Mina Loy
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Mina Loy

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Music

The best kept secret in music

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Discography

First Official EP Due March 2007

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

It is no secret that people in the music industry are obsessed with labels. Feeling the need to classify everything, they put all of it into little, organized folders somewhere on their musical shelf. Many bands have also fallen into this trap, thus spending more time trying to define their band than they do perfecting their craft. There is one band, however, that hopes to drive all of these label-crazed people up the wall. New York City's Mina Loy see absolutely no need to worry about titles. This four piece indie rock band, named after a turn of the century poet, defies classification. Truth be told, that is exactly how the band wants it.

Comprised of a Native American, an African American, a Japanese drummer, and a female high school English teacher, Mina Loy is anything but a typical rock n' roll band. Led by an intriguing young black singer and guitarist named John Myers, the band's sound is reminiscent of early 1990’s alternative bands such as Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana. It features moody undertones and haunting vocals. Other '90's bands, such as Tool and Smashing Pumpkins, have also left their mark on this group.

The foundation for Mina Loy was built in 2004, when Myers left the West Coast and headed for New York City. When he arrived, he started writing music and searching for potential band members. While taking some classes at Fordham University, Myers met Todd Tilton. At the time, Tilton was in a band called The Four Causes. It was only a matter of time before the two discussed the idea of playing together.

Still, the timing wasn’t quite right. Both Myers and Tilton played guitar, but they still needed a drummer and a bassist. They soon found a drummer and started playing shows. After a few more months and with no bass player in sight, Myers posted an online ad for a female bass player. The diversity of the band was further enhanced by the entrance of Beth Raupers, a high school English teacher with a passion for rock music.

While Raupers, Myers, and Tilton did not fully commit themselves to working together right away, the trio remained in contact. Then, during the summer of 2006, Myers met a jazz drummer from Japan, named Akira Nakamura. Nakamura was already an accomplished drummer, having played throughout Japan and China and around the world with many talented jazz artists. After a few months, Myers convinced Nakamura to join his band. Calls were soon made to Raupers and Tilton - finally, the timing was right. Mina Loy was born.

Almost immediately, they got picked to play an industry showcase and a festival. Mina Loy started playing some of New York's more reputable venues, such as The Knitting Factory, Snitch, CB's Gallery, 169 Bar, The Annex, and Brooklyn Lycuem. They also opened for a major label band, Philpot. Their spirited live show has since turned heads in New York City's competitive music scene.

Mina Loy recently headed into the studio to record their first official EP with Alex Nizich. Fred Kevorkian, who has worked with the Dave Matthews Band, The White Stripes, Ryan Adams, and Willie Nelson, will be mastering Mina Loy's debut. The coming months look to be very busy ones for the band. They are excited about the future, and for good reason. Half the battle for modern rock bands is trying to distinguish themselves from the hundreds of other bands in their genre. With an ethnically diverse lineup, a sound that is both familiar and refreshing, and the guts to prove that classification and labels belong in a library, there is already no doubt that Mina Loy stand out. For more information on Mina Loy, visit www.MinaLoymusic.com.