After being together for five years, having built a devoted
regional following, released a debut album on a major label and played
shows in almost every state in the union, Skypark decided it was time
to learn how to write music.
They determined that they could keep spinning their wheels
on the road (they added 18,0000 miles to the speedometer on their fall
tour), or they could spend some time at home creating an album that
would sell itself. Feeding upon rock and pop's greatest offerings, (the
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, U2, Johnny Cash), and inspired
by the ambition and scope of modern rock acts like Radiohead and Flick,
that's exactly what they did.
|
Am I pretty? (Word/Epic), their major label debut released
in 1998, received some raves in critics' columns, was nominated for
a Dove award ("Best Modern Rock Recording"), and sold spectacularly
for a band in their genre without much radio play or an opening spot
on a major tour. But skypark's sights were much higher. |
With the record company's support, skypark pushed back
their sophomore release to May, 2000. They began a Monday through Friday
writing regiment, converting Tyrone's bedroom into a rehearsal and recording
studio. Winter turned to spring, with the band inviting all sorts of
people in to critique the music. Thom Roy, who produced their debut,
dropped in, as did Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford.



By summertime, skypark had written over forty songs. They
recorded their ten best, affectionately (and appropriately) naming the
project Bedroom Demos. They then hit the road for seven weeks, playing
festivals and small venues in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas,
Iowa, Illinois, Colorado and Alaska. Meanwhile, the demos caught the
ear of producer Ed Stasium (Living Colour, The Ramones), who signed
up to do the record. skypark's focus on songwriting has paid off. The
new songs balance killer grooves and super-hooky choruses with edgy
musical experimentation and thoughtful lyrics, showcasing the band's
strengths like none of their previous material has. The powerful force,
emotional depth and soulful agility of Tyrone's voice, the punch and
finesse of Keith's drumming, the creativity and story-telling of Tony's
bass lines, the aggressive and playful guitar attack and killer vocal
harmonies from Joey all fit seamlessly together. And they should, with
no personnel changes, three indie records and six years of gigging behind
them.
With the leap in artistry between these two recordings,
the long-haul dedication of all four band members, and the same work
ethic applied to their live show as they have to the new record, skypark
will transcend the modern rock scene and make rock and roll history.
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