consumption

Consumption creates insightful songs without a wall of sound Wisdom can be defined as "the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships." One is able to realize the intrinsic value of a certain object or idea, and then follow it. But did you ever think that wisdom could apply to a band? I didn't either, until I met Gina Turner and Alex Rogers, who collectively form the Ocean Springs-based band, Consumption.

I have never been able to put Consumption into the obligatory genre that all music journalists try to peg on any musician they meet. Their style is unique among the current generation of South Mississippi bands. It's part folk, punk, acoustic and rock, with a dash of Latin rhythm for good measure.

"I'm into a lot of vastly different things," Turner said. "(Our music) becomes what it is. I think any time you're sharing your perspective, you're contributing something to the greater whole. No matter who you are or what style you're playing, you're going to make an impression."

Consumption's brand of pragmatic acoustic rock has definitely made an impression on music fans across the Coast, and the Western Hemisphere. They've been featured on college radio stations as far north as Canada and performed in Austin, when that Texas town was swamped with thousands of fans and music executives in town for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival.

Turner has secured a sponsorship with Meridian-based Peavey guitars, and Rogers has landed a deal with Yamaha drums. Their second full-length album, produced by Nashville recording whiz Chris Mara, is already in the works.

Rogers has had drumsticks in his hands since the Reagan administration and is, by day, a successful home health care administrator. Though he admits to vast personality and stylistic differences between he and Turner, he says her room-quieting vibe is second to none.

Indeed, the real essence of Consumption is Turner's singing voice. She's reserved by nature, but has the ability to channel a punk rock Joni Mitchell when on stage. It's a vibe that you've just got to experience, rather than read about.

"I sing and my guts come out," she said. "It's an organic thing and it fits me. The songs are out there, you just have to find them. You have to be quick enough to catch them in the air and put it in the context you want."

It was at this point in our conversation that I realized I was dealing with an up-and-coming band that, thankfully, had risen above the stereotypes that usually cripple bands whose lead singer has not yet even experienced the wonder of discounted car insurance rates.

Both Turner and Rogers are younger than I am (cough, cough), but the calm assuredness of their acoustic live sets belie a lyrical wisdom I won't even touch. The band is wise enough to avoid over-saturation of the Coastal market, but expect big things from these two in the near future.

There are some South Mississippi bands that are going the 'more-volume-the-better' route, but it's nice to see a band with some simple wisdom and lyrics make a name for itself beyond the Coast. We could all use a little wisdom these days.

Justin Hooks covers bars and bands along the Coast for the Sun Herald. He can be reached at jhooks@sunherald. com. - The Sun Herald

After a confusing drive through downtown Biloxi, I finally find the building on Howard Avenue where I meet Gina Turner and Alex Rogers of the Ocean Springs-based Consumption, undoubtedly one of the most talented bands on the Coast.

With the release of their new EP, "Out of the Ashes," new doors are opening for the band, and more music fans are discovering the mysterious beauty that is Consumption.

"Our music, specifically, is hard to put into a genre, we've been told," Turner said. "Working with so many different bass players has helped us home in on the style and sound we've been looking for...and nine would be the number on that, by the way."

Nine? Hearing that number dispelled my idea of Consumption trying to play it like The White Stripes.

Consumption's obvious talent was proven to me upon the announcement of an acoustic show at the Julep Room in Ocean Springs, a little bar underneath Aunt Jenny's Restaurant famous for its unplugged performances.

"A first for Consumption, I think," Turner said. Rogers adds, "We're playing stripped-down acoustic, which is how our songs start... .Just Gina and a guitar."

Playing a full acoustic show is a showcase in which a band's brilliance can shine; acoustic shows separate the men from the boys.

"We actually took a pretty stripped-down approach to the new album as well," Rogers said, speaking of the new EP.

"Usually we're saying, you know, 'Do we want trumpet here?' But this time we sort of stripped it down a bit. We won't be doing that next time, though," he added with a laugh.

Being a musician myself, I know that it's sometimes difficult to have people take you seriously when you are the girl in the scene, so I asked Turner if she had ever come upon that particular issue.

"Yes and no," she said, frowning a bit. "There are some people who take you very seriously and judge you on your merit, rather than...other things. Then there are other people who don't. I've heard the line, 'You're good, for a girl,' often. Also, being female, you get compared a lot more, too...to other female musicians. All in all though, it hasn't been too hard, and if people are saying things, I haven't heard them."

More conversation and small talk ensued, from jobs at Waffle House to the haunting at the Julep Room, and then back around to the music.

"What better job is there?" Rogers said, on being a musician. "There is no better job. You're actually getting out and playing music, and hopefully making a couple bucks, you know? So, really, even the bad nights are better than working at McDonald's." - The Sun Herald

Gina Turner got tired of playing just acoustic shows and set off to form a rock-n-roll band that had some nuts. Her voice is deep and never wavers with a truly unique wide open mouth approach. It’s a vocal approach that you can tell was refined in poor sound system at coffeehouses and small bars. A quick EP of straight forward alternative pop-rock, “Out of the Ashes” is a nice complement to your CD collection. - Smother.net

This three piece outfit formed in late 2002. After a year of steady shows they spent the next year in studios trying to define and refine their sound. In 2005 they emerged from a year long hiatus to record this EP. “Out Of The Ashes” has received considerable college airplay in the U.S. and Canada. Their sound is a bit sparse at times which is refreshing because it gives the songs room to breathe. Fronted by Gina Turner who sounds like a mix of Shirley Manson of Garbage and Patti Smith with a little Suzanne Vega thrown in for good measure. I especially liked the Police flavored song “After The Last” and the full out feel of “Lights Out”.
www.consumptionmusic.com - Ear Candy Magazine

Consumption formed in late 2002 when Gina Turner wanted to boost up her acoustic show into something much more versatile. After finding the potential musicians she had been searching for, she was ready for a new beginning with Consumption defining themselves and refining their sound. In early 2005, Consumption emerged from a year-long hiatus with producer Chris Mara by their side and they came together with a polished, uncanny sound. Their EP Out of the Ashes has been receiving continuous air play on over 200 college radio stations across the U.S. and into Canada with compelling tracks such as "Playing God" and "Lights Out."

It's the voice of Gina Turner that reels you in, her vocal range is unlike any other which shows shw surely has come into her own. You will notice the various melodic changes throught Out of the Ashes, but first and foremost, it's Gina's captivating yet personal vocal presentation that seeps into the cracks of your subconsciousness. For some, it may be a religious awakening, and others will merely place close attention on Gina's lyrics. But you just may find yourself reflecting on what you've become, where you're going, and where you want to be.

After the release of the EP, and the acquisition of bassist Chuck Flowers, Consumption have followed up with live shows at home and into Louisiana and are now discussing the possibility of touring in support of their work. The production value of this CD is special; it sounds like it was recorded in a coffee house atmosphere, where you can in turn share this personal experience for yourself. Rejuvenate your CD collection with Out of the Ashesand breathe new life into your soul with Consumption. ~ Joseph Vilane - Rag Magazine

Wisdom can be defined as “The ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.”
One is able to realize the intrinsic value of a certain object or idea, and then follow it. But did you ever think that wisdom could apply to a band? I didn’t either, until I met Gina Turner and Alex Rogers, who collectively form the Ocean Springs-based band Consumption.

I have never been able to put Consumption into the obligatory genre that all music journalists try to peg on any musician they meet. Their style is unique among the current generation of South Mississippi bands. It’s part folk, punk, acoustic, and rock, with a little Latin rhythm thrown in for good measure.

“I’m into a lot of vastly different things,” Turner said. “(Our music) becomes what it is. I think anytime you’re sharing your perspective, you’re contributing something to the greater whole. No matter who you are or what style you’re playing, you’re going to make an impression.”

Consumption’s brand of pragmatic acoustic rock has definitely made an impression on music fans across the Coast, and the Western Hemisphere. They’ve been featured on college radio stations as north as Canada and performed in Austin, when that Texas town was swamped with thousands of fans and music executives in town for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival.

Turner has secured a sponsorship with Meridian-based Peavey guitars, and Rogers has landed a deal with Yamaha for drums. Their second full-length album, produced by Nashville recording whiz Chris Mara, is already in the works.

Rogers has had drumsticks in his hands since the Reagan administration and is, by day, a successful home health care administrator. Though he admits to vast personality and stylistic differences between he and Turner, he says her room-quieting vibe is second to none.

Indeed, the real essence of Consumption is Turner’s singing voice. She’s reserved by nature, but has the ability to channel a punk rock Joni Mitchell when onstage. It’s a vibe that you’ve just got to experience rather than read about.

“I sing and my guts come out. It’s organic and it fits me. The songs are out there, you just have to find them. You have to be quick enough to catch them in the air and put it in the context you want.’

It was at this point in the conversation I realized I was dealing with an up-and-coming band that, thankfully, has risen above the stereotypes that usually cripple bands whose lead singer has not yet experienced the wonder of discounted car insurance rates.

Both Turner and Rogers are younger than I am (cough, cough,) but the calm assuredness of their live acoustic sets belie a lyrical wisdom I won’t even touch. The band is wise enough to avoid over-saturation of the Coastal market, but expect big things from these two in the near future.

There are some South Mississippi bands that are going the “more volume the better” route, but it’s nice to see a band with some simple wisdom and lyrics make a name for itself beyond the Coast. We could all use a little wisdom these days.


- The Sun Herald

After a confusing drive through downtown Biloxi, I finally find the building on Howard Avenue where I meet Gina Turner and Alex Rogers of the Ocean Springs-based band Consumption, undoubtedly one of the most talented bands on the Coast.

With the release of their new EP “Out of the Ashes,” new doors are opening for the band, and more music fans are discovering the mysterious beauty that is Consumption.

“Our music, specifically, is hard to put into a genre, we’ve been told,” Turner said. “Working with so many different bassists has helped us hone in on the style and sound we’ve been looking for…and nine would be the number on that, by the way.”

Nine? Hearing that number dispelled my idea of Consumption trying to play it like the White Stripes.

Consumption’s obvious talent was proven to me upon the announcement of an acoustic show at The Julep Room in Ocean Springs, a little bar underneath Aunt Jenny’s Restaurant famous for its unplugged performances.

“A first for Consumption I think,” Turner said. Rogers added, “We’re playing stripped down acoustic, which is how our songs start…Just Gina and a guitar.”

Playing a full acoustic show is a showcase in which a band’s brilliance can shine; acoustic shows separate the men from the boys.

“We actually took a pretty stripped-down approach to the new album as well,” Rogers said, speaking of the new EP.

“Usually we’re saying, you know, ‘Do we want trumpet here?’ But this time we sort of stripped it down a bit. We won’t be doing that next time though,” he added with a laugh.

Being a musician myself, I know that it’s sometimes difficult to have people take you seriously when you are the girl in the scene, so I asked Turner if she had ever come upon that particular issue.

“Yes and no,” she said, frowning a bit. “There are some people who take you very seriously and judge you on merit rather than…other things. Then there are other people who don’t. I’ve heard the line, ‘You’re good, for a girl,’ often. Also, being female, you get compared a lot more, too…to other female musicians. All in all htough, it hasn’t been too hard, and if people are saying things, I haven’t heard them.”

More conversation and small talk ensued, form jobs at Waffle House to the haunting at The Julep Room, and back around to the music.

“What better job is there?” Rogers said on being a musician. “There is no better job. You’re actually getting out and playing music, and hopefully making a couple of bucks, you know? So, really, even the bad nights are better than working at McDonald’s.”
- The Sun Herald