Geoff Westen
Westlake Village, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"...the fact is, this is a fantastically well produced album, exciting, and spine-tinglingly nostalgic - not too dancey, not too rocky, but with an overwhelming feeling of pop sensibilities - great songwriting - intelligent production and a genuine affection for the subject matter." - Subba-Cultcha
“Man, this is FUN and very cool…right from the start!” - NotLame.com
“Partying fuckin' hard is the manifesto here. Daringly and unapologetically nutty, these pop supremacists can leave one instantly feeling exhausted before the fun's even started!” - Glitzine.net
“The songs have a freshness which makes them just as viable in this post-post-New Wave era of music we find ourselves in today.” - Mish Mash Indie Music Reviews
“Each listening reveals pleasant surprises. (Westen) has crafted an album of instantly satisfying power pop that is simultaneously new and familiar-sounding.” - Sacramento Bee
“The tunes are tight little pieces that possess vibrant luster and catchy riffs.” - Sonic Curiosity
“It’s refreshing to find a band who seem genuinely happy to be alive and want everyone to feel that too...as OINK! assays the ears with not only some of the catchiest pop tunes around, but also some of the wittiest lyrics you’ll hear.” - Indie-Music.com
“(The songs) are infectious time capsules laden with anthemic hooks and a backbeat that rockers can dance to and dancers can rock to.” - Amplifier Magazine
“OINK! serves as a showcase for Westen’s ability behind the scenes as a producer, utilizing a myriad of hardware and software combinations to create what he calls his ‘wall of pop’ sound.” - Pittsburgh City Paper
"Early electronica with a tight hand on the reins...the whole album is peppered with pseudo-references and quality compositions that ought to see Westen's status elevated threefold in the watchful eyes of the music industry.
It's encouraging that the deeper you proceed into this album, the slicker it becomes."
- Atomicduster
"The artist's approach is pure. His obsessiveness guides his path. Every word, note and instrumental stab rumbles with vision and execution...The production is masterful." - Ape Quake
"It's refreshing to hear synths and effects working in harmony again…(and) it works on so many levels. You want something familiar that's been made new again? Check out Geoff Westen's latest." - Rock Is Life
"...the music is driving, percussive and hooky: the title track opener ("Better Get Started") is an anthemic rocker with a guitar solo designed for air guitarists...Full of hooks this is a pop/rock album with lyrical intelligence. Fun!" - Ampersand Etcetera
Discography
VIDIOTS - Tune In!!
The Pigs - OINK!
Runaround Sue
Digital Activity - BIRTH
Digital Activity Xmas Vol. 1
Photos
Bio
Geoff Westen has a long history in music and design, working on scores of projects with hundreds of musicians and talented artists in all fields, and apprenticed his musical craft with pop music stars in the studio, on television and on the road. His apprenticeship took on many forms - owning a recording studio where he worked with artists as diverse as David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Dr. John; on the road with his own bands and top commercial pop artists; and on television as house band on a network television show.
Westen's style is a life-long amalgam of pop influences. He laughs at the comparisons heaped on his music. "I understand why people want to compare you to some other artist or band as a point of reference, but it really gets ridiculous. If I showed you the list of 'who Geoff sounds like,' you would be amazed. It's a diverse group ranging from Oingo Boingo to The Killers to Chromeo. Wow! But, I'm not griping about it. It's great that everyone hears something different. It means if you're into rock 'n roll, you should be able to find something you like about my music - that's what I'm striving for."
Rock veteran Westen has spent a whole lot of years involved in the production and performance of music. You can hear this wealth of experience in his "wall of pop" arrangements and layered production style...and that's what sets him apart. For more on Geoff Westen go to www.disturbingmusic.com.
Links
