Forgotten Passage
Sacramento, California, United States | SELF
Music
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With a desire to simply inspire and spread a good message, Forgotten Passage might sound like the kind of band you’d expect to see backing up the church choir on Sunday.
Even though that may not be the group’s target audience today, there’s no denying their passion for music with a positive effect is as strong as their passion for music itself.
“We like people to have a positive and uplifting experience listening to the music,” says Steve Bisel (keyboards). “I want to make music that’ll ‘be there’ for people when times are tough.” Lyrics from Forgotten Passage’s “Long Time Risin’” are a good case in point: “It took me a while to get on the road/ Under the burden of a heavy load/ I keep my eyes fixed out on the light/ That’s burning beyond the borders of my sight...”
Jason Mathis (guitar, vocals, lyrics) says the band strives to compose the songs in a way that allows people to experience them in a way pertinent to their own life. That’s certainly fitting for a band that chose a name simply because it can mean different things to different people.
As for the music itself, it’s hard to pin the group to a specific style. Just three songs call to mind impressions of Brian Setzer, Tom Petty and some of the more thought-provoking sounds of the psychedelic era. Even so, it’s fair to say that the few similarities to other artists are purely coincidental. “I don’t feel like anything we write is meant to sound like ‘us’ or someone else,” Mathis says. “There are so many different aspects to what we’re doing; personally it doesn’t matter if it reminds someone of something else. What matters to me is that it’s honest.”
Looking ahead, the band is focused on one thing: commitment. As a group, they’re still freshly minted. It was only late in 2009 that they filled their roster with Bryan Louton on drums/percussion and Luke Benton on bass; vocalist Kathryn Alvs joined in mid 2010. They’re well aware of the work ahead in order to develop a repertoire, market themselves, record, and continue to stretch their boundaries. But that’s exactly why they came together. “It takes a real commitment of time, effort, sweat and tears to become a touring band that will actually reach people and have the experience we want them to,” Bisel says. “I’ve been in groups before. None were ready to make that journey of sacrifice, but when I spoke about it with Jason back in 2008, he jumped and said he’d have his bags packed in five minutes.”
Freshly minted or not, Forgotten Passage has already started appearing on the nightspot circuit, laid down some tracks, and is gathering a following on Facebook. Their next live gig is in the planning phase, but the curious are always invited to their 24/7 mini concert online.
- Style Magazine
Discography
"Forgotten Passage," 3 song demo, recorded and mixed at iHook studios, Sacramento, May 2010. Mastered by Michael Romanowski, San Francisco
Partial Song List:
- 3 Points (Long Way to Go)*
- Ride*
- Long Time Risin'*
- Where We're Goin'
- Don't Wait 'till Tomorrow
- Open Your Eyes
- Corporations
- I Like It That Way
- Stay
- Desert Wind
- Back to You
- Song for Teagan
- Siren Song
- Time Long Gone
- Big City
- I'm Gone
- Alexandria
- I'll Remember You
- Bloom
- Distant Dreams
- Cosmic Highway
- Turning Around
- They're Not For Free
- The Road
* songs also available on Last FM, Rukus Radio, iLike & OurStage
Photos
Bio
Forgotten Passage was formed in Northern California in 2009 from the inspired minds of singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jason Mathis, and keyboardist/songwriter/vocalist, Steve Bisel. Both were experienced musicians with a history in other bands, but were each looking for something more to satisfy their musical dreams. With the addition of a solid rhythm section composed of Jim Odum on bass and Bryan Louton on drums and percussion, the band was ready to plot a new direction in musical expression. Vocalist Kathryn Alves joined the crew in June 2010, complementing the band's energetic jams with soulful leads and harmonies.
"Amazing show!! These guys jam with that cool psychedelic flow as well as anyone . . . . It is a blessing to see an extraordinary band while it is on its ascent, Oh Yeah! " - Last FM Fan
Since their first gig on February 2, 2010, Forgotten Passage has been melding an eclectic mix of driving rhythms, infectious melodies and ethereal sonic explorations into an exciting soundscape that both elevates the spirit and drives deep into the soul of each audience member.
"(Forgotten Passage) songs call to mind … some of the more thought-provoking sounds of the psychedelic era." - Bill Romanelli, Style Magazine
Forgotten Passage released a 3 song demo in May, 2010. Recorded and mixed at iHook studios in Sacramento and mastered by Michael Romanowski in San Francisco, the songs quickly became hits with listeners of online radio stations such as LastFM and Rukus radio. Forgotten Passage have also been honored with a top ten “Up and Coming Band” award on MTV's OurStage. With over 25 original songs in their repertoire, as well as a handful of covers (The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Grateful Dead, etc...), Forgotten Passage can easily fill a four hour show. The band is currently working on a live album with a planned release later this year.
The ‘Forgotten Passage’ will lead you to a new level of consciousness. - Last FM Fan
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