Chasing the Sky

The latest work from this converted Grand Rapids solo artist was recorded at Mackinaw Harvest studios, produced by Michael Crittenden (Troll for Trout) and Christopher Andrus (former Bless You Boys). Crittenden and Andrus were also credited as contributing artists. The album weathers a bit of an identity crisis in early going to bring back what makes Stark and his boys so appealing - balad heavy music with varying degrees of rock.

"A Certain Degree" brings the work forward on almost a 90's alternative rock foot, quickly switching gears to what proves to be a gritty rock/screamo outlier of the album entitled "The Glass Winter". The straight rock approach gives way to a full fledge screaming accompaniments at the end of the song, almost to an extent of channeling a band like "Red Jump Suit Appartus" While it confused me earlier on, in hind-sight, I'm glad the band included this song for diversity-sake.

"Beautiful, Broken Thing", "Satellites" and William (Forever Lost)", usher the listerner out on an impressive note with Chasing the Sky's signature sound. "Satellites" steals the show with an intimate moment between Stark and his guitar, showing why as a solo artist, he landed opening gigs for guys like Joe Firstman and Josh Hoge. Arguably the most emotion-invoking track is William (Forever Lost)", a gorgeous tune that clearly plays homage to a fallen friend. - West Michigan NOISE!

Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:01 AM

GRAND RAPIDS -- Steering the musical course of pop-rock band Chasing the Sky is a group effort.

"It's always the three of us -- nothing is just from any one person," said Kevin VanAntwerpen, bass guitarist for the local indie trio that debuts its new music at Friday's release concert at The Intersection.

VanAntwerpen, drummer Ryan Dekkinga and lead singer-guitarist Brenden Stark have jelled as a creative team in crafting the new music in its five-song EP "The Empty Chair."

"Actually, I came (into the band) when they were about halfway through the process," VanAntwerpen, 21, said in an interview from his home south of Hudsonville.

"But among the three of us, we have a lot of chemistry and direction, and our personalities really clicked."

The band's new CD features several songs with the theme of goodbyes. "William (Forever Lost)" was written following the death of Stark's father. "The Glass Winter" came in response to the loss of a local young man who died in a traffic accident.

"I believe that is our best-written song in terms of both lyric and composition," VanAntwerpen said.

Two of the new songs found their way onto independent film scores. Their tune "Satellites" is part of the indie film "GR30K" which premiers Oct. 22 at Wealthy Theater.

VanAntwerpen and Dekkinga are longtime family friends and were in a band together as teens. Stark was in several area bands and also has a solo project "Avenues," released last year.

"We bring different aspects to songwriting," VanAntwerpen said of their creative process.

"Brenden writes catchy stuff, I always work for really solid lyrics, and Ryan is big on structure. He takes Brenden and I down a notch when we get too weird."

IF YOU GO
Chasing The Sky

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday (doors open 7)
Where: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW
Opening acts: Christopher Andrus, Mike Ritz, Goodness Gracious, The Party's Over
Tickets: $10 in advance, which includes a CD, available at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com


They recorded the EP at the local Mackinaw Harvest Studios, with producers Michael Crittenden and Chris Andrus.

The band often takes along to concerts members of the "Chasing the Sky camp" -- additional players who supplement the trio on guitars and keys.

Chasing the Sky had a limited performance schedule while completing its new EP, but now hopes to gig more regularly. Band members have written more than a half dozen new songs besides those on the recording they can perform at their shows.

"Now it's less about making the music and more about presenting it," VanAntwerpen said.

"We write songs about things that mean something to us and try to be genuine in expressing them. We're telling it as it is."

The band has designated 10 percent of the proceeds from Friday's concert to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a breast cancer awareness and fundraising effort. The players supported one of the runners in last Saturday's race event at RiverTown Crossings Mall.
- Terry Deboer of The Grand Rapids Press

Chasing the Sky
"The Empty Chair EP"

The music: Chasing the Sky -- Brenden Stark, Kevin Van Antwerpan, Ryan Dekkinga -- makes well-crafted, pop-inflected rock with terrific harmonies in edgy songs that build to dynamic, inviting crescendos. The group's CD-release show is Friday at The Intersection with an Oct. 14 show at Louie's Bar/Rocket Lounge.
Get it: Vertigo Music, Mocha-N-Music
Spinfo: chasingthesky.com, myspace.com/chasingtheskymusic
- John Sinkevics of The Grand Rapids Press

Chasing the Sky gets signed and releases new EP The Big Chair
It's official. Congratulations to Brenden and crew.
Chasing the Sky officially signed contracts with two well established publishing companies (one in San Fran and the other in Hollywood) in late August. Hopefully this will lead to placements in movies/commercials/video games, etc.. It's pretty exciting news..

It's also official that Chasing the Sky's new album, The Big Chair, is one you should not miss. Mark your calendars for the October 1st release.
From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chasing the Sky is a three piece indie-rock band featuring Brenden Stark on vocals and guitar, Ryan Dekkinga on drums and backup vocals, and Kevin VanAntwerpen on bass and backup vocals. The songs undergo rigorous scrutiny before they're finished, whether it's Brenden doing 30 different takes on the vocals, Kevin re-writing the lyrics in 95 different drafts, or Ryan demanding it be catchier. As a band, Chasing the Sky refuse to release music until it's something they themselves feel worthwhile.


Less than a year in age, they're already making waves - A Certain Degree and Satellites, two songs from their soon to be released EP The Big Chair, can be heard in several upcoming independent films.


The band draws influences from the high energy of modern pop-punk such as Amber Pacific or Jimmy Eat World, the raw sensibilities of '90s rock acts like Third Eye Blind, and the devotion to human spirit of indie artists like Brand New. Chasing the Sky aim not to reinvent the genre but simply to write fun, catchy songs that can easily double as the soundtrack to some of the most intimate moments of your life.


Music Review. I was fortunate to get a sneak peek of the EP so I'll share some thoughts. I tend to rate my music choices on three factors - STICK, STORY and SPIN.


STICK. It's simple really. I like music with a hook, melody, beat and/or lyrics that really stick with me. I should find myself humming the tune later. It doesn't have to be "pop"catchy to grab my attention, just memorable. A Certain Degree and Beautiful, Broken Thing are great on stick. They are upbeat and catchy. I am signing them all the time.


STORY. Every good songwriter makes story a priority. Music is meant to inspire and tell stories that we can relate to. When a song captures your heart and emotion with a good story it makes you think, makes you cry, makes you remember the joy in life and inspires you to live. All the tracks on The Big Chair are obviously well written with story in mind. Kudos to Chasing the Sky for making it happen. My favorites here were Satellites and William (Lost Forever).


SPIN. It's sad to think that "spinning a record" is something most of the current generation will not relate to. In a few more years even CDs for music may be a thing of the past. Well I cling to the past in my music tastes but I also embrace the future. When I listen to new music I usually blend the songs into my current playlists. When I did this, Chasing the Sky stood up beautifully against bands where we share interest and that they look to for inspiration such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Paramore, MuteMath, Third Eye Blind and The Beatles. Others I like that I would say are somewhat similar are Three Days Grace, The Exies, Breaking Benjamin, Foo Fighters and Snow Patrol for the softer side. The Glass Winter is the edgiest track on the EP with a great big rock feel.


The Big Chair is streaming at http://www.myspace.com/chasingtheskymusic


Pre-order a copy of The Big Chair and find band merchandise at http://www.vendio.com/stores/chasingtheskymusic/


And Like them on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/ChasingtheSky
- Melanie Coker