The Belle Sounds
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The Belle Sounds

Austin, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

Austin, Texas, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Rock Pop

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Black Stone Review"

The follow-up to a sensational debut, the new Black Stone EP suggests that the excellence evidenced in that initial outing was no fluke. Production by that master of atmosphere and ambiance Neilson Hubbard in no way attempts to restrict the sound to the kind of moody melodies Hubbard always seems so anxious to purvey on his own. Rather, he gives the group the latitude to explore their every muse, be it the thoughtful circumstance contained by “Black Stone and “Golden Boy” or the folk-tinged surroundings of “The Siren” and “Ghost of Mykonos.” Helmed by superb songstress Noelle Hampton, the Belle Sounds navigate the difficult divide between seductive folk pop and the stirling accessibility that successfully prevents them from ever becoming too self-absorbed. Despite the fact it’s only five songs long, Black Stone EP is a compelling compendium, further evidence that this band bears watching. Thus, one can only imagine what will come next. -Lee Zimmerman/No Depression - No Depression


"Best of List"

By Gina Sigillito on November 05, 2014

This year has been a particularly exceptional year for Austin music. Although we have a little less than two months to go in 2014, there are some CDs that are absolute standouts. Released in September of this year, The Belle Sounds’ Black Stone is one that is destined to be on many “Best of” lists by December. Formed just over a year ago, this quartet has been compared to Fleetwood Mac, and with their deft lyrics and lush sound, the comparison is more than accurate. Featuring the gorgeous voice of Noelle Hampton, the vocals and masterful keyboard playing of Emily Shirley, and incendiary guitar of Andre Moran, The Belle Sounds have already received praise from No Depression Magazine, played an official ACL after show, and appeared on KUTX’s “Live from Studio A.” Despite their short time on the Austin music scene, they are fast becoming local favorites.

Produced by renowned singer/songwriter Neilson Hubbard, Black Stone shows this bands’ talents to their fullest. Their songs are smart, haunting, and lyrical. Perhaps one of the most beautiful songs on the EP, the title track is a tribute to the Northern California of Hampton’s childhood. “Golden Boy” is a gorgeous track about a seemingly promising lover with a dark side. Similarly, “Drifter” explores the bittersweet ups and downs of a long friendship. “The Ghost of Mykonos” takes the listener to Greece, with the story of a marriage that ends in tragedy. “The Siren,” a literate and thoughtful tune about escaping the excesses of the modern world, shows the group’s stunning harmonies to their best advantage. With just five songs, The Belle Sounds have created an EP that feels like an odyssey. Their lyrics delve way beyond those of a typical love song, with all the complexities that come with any relationship.

With Black Stone, this group has solidified its place among the most unique bands in town. They are even more enchanting live, so Austinites have another chance to catch them at Strange Brew on November 28th at 8PM. They will also play Lambert’s on December 18th at 10PM. Learn more about The Belle Sounds upcoming gigs and projects at www.thebellesounds.com.
-Gina Sigillito/Examiner.com - Examiner.com


"Lambert's Show Preview"

Looking for a night of compelling sonic prose? Then Thursday (12/18) at Lamberts is the place to be as melody-rich cleansing hymnals from The Belle Sounds and unexampled new wave-y folk Carry Illinois fill the downtown venue. When you peel back the layers of airy-but-dense harmonies and indelible six-string strumming from The Belle Sounds there’s still more beautiful slabs of abounding arrangements.
-Donny Rodriguez - Tourworthy.com


Discography

THE BELLE SOUNDS  (Eponymous Full Length Debut) (2013)
BLACK STONE EP  (2014)
OLIVIA (Single) (Jan/2016)

Photos

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Bio

The newest project from husband/wife team Noëlle Hampton and André Moran brings a bigger and brighter sound to Noëlle's songwriting.
In 2013, they traveled to East Nashville, TN to work on a batch of songs with a new producer, Neilson Hubbard, in the hopes of getting away from the Americana sound they had been floating around and dig deeper into their musical roots of a more lush and rock based songwriter sound. What emerged was different enough that they decided to create a new entity called The Belle Sounds. As they formed the band and began to play live shows in Austin to support their eponymous record, it began to feel more and more like what they had envisioned. By the time they went back to record their EP, Black Stone, they had created the beginning of their signature sound of strong three part harmonies and storytelling through a dynamic and lush soundscape. In many ways, it is just the beginning for The Belle Sounds.
Band members include Emily Shirley (keys/synth/vocals), Nathan Harlan (bass/vocals) and Jim Echels (drums) along with André Moran (electric guitar) and Noëlle Hampton (acoustic/electric guitar/keys/lead vocals).

Band Members