are certainly the act worth experiencing live."
The Media Club. Vancouver.
"British Columbia’s Chasing Satellites get the shine with today’s Myxer pick of the day, “Trust.� Heavy, melodic and packin’ a serious punch, the boys are bringin’ it all the way live from the West Coast of Canada to a town near you! With a hefty dose of soaring six-strings, solid vocal performances, and a siiiick rhythm section, Chasing Satellites’ sound will have you from the word, “go.� Check out “Trust� and see why they’ve done more than earn ours!"
www.myxer.com
"Remember those long, boring history classes we were all forced to attend back in secondary school? If you remember correctly, Anik, which was Canada's first satellite, was launched for the purpose of communication. Considering this context, I have never heard of a better name for a band like Chasing Satellites before.
This four man band is made up of a group of men who are destined to "bring back rock the way it's supposed to be". After listening to their music, I believe that you may very well agree."
Phillip Hong is a presenter on Centre Street, a current affairs programme featuring alternative stories and interviews.
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