Senona

Senona —
Lost in Translation

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jason Andrews at Spotlight Sound Studio
“Not a Day Goes By” recorded live at Urban Grind
Coffee Shop by William Burke and Kevin Parker for
Vybe Chyle Productions



Guitarist Justin Starks, bassist Brian Thomson and drummer Steven Boos have joined with vocalist/pianist/guitarist Chrys Senon to form the potential pop/rock powerhouse Senona. Senon is the primary face, voice and lyrical inspiration behind this diverse group of formally trained musicians brought together by a posting on MySpace.

Lost in Translation opens with the all-too-familiar question “Where are you when I need you?” that is brought to life beautifully through Senon’s radio-friendly voice over the high-energy, guitar-driven music. The questions continue on “Over and Over Again” in which Senon asks “Do you really want to hate me? / Do you really want to hurt me? / I swear that’s what you’re showing me over and over again.” The CD continues with “Night I Was Free,” a celebration of freedom and self-discovery.

The highlight of the EP is “Only Girl.” Despite its somewhat bittersweet lyrical message, with its clever combination of guitar and bass arrangements, drums and cadenced vocals, the track is reminiscent of a former favorite tune that is rediscovered on a long road trip and replayed over and over again at full volume as the wind blows through the speeding convertible. In “Only Blame Me,” Senon offers up her piano-playing skills as she explains how she has only herself to blame for being lonely. Senona closes Lost in Translation with a compelling live recording of “Not A Day Goes By,” the final confirmation of the group’s talent. The live performance conjures up images of flickering candles and lighters followed by a crowd screaming for an encore — which leads us to the main problem with Lost in Translation. Simply put, the six tracks could be viewed as tease, leaving the listener wanting more. Perhaps the better view is to consider Lost in Translation as an excellent appetizer before a superb main course that we have yet to taste. (LaunchPad Records)

www.senonatheband.com

-Jonathan Mason

- Performer Magazine SE

Indie Artist Spotlight: Senona
www.senonatheband.com

What happens when you combine four talented, professionally trained musicians? In many cases, you have a band. But back that talent up with a group synergy fueled by an infectious drum beat and a vast lyrical range coupled with rich guitar and piano rhythms, and you get a pop/rock band that keeps your head bobbing and feet tapping. And you gotta love it when our ever-changing Internet landscape plays a role in such harmony.
When lead singer Chrys Senon was seeking some band mates to explore another sort of musical dimension, her prayers were answered in a MySpace posting for an open call. Guitarist Justin "J" Sparks, bassist Brian Thomson, and drummer Steven Boos were the only ones that showed up that day. It was fate. Upon plugging in their amps and mics, they began their journey and it hasn't stopped since.
With their newly released EP, Lost in Translation, featuring their power pop single "Where Are You?" this band is determined to redefine the genre of pop/rock and they may be well on their way. Their dynamic range brings you from upbeat jams to ballad tracks with lyrics ranging from heartbreak and loss to personal triumph and empowerment. And their fresh, funky appeal is charged by a youthful energy. This Atlanta group is signed to Launchpad Records and can be found on MySpace at www.myspace.com/senona. Their tunes have been featured on ABC Network's "One Ocean View" and on Café Central TV's "The Conn Jackson Show."
- What's the Download?

SENONA-----WINNER
Wow! This was one for the books. For those who missed it. You missed 3 hot bands and I do mean HOT!

We started the evening with The Highway Band. For a group of young ones (band members age 13-17) these young men showed all who attended that they meant business. I can only imagine that in a couple of years if Highway stays the course they will no doubt be a musical force to be reckoned with.

The second band up was UNITED MIND. United Mind's set was energetic and kept the crowd moving for their entire set. A solid group of musicians destined to go places and make fans where ever they perform.

The last band up and the WINNER of the night was SENONA. Senona took to the stage like they were born there and had known it all their lives. They were right at home and it showed through the energy exhibited during their performance. When Chrys, front person and lead vocalist, started to sing all attending stopped what ever they were doing and paid attention. This lady has got all the components required for success in todays music industry combined with a great backing band this is a group to keep your eye's and ear's focused on.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2006 (Rock Semi-Final)
SENONA -----WINNER ----- ADVANCES TO DECEMBER 8TH FINAL
Special thanks go out to all who competed and/or donated there time including Paul Reeves, United Mind, Highway Band, No Honor, Aaron and Company and SENONA, The rock division overall winner.
- Freedomfest

I'm not keen on the "pleeeeeease pick me" theme of too many female singers and /or songwriters. Setting aside my admitted leanings towards strong, confident lyrics (or at least lyrics that strive for that ideal or recognize that the whiny I'm-nobody-if-nobody-loves-me slant is a bit tired) Senona's Lost in Translation does show promise. Bushels of it.
There's an interesting retro/futuristic feel to this: Think back to early Madonna. Now think ahead to what Britney, Hillary or Lindsey might sound like in a few years' time, if they don't succumb to jaw dislocating gum chewing (sugarless, of course), nicotine as a food group "nutrition or underwear-less induced pneumonia.
Under the retro-ish banner is "Where Are You?", reminiscent of the soundtracks to Beach Party Bingo/Gidget Goes GaGa era. There's even that bubble gummy signpost of stretching one syllable words into two, as in "Day-ay, Say-ay". All that's missing is the ponytailed boppers, hoola hoops and bobby socks. Nothing blatantly wrong or off-putting about that in and of itself, but I suspect its nostalgic boppy appeal may start to wane the way that the taste of saccharine wanes when what you're truly jonesing for is real sugar.
But hang loose Moondoggie, You'll be rewarded with cuts like "Only Blame Me" and "Not A Day Goes By". "Only Blame Me" in particular allows singer Chrys Senon to expose her vulnerability. Followed by Not A Day Goes By", recorded live in a coffee shop, provides a glimpse into the musicians' likeable in-person appeal. Both these cuts showcase Senona's more mature, more irresistibly engaging side and allow their textured vocals and superior musicianship some well deserved time in the spotlight. Perhaps those qualities are indeed evident throughout the CD, and simply requires more of the listener: a good set of headphones, an open mind, a willing spirit and a genuine determination to not overthink or undervalue Senona's gift of music. Maybe that message was simply Lost in Translation. Which is no excuse to not give this young band a fair listen.
- Rocknworld.com

The Atlanta based band Senona is head-nodding rock, pure and simple. Lost in Translation has a youthful sound, excellent melodies that make you sad when the song ends, and is made all the more fantastic by the energetic and throaty vocals of Chrys Senon, lead singer of this girl-fronted band. Chrys’ voice, has had time for training, as she was signed with all-girl pop group, Mia Blaze on Arista Records, is perfect for pop rock – crisp, approachable, and skilled at hitting a vast range of notes in a powerful burst, despite her tiny 5-foot frame, only to be matched by her skills on the piano.

While Senona’s first endeavor is short – a six song EP – the songs, and band are chalk full of potential for major fame status. Their lyrics cover the relatable experiences of star-crossed love, loneliness, friendship, desire, and introspection. Senona is a blast to listen to, and I’m sure are a kick in the pants to see live, though at last check, they don’t currently have tour dates scheduled. Keep checking their website for new dates, and while there, you can pick up Lost in Translation, and hopefully soon, a full-length album.
- www.girlistic.com Published June 2007

Three songs of Senona has been added to the playlist for girlrockradio.com. Only all girl or girl fronted bands are featured on this online radio station. Go to www.girlsrockradio.com/playlistS.html to request Over and Over, Night I was Free, and Only Girl. - Girlsrockradio.com

Senona's single, "Night I Was Free," from the Lost in Translation EP will premiere on ABC's reality TV show "One Ocean View" Aug. 7 at 10 p.m. - ABC

B+

Combine drums, guitar, piano, vocals, bass—and you've got yourself a band.

Put formally trained musicians behind those instruments—and you've got yourself a darn good band. A band like Senona.

In this day and age when being a pop-rock star seemingly requires little more talent than can be squeezed into a pinky finger, it's refreshing to discover a group of pop-rock musicians with true talent. And not just raw talent…it's raw talent refined by the fires of musical academia.

Take a glimpse at each of the band member's bios…As a teen, drummer Steve Boos studied jazz and orchestral music at the prestigious New World School of Arts. Guitarist Justin Starks graduated top of his class at the Atlanta Institute of Music (AIM). Bassist Brian Thomson, just 21, also attended AIM, and has an amazing grasp on jazz theory that allows him to "walk into any situation and pretty much play along with anybody." Pianist, guitarist, and lead singer Chrys Senon formally studied music at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where she attended on a vocal scholarship.

On top of all that formal education, each of the band's members has had a sort of homegrown, "informal" education from childhood, having grown up in very musical homes…Boos' father was a choral director. Starks' father was a music storeowner and lead singer for a Kentucky band. Thomson's grandfather was a professional jazz drummer, and by age 4, Thomson was taking piano lessons and learning guitar from his mother. And Senon has been playing piano since age 6 and singing even longer than that.

I mention all this because I find it impressive. I'm sure there are other pop bands out there with impressive bios and backgrounds, but it seems that "how high can you squeal" and "how fast can you shake your booty" are often the yardsticks by which pop bands are judged these days. Which is why it's nice to find a professedly pop-rock band that shatters the mould.

And as for their sound…it's great. Senon has an incredibly powerful voice, but it's not overpowering or harsh (think Fiona Apple or Vanessa Carlton). Take their song "Only Girl," for example. From the opening lines when Senon demands, "Tell me boy what you want from me," till the close of the first verse, where she requires (just as persistently), "I need to know, I gotta see," the sound is solid, confident, bold.

And yet the band is versatile enough to be soft, gentle, reflective. Case in point: "Only Blame Me" (which is my fave on the EP). From the first measure, Senon's voice melts into the piercingly questioning piano chords (did I mention this was my favorite song on the EP?), and from there the music swells into a contemplative and yet assertive song in which Senon vows, "I promise not to lose myself again."

And no matter which song you're listening to, the band seems to "breath" together, working collectively to create an incredible, unified sound.

Lyrically speaking, the content is pretty typical of a pop-rock band: lost time, broken relationships, rediscovering oneself after a breakup. But the themes are handled in a genuine, intimate way that sets Senona's songs apart from the crowd.

I must confess, though: As I write this review, I feel conflicted…because I'm not much of a pop-rock devotee. Senona's pop style isn't what I'd typically gravitate toward. But the quality of their sound, the crispness of their delivery, and the balance they strike between crooning and all-out-rocking keeps me coming back. They truly are a talented band, and no matter where you fall on the Indie-pop continuum, a fair listening should leave you impressed.

For more info on Senona, check out their interview with UMR and the band's own site (http://www.senonatheband.com/).

by Megan Campanella - Undress Me Robot Magazine

Chrys Senon loves butterflies. They remind her of new beginnings, second chances, fresh starts—all of which she’s been able to taste as lead singer for a new band named Senona. The band released its first EP, Lost in Translation, on August 4, 2006. Just three days later, their single "Night I Was Free" premiered on an ABC primetime show, signaling that the band is probably headed for even more great starts and new beginnings. In the midst of an FYE promo tour, Chrys was gracious enough to take a few minutes to talk with me by phone for an interview.

It seems that the story of Senona is integrally linked to the story of Chrys Senon—so tell us a little about yourself and your own musical background.
I started singing when I was very, very young and then started picking up piano at age 6. I started writing songs at age 10. I was always into choir and putting together my own singing groups in high school.

But I had to take it serious and approach it from a more classical aspect when I went to college. When I went to PLU (Pacific Lutheran University), I had a music scholarship. And then while I was at PLU, I met this producer from Atlanta. His name is Christopher Stewart, and he put me in a girl group named Mia Blaze. We were signed to Arista Records. We just never were released.
Can you tell us a little more about Mia Blaze and your time with that band?

I always looked at myself as being diverse anyways, so being in a pop/R&B group, I guess I was able to fit in somewhat because I like all types of music. But being in that group, I was limited; I wasn't able to write or take my creative level to where it could go.

How long were you with Mia Blaze?

Four years.

What did you do after leaving the band?

When the group broke up, I got into a lot of yoga and a lot of meditation and being at the piano by myself. I got to feel for the first time, as an adult in my early 20s, how it felt to be alone…because I was always in girl groups or in choir or in college or around people, but when the group broke up and I was still here in Atlanta, I was able to really dive into creative channels that I never knew I had. I started writing a lot of songs on the piano and then eventually started playing guitar.

In 2003, you met with music executive Ian Burke. What prompted that meeting?

Ian is well known in the Atlanta music scene. He has really helped a lot of artists in consulting, management, etc., and I met him when I was in the girl group. He liked the music [of Mia Blaze], he just felt that my look and my personality was a little too funky to be sitting at the piano and making people cry, you know? He said, "I really could see you in a band."

Was that what prompted you to start pulling together a new band?

We didn't go into it right away. It was just the idea of it, and I still did a lot of writing on my own and preparation before we found the band members. I wrote a lot of music, went to the producers on my own to try to develop my sound even more, and played guitar even more. And when the time felt right to post an audition call on MySpace, then we did that.

What was the response to your audition call?

It was certainly low-key, because not a lot of people showed up. It was just the band.

Tell me more about your fellow band members.

Each one of us is formally trained in music, especially Justin. He went to school for music—and so did Brian. They actually teach, as well. Actually everybody teaches…I teach piano.

Who does the writing for the band? Is it a joint effort?

I do the bulk of the writing for the band. But now we're starting to collaborate on a lot of songs.

Are the lyrics largely confessional? Straight from your own experiences?

The EP Lost in Translation is definitely from my experiences, from when I had a lot of experiences I went through and relationships after that girl group. I was writing as I was going along personally.

Can you tell me a little bit about the song "Only Blame Me?"

"Only Blame Me" is a song I wrote about a girl who spent a lot of time and energy in a relationship and really lost a lot of time that she could have put toward herself and her own goals and aspirations. So when the relationship didn't work out, she only blamed herself for being alone and for being unhappy, because she never really put the energy toward herself.

Tell me about your love of butterflies.

Well, I have a tattoo—in the middle of a butterfly, there's a music note. And so I've incorporated the music with the butterfly symbol, which kind of shows that I have progressed in my life and that music has helped me.

That's awesome. Now, I have a sort of personal, sort of serious question for you. Feel free to decline if you don't feel comfortable answering. I'm just wondering, if you could have any superpower, what would it be?

[Laughter] I feel like this is a Miss Universe question…If I could have any superpower, I would be able to heal any disease.

Good safe answer. I think you just won the crown…so, anyways, when you're not recording or performing, what do you do? Give us a glimpse into an average day in the life of Chrys Senon….

I LOVE to cook. And I love to spend time with my friends…and with my dog.

What's your dog's name?

Misu. Like tiramisu. It's a little Pomeranian. He sings. He actually sings. I taught him how to sing! Sometimes he'll sing along when I play piano…a little howling thing…it's really cute.

What about America's favorite pastime? Do you watch TV?

Actually, I don't watch a lot of TV. I watch movies every so often, but because I'm in a creative space all the time, I don't really have a lot of time to watch television.

Except when your band's on TV, of course…I heard you guys on ABC's One Ocean View last night. That was awesome.

Yeah, it was really awesome. We were there at Mid City Café [in Atlanta]. And everyone was cheering. It was great….We had a listening-viewing party where we did an acoustic show, and also CD sales, gift bags, giveaways…and we got to talk and mingle with people. It was great.

How did that whole thing come about? Did you guys send a demo into ABC?

LaunchPad Records, our label, submitted the music to a friend in LA, who submitted it for us and got it placed. Which is really good for a new band, I guess.

Definitely! So you guys are all from Atlanta, right?

We're an Atlanta-based band, yes.

Atlanta's pretty well known for producing a wealth of musical talent. How do you see Senona fitting in to this pantheon of artists and bands?

Well, I see our band actually helping in the music revolution because we're so different from what Atlanta is known for currently. I believe that Atlanta is mainly known for a lot of rising R&B stars, such as Outkast and TLC. I think we bring a different aspect to the table by being a rock/pop band.

I also feel like me being female and being Asian-American definitely allows us to bring something new to the scene. You know there hasn't been a band like us, from Georgia and coming out of this city, with a pop/rock focus and a female, Asian-American lead singer. This is definitely part of the music revolution.

On August 4 you guys released your first EP, Lost in Translation. How was the whole recording experience? And what was it like working with Jason Andrews, producer for the EP?

I had so much fun with him. He is extraordinary. He's easy to work with and so talented. He's great. He has a great ear, and he's open to our ideas.

So where does the band go from here? What's in the future for Senona?

Senona right now is going through a promo tour. We've been doing radio shows and an FYE tour. The FYE tour is where we go to malls and we sit in FYE record stores, do acoustic shows, and autograph and sign our CDs. It's a good way of meeting people, like our friends on MySpace, and we're able to get our faces out there. It's been going really well, and we're really excited.
- Undress Me Robot Magazine