Sonicbids

""featured in the 2012 ottawa sound trendsetters list""

The young, enthusiastic musicians who make up Fire and Neon have a huge range of influences. They name Kool & the Gang, DJ Tiesto, Friendly Fires and Phil Collins. When they offer Collins as an influence, it’s hard to tell whether they’re being serious or sarcastic. All three have a “class clown” vibe, but for a band so young (early 20s), they’ve accomplished much already and take their musical ?careers seriously. Bluesfest, they say, was “a pretty big deal” for them this year, but what is their dream gig? “A small spot at Glastonbury would be amazing,” Wijsman says as the band erupts in laughter. “Even if we’re on a small stage in the corner and we’re featured for 10 seconds, that would be amazing. We’re not asking for much. We never do.” Given their ages and ambition, Glastonbury, a massive U.K. music festival, may not be as much of a stretch as they seem to think. - See more at: http://www.ottawacitizenstyle.com/category/around-ottawa/bright-lights/#sthash.YplRDOcr.dpuf - Ottawa Citizen Style Magazine

""featured in the 2012 ottawa sound trendsetters list""

The young, enthusiastic musicians who make up Fire and Neon have a huge range of influences. They name Kool & the Gang, DJ Tiesto, Friendly Fires and Phil Collins. When they offer Collins as an influence, it’s hard to tell whether they’re being serious or sarcastic. All three have a “class clown” vibe, but for a band so young (early 20s), they’ve accomplished much already and take their musical ?careers seriously. Bluesfest, they say, was “a pretty big deal” for them this year, but what is their dream gig? “A small spot at Glastonbury would be amazing,” Wijsman says as the band erupts in laughter. “Even if we’re on a small stage in the corner and we’re featured for 10 seconds, that would be amazing. We’re not asking for much. We never do.” Given their ages and ambition, Glastonbury, a massive U.K. music festival, may not be as much of a stretch as they seem to think. - See more at: http://www.ottawacitizenstyle.com/category/around-ottawa/bright-lights/#sthash.YplRDOcr.dpuf - Ottawa Citizen Style Magazine

""this band is going to go far in the alt-pop world""

Alright, so last week I told you all about Fire and Neon’s awesome new track “Good Intentions,” off their not-yet-released album Intentions, which you will be able to get your hands on May 3rd. After hearing “Good Intentions” I was really anticipating their new album, and guess what? Well, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of the Intentions album before it’s release in a couple of weeks. After having listened to it from start to finish a few thousand times, I can’t even begin to tell you how anticipated this album should be.

Fire and Neon have definitely made a name for themselves around the Ottawa music scene. Their alt-pop stylings are catchy and reminiscent of Walk the Moon and The Naked and Famous. With their new release, Intentions, their artistic style has developed a dark and edgy impression while keeping that electro-pop style that has made them so popular to date. The whole album has a strong electo-feel while mixing in different elements such as hard rock, evoking an aura of Linkin Park, and even slow and thoughtful pieces that these guys haven’t really shown with their previous tracks. The entire album has a perfect flow; seamlessly moving from one song to the next without losing anything in the transition. “Good Intentions” is definitely just a small taste of what these guys have in store for you with their new album.

The guys start with “Kerosene,” which they played in the finals of Live 88.5's Big Money Shot in 2012, and it perfectly sets the energetic tone for the new tracks on the album. Songs like “Closer,” which has probably the catchiest chorus of the entire album, mixes pop, techno and rock effortlessly to create a perfect electro-rock dance track. Listening to this song while sitting perfectly still is impossible with it’s strong funk undertones.

“Sleep Through Walls” has got to be most interesting song on the album, not because of a crazy mix of up beats, but because the song is slow, raw and introspective – a side that hasn’t previously shone through in their songs. The song is beautiful and would be perfectly set to a simple candlelight – but don’t be fooled at first glance, this track picks up on the techno-rock feel that they master so well near the end.

And if we are going to talk about saving the best for last (which we are), Fire and Neon definitely did that here. “Give Me Your Love” is by far my favourite track off the album. It has a dark, sultry techno beat paired with ominous vocals, which quickly changes into a hard rock sound at the chorus – similar to something you would find on a Linkin Park album. While at first the transitions in this song can seem abrupt, the drastic changes develop two unique pieces that are well held together by the beat. It is a passionate mix of raw, edgy techno – but be forewarned, you will be singing it on repeat in your head all day after just a couple of listens, so watch out for that.

Absolutely be sure to check these guys out at Ritual nightclub on May 3rd, along with Zoo Legacy and The Love Machine, for their album release which is guaranteed to be an awesome show. And also be sure to pick up this fantastic album, your music collection won’t be complete without it. - Lauren Angle

""this band is going to go far in the alt-pop world""

Alright, so last week I told you all about Fire and Neon’s awesome new track “Good Intentions,” off their not-yet-released album Intentions, which you will be able to get your hands on May 3rd. After hearing “Good Intentions” I was really anticipating their new album, and guess what? Well, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of the Intentions album before it’s release in a couple of weeks. After having listened to it from start to finish a few thousand times, I can’t even begin to tell you how anticipated this album should be.

Fire and Neon have definitely made a name for themselves around the Ottawa music scene. Their alt-pop stylings are catchy and reminiscent of Walk the Moon and The Naked and Famous. With their new release, Intentions, their artistic style has developed a dark and edgy impression while keeping that electro-pop style that has made them so popular to date. The whole album has a strong electo-feel while mixing in different elements such as hard rock, evoking an aura of Linkin Park, and even slow and thoughtful pieces that these guys haven’t really shown with their previous tracks. The entire album has a perfect flow; seamlessly moving from one song to the next without losing anything in the transition. “Good Intentions” is definitely just a small taste of what these guys have in store for you with their new album.

The guys start with “Kerosene,” which they played in the finals of Live 88.5's Big Money Shot in 2012, and it perfectly sets the energetic tone for the new tracks on the album. Songs like “Closer,” which has probably the catchiest chorus of the entire album, mixes pop, techno and rock effortlessly to create a perfect electro-rock dance track. Listening to this song while sitting perfectly still is impossible with it’s strong funk undertones.

“Sleep Through Walls” has got to be most interesting song on the album, not because of a crazy mix of up beats, but because the song is slow, raw and introspective – a side that hasn’t previously shone through in their songs. The song is beautiful and would be perfectly set to a simple candlelight – but don’t be fooled at first glance, this track picks up on the techno-rock feel that they master so well near the end.

And if we are going to talk about saving the best for last (which we are), Fire and Neon definitely did that here. “Give Me Your Love” is by far my favourite track off the album. It has a dark, sultry techno beat paired with ominous vocals, which quickly changes into a hard rock sound at the chorus – similar to something you would find on a Linkin Park album. While at first the transitions in this song can seem abrupt, the drastic changes develop two unique pieces that are well held together by the beat. It is a passionate mix of raw, edgy techno – but be forewarned, you will be singing it on repeat in your head all day after just a couple of listens, so watch out for that.

Absolutely be sure to check these guys out at Ritual nightclub on May 3rd, along with Zoo Legacy and The Love Machine, for their album release which is guaranteed to be an awesome show. And also be sure to pick up this fantastic album, your music collection won’t be complete without it. - Lauren Angle

""they've clearly got the talent to do whatever they put their minds to..""

Longer answer: also an unqualified yes, obviously. As songs like "EVerybody's Going" and "Speed Up" demonstrate pretty well, the band had no problem making their brand of Killers-inspired disco-rock sound just as great on record as it does when they're playing it live. On top of that, the first couple of minutes of "Fight Fight Fight" show that there's more to Fire and Neon than just upbeat dance songs. They've clearly got the talent to do whatever they put their minds to -- which hopefully means that the greatness of Like Dance is only just the beginning." - iheartmusic.net

""they've clearly got the talent to do whatever they put their minds to..""

Longer answer: also an unqualified yes, obviously. As songs like "EVerybody's Going" and "Speed Up" demonstrate pretty well, the band had no problem making their brand of Killers-inspired disco-rock sound just as great on record as it does when they're playing it live. On top of that, the first couple of minutes of "Fight Fight Fight" show that there's more to Fire and Neon than just upbeat dance songs. They've clearly got the talent to do whatever they put their minds to -- which hopefully means that the greatness of Like Dance is only just the beginning." - iheartmusic.net

""headlining the hottest all-local bill this spring""

Fire and Neon bet you look good on the dance floor and are lacing up their silver-sequined shoes to join the party.

“Dance is a big factor in just about every song,” said frontman David Wijsman of their second album, Good Intentions, which will be released at Ritual on Friday night.

The Kemptville three-piece has been turning out hip-inducing synthy dance-rock for Ottawans since late 2008, even performing at Bluesfest and Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

“It’s hilarious because three or four years ago I wasn’t moving at all,” said Wijsman of his stage antics. He says he figures with keyboardist (and exceptional vocalist) Phillip Konopka glued to the “USS Entreprise” of keyboards, and drummer Andrew Hunt behind his kit that he had better start moving. A lot.

But Wisjman’s wicked dance moves aren’t the only things to evolve in the process of making Good Intentions.

A bit of prize money from their semi-finalists placing in a 2011 battle of the bands allowed the group two years of freedom to explore their sound.

“We’ve gotten tighter as a band and all realized our roles in it,” said Wisjman, noting that it was this new confidence that led them to recording the album in Toronto during the “coldest weeks of February.”

Their closeness as a band also spills over into Fire and Neon’s writing style.

The band writes all vocals, choruses and beats as a collective.

“Never does one song become one person’s pet project,” said Wisjman who shares vocal duties with Konovka.

Working with producer Jon Drew (Tokyo Police Club, The Weeknd) their new songs got reconstructed and hit a stadium-rock vibe that the band really dug.

As a result, Good Intentions is a feel-good mix of six pop-synth songs in the vein of Friendly Fires, with a dash of Stevie Wonder funk to really get you going.

Ultimately though for a Fire and Neon song to work, it has to get you dancing, “(When writing we) ask ourselves, OK does this move enough?” said Wisjman.

If that wasn’t enough to entice you to head out to Ritual on Friday in your favourite dancing shoes, former Fire and Neon tour mates and indie-darlings The Love Machine will be opening the show, making it the hottest all-local bill this spring.
- Metro News

""headlining the hottest all-local bill this spring""

Fire and Neon bet you look good on the dance floor and are lacing up their silver-sequined shoes to join the party.

“Dance is a big factor in just about every song,” said frontman David Wijsman of their second album, Good Intentions, which will be released at Ritual on Friday night.

The Kemptville three-piece has been turning out hip-inducing synthy dance-rock for Ottawans since late 2008, even performing at Bluesfest and Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

“It’s hilarious because three or four years ago I wasn’t moving at all,” said Wijsman of his stage antics. He says he figures with keyboardist (and exceptional vocalist) Phillip Konopka glued to the “USS Entreprise” of keyboards, and drummer Andrew Hunt behind his kit that he had better start moving. A lot.

But Wisjman’s wicked dance moves aren’t the only things to evolve in the process of making Good Intentions.

A bit of prize money from their semi-finalists placing in a 2011 battle of the bands allowed the group two years of freedom to explore their sound.

“We’ve gotten tighter as a band and all realized our roles in it,” said Wisjman, noting that it was this new confidence that led them to recording the album in Toronto during the “coldest weeks of February.”

Their closeness as a band also spills over into Fire and Neon’s writing style.

The band writes all vocals, choruses and beats as a collective.

“Never does one song become one person’s pet project,” said Wisjman who shares vocal duties with Konovka.

Working with producer Jon Drew (Tokyo Police Club, The Weeknd) their new songs got reconstructed and hit a stadium-rock vibe that the band really dug.

As a result, Good Intentions is a feel-good mix of six pop-synth songs in the vein of Friendly Fires, with a dash of Stevie Wonder funk to really get you going.

Ultimately though for a Fire and Neon song to work, it has to get you dancing, “(When writing we) ask ourselves, OK does this move enough?” said Wisjman.

If that wasn’t enough to entice you to head out to Ritual on Friday in your favourite dancing shoes, former Fire and Neon tour mates and indie-darlings The Love Machine will be opening the show, making it the hottest all-local bill this spring.
- Metro News

""the highlight of the evening""

The highlight of the evening was of course Fire and Neon. Performing tracks off their most recent release Intentions, the guys performed an impressive set. Featuring well known tracks as well as highlights from the new album, the band wasted no time in getting the crowd moving. They ended the night with a big percussion jam for which The Love Machine joined them on stage, everyone banging on whatever was handy. Then, after a lot of noise from the crowd, Fire and Neon came back on stage for one last song.
- Spotlight Ottawa