Music
The best kept secret in music
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I figure in 2006, you're gonna hear plenty about all the hot new releases from mega-artists that get a lot of CD's scanned. You're also gonna hear more and more people saying "screw the major releases--I like other stuff too."
So instead of doing a hot mega-release, I decided we would give some love this issue to some local music that screams "check out these guys who are on the way up!"
So here's the skinny...local boys do good...three go to KU, one to WSU and all the types of guys you want your daughters to meet; good dudes working towards useful (or quasi-useful) degrees, but who really want to graduate from the School Of Rock, which is all good.
The Luke Bettis Band have cut their teeth in front of loyal fans both here and in Lawrence, and are on the verge of taking the next step!
"Baggage E.P." is an excellent sampling of what these guys are about. They open the CD with "Nothing the Same (15 Warm Beers)," and continue with solid harmonies throughout. John Mayer would be right at home singing "Picture Perfect." "Between Me and You" is a tune we can all relate to at some point. "Hands to the Sky" reeks of Coldplay minus the bombast (not necessarily a bad thing), and the lead single, "Roselynn" is uptempo and made-for-radio.
Bottom line, this release is a real nice introduction for guys that are on their way up, and though you can't get the "Baggage E.P." in the stores, go to www.lukebettisband.com and follow the link to the CD Baby online music store, and pick it up.
Good stuff from good guys!
By J.J. Morgan
Programming Director for Entercom Wichita - Splurge Magazine
Discography
The Lights From Here- 2006
The Baggage E.P.- 2005
* "Roselynn" made radio debut summer of 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Having only been together for a relatively short time, the Luke Bettis Band (LBB) humbly acknowledges that they have gotten off to an accelerated start. “Whatever formula we’ve been following seems to be working. Only time will tell what direction our music will go, however every opportunity we receive makes us more motivated to work harder,” says Luke Bettis.
The “engine” driving their successful launch, however, follows a simple recipe of heartfelt songwriting, steadfast drive, and a grass-roots marketing campaign that has given their name distinction wherever they play. With a sound akin to such artists as Coldplay, John Mayer, Counting Crows, and Ben Folds, the band has found a niche in a genre that is beginning to define their generation.
High school friends Luke Bettis (guitars/vocals), Scott Johnson (drums), and Ryan Staub (bass) made up the original version of LBB. At the University of Kansas, Bettis and Staub teamed up with Joe Sparacino (piano/vocals) and the band’s sound continued to evolve. With all four musicians finally in place, LBB is creating a “musical signature” that transcends popularity across multiple generations of listeners.
Now with "The Lights From Here", the follow-up to the highly successful debut ep "Baggage", LBB is eager to hit the road and share their work with others, already lending opening spots to acts like the Afters, Michael Tolcher, Collective Soul, Howie Day, and SmashMouth. “We’re just so optimistic and excited about our music right now. The chemistry between us is growing so fast that it’s tough to keep up with the number of songs we’ve been writing,” says Sparacino. Perhaps the best quality they have going for them is a combination of optimism and focus.
Determined to reach a level in line with their influences, LBB puts an energy into their live show that keeps their fan base growing at an intense rate. This momentum and growth further fuels the band’s determination to bring their best stuff, whether it be live on stage or in the confines of the studio. Such a cycle for success has this band well on their way to making their music and style something to entertain everyone.
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