Music
Press
This excellent Toronto trio's like Modest Mouse, Pavement and the Shins all rolled into one. Recently hooked up with EMI, Welcome Karma show all the signs of going the distance.
Of course, having the Band's Garth Hudson as an ally doesn't hurt. As lead singer Erik Alcock points out, "He's a friend of Andrew Haust's (W.K.'s drummer) uncle, and we a chance to meet him, so we brought along a bongo and guitar and played some of our songs.
"He liked them enough to end up playing piano on the album, and helped out with studio time."
Attracting a great piano/keyboard player with such subtle, low-key melodies is a testament to the strength of Alcock's songs. There's no Chest Fever pipe organ going on here, just simple structures and impassioned performances that hold the songs together.
The hook is Alcock's fragile vocal delivery, revealing an honest vulnerability that makes you believe every word he says.
- Brent Raynor - Now magazine
Welcome Karma
Flying Saucer Express (independent)
Yeah, it’s another great, irreverent, quirky pop act from Toronto. Curse that city! Curse it with a plague!... Oh wait—too far? Okay, let me start over. Welcome Karma passionately belts out quality cuts of lo-fi bedroom rock reminiscent of Ben Kweller or Adam Green. Those bastards even got Garth Hudson to contribute a keyboard part or two, which only fuels my mock dislike. Jerks!
by WHITEY AND T. B. PLAYER
- Vue Weekly – Edmonton
Oral And Visual Communication
There's something dreamy about the quiet dignity that Welcome Karma bring to the stage that makes them stand out in a crowd.
Musical Analysis
What's revealing about W.K. is how effortless it all seems to be for them on stage. It's true that there's nothing overly complex about their music, but they are the epitome of why keeping it simple works. Keep your eyes and ears out for Welcome Karma, because they're one to watch.
Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
There's something about lead singer Erik Alcock's honesty and sensitivity when he plays that's refreshing, vulnerable and endears him to everyone in the crowd. - Chartattack - report card - Rob Kingston
Discography
3 song demo:
Oh Charlotte, Life in a photograph, Before you Fall
Full length: Flying Sauver Express!!!
... some college radio play, and some press
To hear more music, go to:
www.welcomekarma.com
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Welcome Karma
Welcome Karma is a unique 3-piece indie pop outfit from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The band consists of singer songwriter & guitars, Erik Alcock, musical counterpart drummer & percussion, Andrew Haust alongside, newcomer bass & backing vocals, Adam Balsam. Welcome Karma is winning listeners over with their unique blend of amiable pop songs and more wistful sometimes melancholic modern folk music. Their songs often possess a clap your hands and stomp your feet quality, while Eriks nostalgic voice instantly connects listeners to memories of childhood and coming of age.
After signing with EMI Music Publishing in 2000, Erik has been accompanied by many talented musicians that have come and gone, including one member who took off to British Columbia to become a monk. After a short solo stint Erik rejoined with long time friend Andrew Haust to record a 3 song demo. The demo exemplified the undeniable chemistry between two. This creative flow inspired their current disc Flying Saucer Express. In the Fall Welcome Karma will start recording with Dan Kurtz (The New Deal, Feist, Sarah Slean), following their eastern Canadian tour.
Flying Saucer Express, had the help of many notable names in the Canadian music industry such as Garth Hudson of The Band, who lends his amazing production & performance skills on some of the tracks. The result is a collection of songs by an ensemble of friends that is an introductory to the band, and worthwhile exploring. Erik Alcock's songwriting is honest, heartfelt and hooky, and he continues to develop his skills both solo and through co-writing situations. Welcome Karma is developing their live show by playing shows whenever they can. Touring is also in the works, as we start with the East Coast this fall, and the West Coast to follow. We are developing and building their fan base on a national and international scale. Email us, and check out our website for updates and developments, you never know when we will be in your hometown.
Links
