The Ars Supernova
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The Ars Supernova

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"Myxer's Pick of the Day: Firefly by The Ars Supernova"

Today's featured act, Austin, TX's, The Ars Supernova are most certainly rockin' the appropriate name, indeed, they are...Described as a "stellar" explosion, this Supernova is just that-- an explosion, of melodic, guitar-driven sound! In a high profile market such as theirs, it is quite difficult to blaze one's own trail, nevertheless, these guys and girl, have done precisely that! With a style that's multi-faceted and difficult to pin down, their epic compositions groove along, only to soar to masterful crescendos! Check out their amazing track, "Firefly," we are simply floored by this one! - by Jeff Sass of Myxer


"Spotlight: The Ars Supernova"

A true explosion of sound! The Ars Supernova is a "new creation" and a "rebirth of art". Comprised of six band members, The Ars Supernova professes to be a "family of individuals brought together under our love for music to redefine the art that we call Music… come together to not only inspire through our crafts, but to also reach out to our community; both locally and globally. In efforts to promote the quality of life through music.” Though currently unsigned, The Ars Supernova anticipates the release of Lumina, their sophomore album, later this year. Their 2007 release of the album Messenger, boasts fourteen electric, fast paced selections reflecting the group’s eclectic design.

The music of The Ars Supernova is a process lending inspiration to both the artists and fans. Members David Butler- guitarist, Ross Falcon- bass, Matt Erikson- drums, Jirod Greene- vocals, Alejandra Cardenas- violin, and Dietrich Schmidt-keyboard, each contribute their own unique style to the music of the Ars Supernova. "I want them to hear the subtle harmonies, the difficult rhythms, and know that we created this for them," says Greene. "The Ars Supernova is an expression of art, and faith in music. It's organic." So too is the experience from the ground. The high energy compositions intensify during live performance when the connection between The Ars Supernova band members and their audience can really be felt.

Their primary theme, SPREAD THE MESSSAGE. Everyone can make a difference, come together, make something that will inspire. And The Ars Supernova continually performs just that. Passionate and dedicated, The Ars Supernova performs frequently in the east-central Texas areas drawing their influences from all genres of music. Indeed, the band rocks to a very distinctive tune. "We're revolutionaries. I think we're something that people haven't heard or seen in a long time. But the influences are there, and you can hear it. You can hear the musical greats in our music.”

An exceptional part of our own Aggie family, more information about the band, concerts, and music can be found at www.myspace.com/thearssupernova. Also, album purchases can be made at www.cdbaby.com. - aggiEwire


"The Ars Supernova sustains life in a place far, far away"

When people hear the word supernova, many may think of the literal definition, which signifies death. However, for Austin-based rock band, The Ars Supernova, the term was coined to mean rebirth, a rebirth of art.

"It's actually a modernization of an old movement in music," says bassist Ross Falcon, referring to the 14th century era of the ars nova, which means, "new art."

Falcon, who's an [astronomy] graduate student, came up with the name while involved with his studies. He eventually applied it when the group was formed roughly a year ago. "About a year ago, we found ourselves in an in between status," he says, speaking about guitarist David Butler and drummer Matt Erickson, both of whom he's played with since they lived in Lake Jackson. Enter singer Jirod Greene.

Greene, who has a vocal style reminiscent of R & B and Soul singers, had been a friend of the three members since Lake Jackson, Falcon said, but it would take a move to College Station for him to reunite the other musicians. And although they were linked musically, it was another common trait that brought them together: the desire to make a difference. "Our niche is music, but we want to do something with it," Falcon says. "We wanted to be able to use that to help our brothers and sisters in need, to give aid to the local and global community." With that in mind, the group formed the SoundWave Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps those that are less fortunate. Falcon says the organization is currently building, in conjunction with A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, water wells in Ethiopia. The effort is funded, in part, by the sale of the band's merchandise, including the group's new record, "Messenger."

During the recording of the album, the group recruited violinist, Alejandra Cardenas, for a number of tracks - she's now a permanent member - including the melodic rock ballad, "Victim of your Vice," which features an eerie backing vocal by Greene. "It really came to life when we were recording," Falcon says about track. "He had more and more ideas for the vocals; it made it rich." He says fans will have a chance to hear the song live at their show at Muldoon's Saloon in El Campo this Saturday. They'll also be able to hear a new element in the band's sound. "This Saturday is the first gig with a keyboardist," Falcon says. "It really helps with the dynamic."

The show starts at 9 p.m. and is an 18 and up event. Vallejo is the headliner. Call the venue at 979-541-5833, or visit the group's Web site at myspace.com/thearssupernova for more information. To access SoundWave, go to myspace.com/soundwavefoundation

- Justin Buehler is a reporter for the Matagorda Advocate. Contact him at 979-244-1330 or jbuehler@vicad.com - Justin Buehler - Matagorda Advocate


"INsite Magazine: Local Trax"

The Ars Supernova
Messenger

The Ars Supernova comes out of the gate strong with their poppy R&B debut Messenger.

Don't get me wrong, this is totally an alternative rock record, but by incorporating Greene's R&B vocals that hark of Seal or Darius Rucker, it kind of takes it above the moniker of "Alternative."

I had the chance to chat with the members back when they went by Smile and Nod. They seemed to be searching for their sound then… and it looks like they struck gold with their art-rock approach and the smooth vocals of Jirod Greene.

With the first track, "Scientific Alibi" The Ars Supernova introduce themselves as a force to be reckoned with. "The Other Night" sounds like a rock anthem that I could truly hear pumped up at full volume while cruising down the highway.

The jam songs are balanced with songs like "Miss Lourelei" and "To Have Loved and Lost" which showcase Greene's pipes while the music accompanying is made intricately simple.

The Ars Supernova is made up of vocalist Greene, Guitarist David Butler, Bassist Ross Falcon, and drummer Matt Erickson. I recommend checking out their CD release show at Red Eyed Fly on November 3. You can also find out more at myspace.com/thearssupernova. (A) SC - by Sean Claes


"Musical Creativity"

Musical Creativity
Former area musicians back in town for shows

On the surface, The Ars Supernova sounds like a title straight out of an astronomy textbook. In actuality, though, it's the name of a new rock and roll band that's been making a name for itself throughout the Austin area.

The band, which features four members originally from Lake Jackson, has recently released a 14-song CD that's been receiving positive reviews in the press. They also have been performing on a regular basis to enthusiastic crowds.

Now, they're coming home to show old friends and fans what they've been up to the last few years.

The Ars Supernova will be performing at 7 p.m. at the Local on Friday night, followed by a show at the Angleton Icehouse on Saturday.

Although many people around the Brazosport area might not recognize this band, there is another name that might ring a bell: Smile and Nod.

Three members of The Ars Supernova - bassist Ross Falcon, guitarist David Butler and drummer Matt Erickson - were key members of the Lake Jackson based group, Smile and Nod, before heading off to college.

Smile and Nod was a band that earned some popularity around the area for a few years before high school graduation sent the guys out of the area.

While Smile and Nod isn't a band anymore, Falcon, Butler and Erickson are still together with The Ars Supernova. The new band actually has six members now, including another Lake Jackson native, singer Jirod Greene, as well as keyboardist Dietrich Schmidt from Austin and El Paso violinist Alejandra Cardenas.

Having six members in the band has allowed the new band to explore various different possibilities.

"We're experienced and mature enough that having six people in the band really helps us," Falcon said. "We not only divide up band tasks, it allows us all to be much more creative."

Actually, creative might be a good word to describe the band's sound.

"Generally, we play rock," Falcon said. "But we strive to do something unique."

"[There are] hints of progressive rock in our music, as well as R&B and a little jazz. We take a little of everything and put it together to make something different."

The band's sound not only can be sampled at one of this weekend's shows, it can also be heard on their new CD, "Messenger." The music is available on the band's Web site at www.myspace.com/thearssupernova.

Although the sound is a little different than the average rock and roll band, the group's name might be even more unique. But the name makes complete sense, Falcon said.

"The term 'Ars Nova' comes from a period of music in the 14th century," said Falcon, who also happens to be a University of Texas graduate in astrophysics. "And it means 'new art.' With 'Ars Supernova' it is a 'rebirth of art.'"

Be it their sound or the group's name, The Ars Supernova strives to be unique.

As a result, it shouldn't be too shocking to learn that the band is doing another thing that few bands ever think of - helping out people from an impoverished nation.

The basis of this is an organization the band created called Soundwave, which is a non-profit initiative focused on aiding the local and global communities.

Soundwave has partnered with A Glimmer of Hope Foundation to help build a water well free of parasites and disease in rural Ethiopia. Fifty percent of the proceeds from The Ars Supernova admissions and merchandise sales go toward the project.

"We wanted to make sure to use our talents for the greater good," Falcon said. "This is a great opportunity to help do that. There's a real need for a water well there and by providing even one well it will make a difference. Soundwave is approaching its goal for this project, too."

There's no doubt The Ars Supernova has plenty to be proud of. They've found a unique sound and have discovered a method to use music to help those in need.

The band is also hoping there will be many more projects in the future.

"This is definitely much more than having some fun for us," Falcon said. "We love playing music. We're working to make this our career."

And coming home to play some shows for old friends goes a long way toward helping build a loyal fan base. It's a few shows the band is excited about, as well.

"We still have a lot of support in Lake Jackson," Falcon said. "It's nice to keep up with everyone and to be able to come down and play a few shows."

For more information on The Ars Supernova, go to www.myspace.com/thearssupernova.

To learn more about the band's non-profit organization, Soundwave, log on to www.myspace.com/soundwavefoundation.

For information on A Glimmer of Hope, go to www.aglimmerofhope.org. - by Billy Loveless of Brazosport Facts


"Local Quips - The Ars Supernova"

In all honesty, I don't listen to much modern rock these days. I find that much of the genre has become stale, as most acts are just trying desperately to score the one hit that will land them a spot on the charts. However, as with all genres of music there are a few groups out there who are making material that's worthy of your time, and one of them is the Ars Supernova. Coincidently, the quintet is also avoiding the stadium-tour-or-bust mentality by using their musical talents for a foundation that they started together. The non-profit effort is called Soundwave and the main goal of it is to help local and global communities, which is pretty admirable. I know many of you are probably looking for something that's either pop or wildly creative, but if you want to get involved in a good cause and/or hear a style of music that may not already be residing in your playlist then give these guys and their album, Messenger, a shot. - John Laird - Austin Sound


"Making waves"

Some bands are in it for the money, some for the fame, some for the sex and the drugs, or just for the good ol' rock 'n' roll, but Ars Supernova is a little different. They're just here to help out.

The Ars Supernova (meaning the rebirth of art) is by no definition just another college rock band. This is a rock band making a difference.

And not just with their music but also in the lives of people - people living thousands of miles away in Ethiopia. The Ars Supernova has built a well containing clean, sustainable water for an Ethiopian village - an impressive humanitarian feat for a college rock band still in its nascent stage.

In November 2006, Dustin Kemp, an Aggie majoring in agricultural leadership and development and three friends from South Texas (David Butler, Ross Falcon and Matt Erickson) dreamed up the Ars Supernova. Two others, Alejandra [Cardenas] and Dietrich Schmidt, eventually joined them to form the humanitarian rock band. Six individuals influenced by diametrically opposite types of music with a common objective: to create and perform music that transcends the regular stuff.

For instance, Kemp is influenced by Beyonce and learns from her stage performances.

"The six of us each have distinct personalities that all shape the group as a whole. My part syncs up with Matt's very well as together we draw out the landscape for the rest of the players to dance upon," said Ross Falcon, the group's bass player.

"I've definitely had to learn to manage my time better, especially before shows because it takes me at least half an hour longer to get ready. But it's really very cool. The guys look out for me a lot, like brothers," said [Cardenas], the only woman in the group.

"We are a family," Butler said. "If we weren't all in a band together, we would probably all still live in the same house and hang out all the time. It is the only life we know."

What differentiates them from a regular college rock band is the musical vision and desire to be more than just a college rock band. Talent and a passion for music makes up a band. To break through and make the band known to a larger audience requires more than talent - it requires the drive to promote the music. This is the extra that the Ars Supernova possesses.

"We all grew up around music. We all love music. Our music is unique in itself. It is the kind of music that makes people think. Most of what you hear on the radio today sounds the same. The way we express ourselves through our music is what sets us apart," said Kemp, also known by his stage name Jirod Greene. "We want to bring the listeners something new to listen to. Then you have the business aspect to it. We understand with music there is a business side to it. We want to take our band to the next level and we are capable of doing it."

Ars Supernova started a nonprofit initiative called SoundWave. The group thought of it in Austin one day and decided to do something Kemp wanted "to echo in the community."

Butler researched and found a nonprofit organization in Austin that builds wells and provides clean drinking water to people in Ethiopia called Glimmer Of Hope. After meeting with the organization and being moved by the goal, they knew they wanted to commit themselves to the cause.

"SoundWave is what happened when you put a group of six artists together who really have a passion for changing the world," Butler said. "The Ars Supernova as a group decided to take our message of hope one step further. And so SoundWave was born. From day one, SoundWave has been committed to doing tangible things to help the global and local communities."

SoundWave's first project was to contribute to building one well in Ethiopia. The proceeds from concerts, T-shirt and CD sales funded the foundation. With the support from fans, they managed to complete the project in half the time they had anticipated.

They never thought they would impact people on such a scale.

"While not at all surprising that this concept of spreading brotherhood through music works, it is astounding how effective it has been," said Erickson, the band's drummer. "Who would have thought that by walking on stage I'd be a part of a movement that would save lives? How can one fathom the incredible potential of bettering the world just by going to a rock show? The real magic is that so many people have already been a part of SoundWave - the well in Ethiopia wasn't just built by us, it was built by thousands."

"It's a pretty simple concept, 'Love Music. Change Lives,' but sometimes the far-reaching effects take a little more time to sink in," said Schmidt, who plays the keyboard, "It's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that through music a water well was built and lives were saved, but when it hits you, you can't really go back."

The members of Ars Supernova have no intention of slowing down and are as committed to the expansion of SoundWave as to music.

"Expanding SoundWave for me is just as important as expanding the music of the Ars Supernova," Schmidt said. "In many respects, the inspiration and drive for both are one and the same."

SoundWave is ready to take some bigger steps.

"Right now we are putting together at least three scholarships for students who want to further their education in music," Butler said. "These scholarships will not be university specific. It will be based on three factors: the level of need, the interest to study music and how you plan to give back through your music to society."

"We don't want to stop at one well," Kemp said. "It's good to get the pat on the back, but at the end of the day the work still needs to be done. We are blessed to still have money left to make a CD. We want to make SoundWave bigger."

"People want to help better this world, but they don't know how," [Cardenas] said. "SoundWave gives them that opportunity. With the help of our fans, we were able to save a village in Ethiopia by building a well for clean water. And that is just the beginning."

Ars Supernova is ready to release their next wave of music.

Messenger, their first album, was well received by fans. The second album, Lumina, is in post-production. Butler said. "Lumina has turned out to be everything that we hoped that it would be filled with crazy hooks, great musicianship, complex vocal arrangements, super tight beats, and of course songs that talk about things that make you think. We are all super excited to release the album and start our promotional tour."

"We want to create music that transcends us," Kemp said. - The Battalion - Romy Misra


"Emo Sarah.com - Featured Artist"

WHO is it? The Ars Supernova

WHAT kind of music do they play? Hailing from the live music capital of the world it is no surprise that, The Ars Supernova, is an intriguing mixture of rock with soul-filled undertones. Taking the meaningful ballads in is a pleasure to the ears and just to top it all off they turn things around on the audience by throwing in a violinist. The Ars Supernova draws a wide variety of artists including John Legend, Muse, Silverchair and Gnarls Barkley.

WHEN/WHERE can I see them play live? Coming up on September 13, The Ars Supernova is playing in their hometown of Austin at Red Eyed Fly. From there they are traveling to College Station to perform at Skyy Bar on the 19th. After that they are traveling around Texas throughout October hitting up Clear Lake at the Scout Bar playing with Under the Green on the 11th from there they are going to play in San Marcos on the 16th at Lucy's On the Square. Following that they are heading back the next day to Austin to headline at Stubb's with Naked Empire, Under the Green and Good Luck Academy.


WHY should I care about them? The Ars Supernova isn't just another band that likes to rock out in new and creative ways. They also are the founders of a non-profit global initiative entitled Soundwave Foundation. The Soundwave Foundation, which is entirely funded by The Ars Supernova and their fans, means to fuse together the world and rejuvenate it through music and creativity. The Ars Supernova's overall goal is not to just play a unique and innovative form of music but to inspire the generations to step forward and make a difference.


For more information on The Ars Supernova including tour dates and news, check out thearssupernova.com
Also to make a contribution to their global initiative or to find out about it more go to,
soundwavefoundation.org - Sarah Bennett - Emo Sarah.com


"Northgate festival hits a high note"

This year's Northgate Music Festival did not follow the trend of previous years when attendance was bleak, a majority of the bands were filed under the same genre and the event slowly became a weekend that caused usual "Northgaters" to stay home.

This year's festival did not follow the trend of previous years. It hosted the most diverse lineup yet, revamping the public's image of the event. Whether it was standing in line at a packed O'Bannon's Tap House at 12:45 a.m. to get a peek at Cruiserweight, moshing to Flawless Escape or crowd-surfing to the Toadies, the 2008 Northgate Music Festival was headed in a new direction.

More than 1,500 people came to the main stage to see the Toadies Saturday night. Stopping at Northgate during a nationwide tour, the Fort Worth rockers played some of their previous hits and songs from their new album, "No Deliverance." With the average age on stage much higher than in the crowd, the Toadies showed they can still rock as hard as the younger bands. While they were a large part of the festival's success, the other seven stages were just as important.

As the Toadies finished up their set, Arkansas natives Deas Vail performed a few feet away at Zapatos.

"We were shocked because we played our set during the Toadies," lead singer Wes Blaylock said. "We expected maybe 50 people to show up." Instead, more than 200 turned up to watch them play.

Guitar player and lead singer Nathan Medina of the Austin band The Canvas Waiting and his bandmates put on a vivid rock performance and even semi-adapted to the local culture by notifying the crowd, "This next song has a country feel for you, College Station."

Many bands seemed to reference Texas A&M in some way. Both Cruiserweight and Driver F gave the crowd a "Gig 'em" onstage, while As Cities Burn let the audience know, "It's awesome we're in College Station right now! We usually play in Austin, but they are a bunch of hippies, right?"

Aside from providing a huge concert series for the Bryan-College Station area, one of the main goals of the Northgate Music Festival was to enhance the local music culture. 40 percent of the performers were from the Bryan-College Station area and used the festival as a means to gain a larger local fan base. Experimental rockers Flawless Escape put on one of the more aggressive displays of music in the festival while playing in their hometown.

"There are a lot of really great bands this town doesn't know about," said lead singer Ajae.

Also calling College Station home was Clairmont, who played its fifth Northgate Music Festival this weekend. Clairmont just released an album they recorded in the Bryan-College Station area at the Mix Lab and even recorded a few demos in the A&M recording studio.

"The festival opens up opportunities to local bands to play, which is great for all musicians, friends and fans,"said singer and guitarist Josh Taylor.

Two new bands on the scene were The Ars Supernova and Mother's Anthem. Smoke machines filled the stage of The Ars Supernova as guitarist David Butler and violinist Alejandra Cardenas proceeded into a metal guitar and violin duel with each other while lead singer Jirod Greene belted his vocals into a vintage style microphone. Austin natives Mother's Anthem sported more hoop earrings and hair products than a salon, and while their velvet outfits could have been a deterrent, they worked in favor of the band's sound and performance style.

From the initial chord played by the festival's first performer Reagan Wilkins on Friday to the final riff of Cruiserweight's cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" Saturday night, the Northgate Music Festival appeared to have shed its bad reputation. Many artists have already scheduled to return to the area to play shows. - Stephen Shepperd - The Battalion


"The Ars Supernova: Lumina - Album Review"

The Ars Supernova’s sophomore album, Lumina, is no mere exercise in ‘stylized’ music or rock opera. You won’t find mindless entertainment to ‘check out‘ to here. It’s a web of intricately laced compositions and deliberate messages. With a musical background that spans from everything classical to everything rock, soul, and with a touch of metal here and there….it‘s hard to categorize the nature of this album and probably best not to try.

Lumina tells us the story of Gavin and Eliese, two starlets strung out on the flash, glitz, and glamour of a life bigger than the both of them. It chronicles their steps and stumbles through the hazy world that surrounds them and touches on a universal theme that betrayal against self is the downward spiral of all.

Opening with “Cure,” we’re immediately reminded why the duet that is David Butler (guitar) and Alex Cardenas (violin) is quite literally the sound of adrenaline and on that note, it’s amazing to me more people don’t know who Alex Cardenas is. Yet.

“Waste not all your strength on mighty winds/just let them blow/Oh sister and friend/your trouble’s gonna end/Look up and know” is the moment where we see the heart of this song is spelled out in the voice of vocalist, Jirod Greene. He shines throughout the album best when he’s been freed to belt out his wails as the narrator of the twisted path for Gavin and Eliese.

Perhaps never more so the Masters and Mistress of Ceremonies are The Ars Supernova than when we are taken into “Supernova (Death of a Star).” It’s unmistakable pointed finger set on the ghoulish behavior of the glitterati as we explore the Hollywood funeral. “Come all you boys and girls and all you young at heart/Calm down/Please take your seat/the show’s about to start…Come all you fans and fakes and all you vain and starved/Let’s hear it for our boy, this dead, twenty-something star,“ depicts a procession of high fashion, designer shades and designer grief all set perfectly for the stage of a gaping world. The song’s relevance can most easily be seen in the death of Heath Ledger, the Oscar he didn’t live to give a speech for, and the fact that many closest to him have commented on how private a man he was, how not into the “Hollywood scene”…thus making it ever so ironic, the sheer number of famous faces that turned up to speak about the talented actor. Faces that some closest to him have claimed, he didn’t even truly know, or like.

“Stolen Nights” might very well be my new “Miss Lourelei" (off their previous album, Messenger). Tossing over the torment of a love never meant to be with words like, “Your skin on my skin/You grin and pretend that we’re fearless giants in this science…” it plays out with a gritty pulse that echoes and lingers.

Lumina’s Gavin is a cautionary tale; a warning to those flowing through life on automatic pilot. More than just that however, is the humanizing approach The Ars Supernova takes in portraying these two characters and their story. We’re not meant to pass judgment or to sit and reflect on the sludge of broken down Hollywood social climbers. Addiction, lust, greed, pressure…it’s no big discovery that these issues run, sometimes concurrently, in plenty of people’s lives. In the end perhaps the message that The Ars Supernova spends the greatest length of time singing out to us is not the dangers and dark corners of the “beasts within.” Maybe it’s that timeless message that bears repeating (because we clearly are in need of perpetual reminding) that we need not go to battle with the world to become the people we already are. We’re golden. - The Rapt Magazine - Valerie Gonzalez


Discography

2008: Messenger
2009: Lumina

Photos

Bio

The Ars Supernova shares a unique story of a vision cast by individuals who wanted to create something timeless, something new and fresh; a revival. With backgrounds stretching from orchestral and classical teachings, to vocal training in a gospel choir, to a love and understanding of the greatest forms of Rock, The Ars Supernova has harnessed a power in creating a pure form of music consisting of all these raw elements combined. Not only in performance, but also in philanthropy: The Ars Supernova called upon the support of believers in their cause to help build a water well in rural Ethiopia; providing clean, drinkable water to their brothers and sisters in Africa. This was made possible by the formation of their non-profit organization Soundwave along with A Glimmer of Hope; another Non-profit organization based out of Austin. On stage... An electric shock surges through each player as they individually bring to you in their own personal styling, the rebirth of Art. Songs of love, hope, loss, vengeance, and tragedy. This band brings you a message, neatly packaged and sealed with soul. With elements spanning from all genres, this is not a band that fits neatly into one particular category. This is The Ars Supernova.