The Grand Design

The Grand Design is a name you’re going to want to remember. This local band is comprised of four incredibly talented men (Derek Montanye, Chad Johnson, Michael Porter, and Dave Ratzer) dedicated to pouring their collective energies into creating some seriously beautiful music. If you’re familiar with Saving Atlantis, a former endeavor that had featured the current Design members, it will come as no surprise that the talent in this band in unmatched.

The band’s philosophy of continually moving forward and improving is evident on their debut EP. Opening with “You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat”, The Grand Design sets the tone for the rest of the EP with a driving piano intro and powerful lyrics. My favorite track, “The Life Aquatic”, has already been given a corresponding music video that really expands upon the song’s upbeat feel but underlying melancholy. The album closes with “A Man For All Seasons”. The longest track on the album at nearly nine minutes, “Seasons” is also the least lyrical, choosing to tell its story more through the brilliantly written music, although the line “I feel free, the sun is gonna save me now” does lend to the feeling of hope the song leaves you with.

A little bit jazz, a little bit indie, and a lot of rock, this album carves out its own genre right in front of your eyes (…ears?). Each track features every member, and they mesh together beautifully in every instrumental break. The band’s front man has a fantastically clear, ringing voice that has the capacity to sing you to sleep, but instead keeps you on your toes and wide awake, wanting to hear more. And after listening to this EP, you will want to hear more.
- Michaela Goodell

The Grand Design is a name you’re going to want to remember. This local band is comprised of four incredibly talented men (Derek Montanye, Chad Johnson, Michael Porter, and Dave Ratzer) dedicated to pouring their collective energies into creating some seriously beautiful music. If you’re familiar with Saving Atlantis, a former endeavor that had featured the current Design members, it will come as no surprise that the talent in this band in unmatched.

The band’s philosophy of continually moving forward and improving is evident on their debut EP. Opening with “You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat”, The Grand Design sets the tone for the rest of the EP with a driving piano intro and powerful lyrics. My favorite track, “The Life Aquatic”, has already been given a corresponding music video that really expands upon the song’s upbeat feel but underlying melancholy. The album closes with “A Man For All Seasons”. The longest track on the album at nearly nine minutes, “Seasons” is also the least lyrical, choosing to tell its story more through the brilliantly written music, although the line “I feel free, the sun is gonna save me now” does lend to the feeling of hope the song leaves you with.

A little bit jazz, a little bit indie, and a lot of rock, this album carves out its own genre right in front of your eyes (…ears?). Each track features every member, and they mesh together beautifully in every instrumental break. The band’s front man has a fantastically clear, ringing voice that has the capacity to sing you to sleep, but instead keeps you on your toes and wide awake, wanting to hear more. And after listening to this EP, you will want to hear more.
- Michaela Goodell

"The Grand Design" - a new Capital Region band featuring three Fulton County musicians - recently completed production of its debut album, a self-titled EP featuring all-original music.

The band describes its sound as a mix of indie pop and rock, with some elements of jazz fusion.

The quartet comprises Derek Montanye of Mayfield on vocals, guitar and keys; Chad Johnson of Johnstown on guitar, keys and vocals; Mike Porter of Gloversville on drums and percussion; and Dave Ratzer of Ballston Spa on bass and backing vocals.

The Grand Design includes former members of Saving Atlantis, a pop-rock group that has performed around the area since 2006.

"We approach everything differently than we have before," Porter says. "Writing, rehearsing, recording - it's all organic. Lately, it's all been about jamming and improv, seeing what happens."

The album was engineered by Tim Lynch at The Recording Company in Cobleskill, and it was mastered by Alan Douches of West West Side Music in Newburgh, Orange County. Douches previously has worked with acts such as Fleetwood Mac, My Morning Jacket, Ben Folds Five, Yes, and Gym Class Heroes.

The album is set to be released this week, and the band plans to promote the album in performances throughout the region, including a show July 21 at Saratoga Race Course.

For more information, see www.thegranddesignmusic.com or see the band's page on Facebook. - The Leader-Herald (New York) - Bill Ackerbauer

1. How did you get your band name?

We actually suck at picking band names and we were struggling for months to come up with something. One day, we saw a copy of Stephen Hawking's "The Grand Design" on a table, and that was it.

2. How did this band get started?

All of us come from a bunch of different bands. When our old bands weren't ready to get serious, we knew it was time to regroup and make some music together. The band started off jamming in a basement, and those jams turned into some of the best songs of our lives.

3. What bands are you influenced by?

The Police, Radiohead, Chick Corea's Elektric Band, The Reign of Kindo, Pink Floyd, Genesis, even some metal and progressive rock. It's all in there, if you listen.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Pink Floyd, because David Gilmour is a genius. MuteMath, because they are so incredibly unique. Mew., because we love Denmark.

5. Best food to eat on tour?

Sushi. It's healthy and delicious. Gotta stay healthy on tour.

6. Why should people listen to your band?

We love what we do, which is why you should start a band in the first place. Our whole band was started out of love for music, and friendship. We try to bring a new flavor to everything we write, and we push ourselves to our limit and beyond with every new song.

7. If you could be any athlete, which athlete would you switch places with?

Chad Ocho Cinco. Why? Because we literally already have a guy in the band named Chad Johnson. How awesome would that be?

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?

Phil Collins.

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?

We would eliminate the concept of battle of the bands. They suck. Even when you win, you lose.

10. Memorable tour experience?

We opened up for Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine once. We had a friend with us who was completely star struck. He had an opportunity to meet Tom and all he could say was: "Wow...you're Tom Morello?"

11. What does AP.net mean to you?

AP = youth in a website. We have so many memories of AP.net that it's hard to sum it up in one sentence.

12. What is your favorite song to play?

"You're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat." - The first track off our first EP.

13. What is your vacation spot of choice?

New England, by the sea, in July.

14. What music reminds you of your childhood?

Brand New's Deja Entendu.

15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?

The power of flight. Gas is too f*****g expensive today.

16. Any pre-show superstitions or rituals?

One glass of whiskey, on the rocks, and a band huddle just before we go onstage.

17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?

We're actually all pretty shy in public.

18. What is your assessment of the current state of radio? Do you think it's a place where your band could flourish?

We are lucky enough to have one of the country's most amazing alternative radio stations, 102.7 WEQX, practically in our backyard. I think there is still a place for our band on radio. Honestly, they have given the majority of the bands from upstate NY a big break.

19. What do you like to do in your spare time?

We love cooking, eating, home brewing, and traveling.

20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?

Chad can run faster than the speed of sound (seriously). Derek makes a mean chocolate chip cookie. Dave is a master home-brewer. Mike is great at making prank phone calls. - Absolutepunk.net