Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Indulge in a little local musical color with rockers Radio Deception and Engine Orchestra, slated to perform at 8pm Friday at the Electric Chair, 6409 S. Western. Admission is $5. Call 616-7407 - Oklahoma Gazette
Discography
A Nation Deceived, A Nation Divided
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Radio Deception began as somewhat of an accident. In early 2003, as the war drums grew louder, two longtime friends (Ryan Healy and Jake Stinson) would get together, talk politics, watch too much cable news and play music. The issues that they care about so deeply spoke through their instruments and after a few of these sessions (which were recorded), a rough sketch of an album began to form.
“A Nation Deceived, A Nation Divided” is a concept album. It’s somewhat of a musical documentary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq from beginning to an unknown ending. Think of it as pre-apocalyptic journalism rock for lack of a better term.
Most basic tracks were improvised and layers were added sporadically over the months. Traditional instruments (guitars, bass, drums, piano) were used, as well as cello, creative use of feedback, violin bows on cymbals and guitars and field recordings (tornado sirens, crickets, fireworks, etc.). Dialogue samples filled the void of vocals, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, George W. Bush and others provided the deception, while Howard Dean, Ralph Nader, protesters, Iraqis and others provided the dissent.
The result is dark, brooding and somber, laced with moments of hope and optimism. Comparisons have been made to Mogwai, godspeed you! black emperor and Explosions in the Sky, but Radio Deception maintains a sound all its own.
In late 2004, advance copies of the album were sent out to local press and quickly gained critical acclaim. Vox magazine and Oklahomarock.com each gave the CD 4 out of 5 stars and the Oklahoma Gazette named it one of the best local albums of the year.
In 2005, the 6 piece live line up was solidified and the band made it’s on stage debut in October of that year. Since then, Radio Deception has quickly gained a reputation for their intense and energetic live shows as well as the epic and cinematic album.
Although dealing with such controversial and dark subject matter, the future looks bright for Radio Deception. The band will continue to play locally and regionally and hopes to expand its fan base by playing to new audiences and continuing to make original, socially conscious music.
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