12 VOLT SEX

Bio:

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The band's name stems from the combined electrical output of two human bodies. A similar kind of kinesthetic current flows through the music of 12 Volt Sex, which has inspired favorable comparisons to everyone from Squeeze to the Beach Boys to Cheap Trick. Though happy to be framed against such a luminous backdrop, the members of 12 Volt Sex prefer to be judged on their own terms. What started out as a few simple songwriting sessions for vocalist Matthew Gucu and guitarist Michael Stratton quickly became the perfect recipe for creating inerrant and edgy pop with the addition of bassist Jason Coleman and drummer Gary Wright. That was over a decade ago and much has happened for the band since those first days. Pop Formula, 12 Volt Sex’s first self-released CD, catapulted the band into regional celebrity. Pop Formula was conceived through a partnership with producer Ross Hogarth, the first industry pro to take notice of the quartet. Pop Formula was recorded and mixed by Ross and the band at various Southern California locations in 21 days, over a 3 month period. Upon the release of Pop Formula, with the help of KXTE, Las Vegas, the band was coined “America’s Best Unsigned Band” in Virtually Alternative Magazine. This West Coast exposure helped move a few thousand albums through 12VS’s indie label, TVS Industries. Soon they were selling out mid-size venues, playing large festivals and gathering support from acts, such as Blink 182, Third Eye Blind, Lit, and Unwritten Law, quickly piquing the interest of major labels. In a short time, the band was signed to RCA Records through attorney Peter Paterno, and immediately began recording with Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliot Smith). This notorious production duo lent an organic quality to the band’s first major label endeavor. With Steve Stewart Management (Stone Temple Pilots) on board, the band toured the United States and Europe, rallying fans on both sides of the Atlantic. On the heels of an enthusiastic tour, the band returned to the studio, cutting two more tracks with producer Jerry Finn (Blink 182, Morrissey, AFI). RCA Records approved the results and shipped the first single, Hook it Up, to radio stations nationwide. However, things took an unexpected turn when Ron Fair, the band’s A & R, made the decision to leave RCA. It became apparent that 12 Volt Sex was getting lost in the corporate shuffle. Quickly the band negotiated a release from their contract to pursue other avenues. Since that time, 12 Volt Sex has continued to write new material, and their persistence over the years would inspire any generation of rockers. 12 Volt Sex has collected a strong and loyal base of fans over the years, and when it became apparent through rotation on internet radio that fans were eager to hear new material, the band was happy to oblige. The band’s new album, Fix, offers up an eclectic fund of material recorded between 2004 and 2005. Flying Bassist Jason Coleman in from Portland Oregon and working with local keyboardist Tobias Ashmore, 12 Volt Sex began documenting and composing the new material. Pop Formula enthusiasts will not be disappointed to find reminiscent and perfect power chords and catchy melodies that have been a trademark to 12 Volt Sex’s sound, but are also treated to a diverse and resonant offering that is destined to satisfy the most devoted fans, while certain to attract new ones. Recorded mostly at Matt’s house, Fix was never intended for a conventional release. Instead, the album offers up a snapshot taken during a time when the band was revisiting the idea of writing together again after a few years apart. The album leads off with the slow and melodious “Goodnight” before moving into the engaging track, “Valley of Disarray,” boasting intricate guitar riffs and pulsing beats layered with the range of Gucu’s vocal abilities. Throughout the album, listeners are treated to Gary Wright’s bombastic and garage influenced style, maintaining an edge to the tracks. Jason Coleman’s swimmy and melodic bass riffs keep listeners occupied while Ashmore adds keys reminiscent of an early 80’s synth-pop niche – think Catherine Wheel meets The Cars. These songs and others prove that even after some time apart, 12 Volt Sex has yet again been able to offer up a flawless product for their listeners. .. ..

Member Since:

April 18, 2006

Members:

Matt Gucu , Michael Stratton , Jason Coleman , Gary Wright , Tobias Ashmore