Unconscious Encore
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | SELF
Music
Press
While YouTube pumps out the next Justin Bieber and Disband creates another Stereos, UnconsciousEncore is preparing to release their first EP. The difference? UE is succeeding without the Hollywood star-making machine. The quintuplet instead is opting to use what’s become so rare in the music industry, talent and intelligence. UnconsciousEncore are basking in the rays of a rising star.
The group formed two years ago out of a high school improv class. From Kingston, Ontario, they are keeping busy playing venues around Kingston and Ottawa while recording The Noot Noot EP and balancing post-secondary education.
Vocalist Ayanda Mngoma and bass guitarist Lucas Cranshaw both attend Durham College for Music Business Management. Mngoma admits the program has played a role in the band’s success. “Everything from marketing, promotions and publicity to live sound, knowing some of the big agencies, organizations, associations, companies and services. It all adds up and it all helps out.”
Every member brings personality, creativity, as well as strong business sense to the band. Drummer Brandon Vasko was Station Manager of CKVI 91.9 the cave, “Canada’s first radio station run and rocked by high school students” for almost a year. Vasko said the job allowed the band to get airtime beside some big names in Indie music.
Marie Laing on guitar and Kieran Kane on Alto Saxophone add contrast to the music. They successfully mix the classic stream of the sax with the certainty of guitar. Kane attributes this to diligence. “It’s mostly about being open-minded. When I can’t come up with anything usually we just need to jam for a while and something somewhat good-sounding will come out of my sax eventually.” Laing defines change in a male dominated field by powerfully representing female guitarists. “Being a female guitarist has its challenges. People automatically assume that I’m going to whip out some Taylor Swift or Tegan and Sara, they assume that I’m going to suck. I enjoy proving them wrong.”
UnconsciousEncore is finding its stride in a blood, sweat and tears industry. Recording albums in basements, driving themselves to events, and getting hassled in Asian restaurants are only a few of the challenges that will either make or break this local talent.
Their next engagement will be at E.P. Taylor’s pub on Oct. 30. If you want to check out their music before visit, www. UNCONSCIOUSENCORE.ca. - The Durham Chronicle
Unconscious Encore, an act in a similar vein to Nomadic Massive who expertly mix live instrumentation with intelligent rhymes will also take the stage on Friday. Redefining what hip hop can achieve, the unique group draws from a plethora of genres and has evolved from playing high schools in Kingston to prominence in venues across Southern Ontario. - Queen's Journal
Discography
The Noot Noot EP
1. Thank You
2. Phoenix
3. Glamless
4. Super Villain
5. Dem Kidz
6. Miss Pathetic Aesthetic
Photos
Bio
Kingston, ON natives, Unconscious Encore are currently promoting the release of their debut EP, The Noot Noot EP. The Noot Noot EP was released on November 12th, 2010, and is now available at all major digital music retailers. The Noot Noot EP is already receiving radio play from campus stations such as Durham College/UOIT’s The Riot Radio, Queen’s University’s CFRC, and Mohawk College’s Indi 101.
A combination of high-energy, charismatic live performances, and an original blend of hip hop music has helped Unconscious Encore win over crowds typically stuck in punk, hardcore, and metal sentiments; making them give hip hop a shot in their play lists, and in their hearts.
The band’s approach to hip hop music has made them a great wildcard and gives them the ability to blend with a variety of genres and bands. Unconscious Encore have had the privilege of performing at the Skeleton Park Music Festival two years in a row, and being one of the featured performers at the first annual Push It! Hip Hop Festival in Kingston, ON. The band has opened for the likes of Nomadic Massive, Thesis Shaib, Daniel Wesley, Rebel Emergency, Hollerado, Michou, San Sebastian, CR Avery, and Dave Bidini.
Guitarist, Marie Laing describes the band’s sound as “very similar to the sound of Biggie Smalls and Neil Young (circa 1989) making sweet, sweet love” Unconscious Encore simply take music genres and styles that they like and create something organic and reflective of their moods and where they are at personally. Their sound is reflective of today's youth while remaining true to what hip-hop is all about.
Unconscious Encore delivers an original blend of freshly made alternative hip hop music. Unique instrumentation and real, honest lyrics gives Unconscious Encore an authentic credibility amongst music fans and artists alike. The band has also been praised for their dynamic and charismatic live shows.
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