Beau Black is a brilliant young artist whose recently released songs and sounds are guaranteed to energize and lift you. Beau grew up on Long Island, finding his inspiration from the sheltered comforts of the North Shore and the gritty pulsing energy of New York City. From both ends of this spectrum comes his momentous debut album, “Meant To Be” which rocks listeners with recordings influenced by The Beatles, The Kinks, Oasis, Jellyfish, Nirvana, James Taylor, Steely Dan and Elton John. “My music speaks directly and simply about what I see and feel, inspired by every moment of living, good and bad”, says Beau. Label it "rock", describe it as "pop", call it "powerpop" - - the music effectively wiggles out of any attempt to classify it as one specific genre or type. It has achieved that timelessness of which every singer-songwriter dreams. Although the catchy tunes are loosely autobiographical, the lyrics exude first-hand experience in the universal themes of ill-fated love, the pains of growing up, the desire for success, the frustration of failure. The lyrics are so simple, but say so much. The ironic humor and aching pain, threading their way throughout the songs, are woven into a musical fabric that is original and new but also reminiscent of another rock era. Listeners who grew up in different decades and have different musical experiences will find a refreshing take on classic themes. Beau’s vocal range runs from the gritty and hard driving to the softly, crooning and melodic, hitting notes enviously sought after by other artists.
Educated at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, which produced many alumni successful in the contemporary music scene, Beau received his formal training on instruments he played growing up, most of which he plays on the album: guitar, bass, drums, piano, and harmonica. Beau has been around music his entire life and has known that his fate would be entwined with music from the young age of 8, when he was already singing and strumming. Beau’s goals in the industry are both lofty and basic. Simply put, his aim is “to have people experience music the way I do, to appreciate the old way of writing and playing, where everything is real and pure, no tricks or gimmicks, just awesome music that moves and inspires you!”
Beau's musical vision was shared by producer Justin Gray who co-wrote five of the songs on "Meant To Be". Other co-writers on the album include Alex Band ("The Calling"), Mitch Allan ("SR 71"), Aaron Kamin ("The Calling"), and producer/engineer Mike Green.
Happily, it's virtually impossible to pick a favorite song on the album: "The Way I Rock (Woo Woo)" is a ripping, three and a half minutes of pure nostalgic fun. "Miserable" fills you with the scorn of a breakup and the sardonic thirst for revenge; "Life In The Suburbs" recreates growing up in the haze of a modern dysfunctional, surburban family; "No Great Escape" is a moving ballad about being trapped in one's own life; and the evocative title song on the album, “Meant To Be,” holds a special place in the songwriter’s heart: the lone piano in the beginning that develops into a full orchestral arrangement and the epic feeling of it and knowing and accepting fate. For Beau, recording this album was "spontaneous and fun", most of it pouring out as a "natural, richly creative experience". Playing these songs live brings Beau’s energy and dynamic stage presence to the growing number of his loyal, loving fans. Beau Black, in his first album, “Meant To Be,” fills our need for full-on, fun, moving music. It attacks that place in your head where music lives and refuses to let go.
Beau will be hitting the road with his new band this summer. The live show is not to be missed. Stay tuned.......
Influences
The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Jellyfish, T. Rex, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Weezer, Tom Petty, The Band, Daniel Johnston, Green Day, Iggy Pop, The Doors, Elvis Costello, James Taylor, The Hives, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Mr. Bungle, Pink Floyd, Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Pixies, The Velvet Underground, Mozart, Chic Corea, Neil Young, Beethoven, The Grateful Dead, ELO, I could on forever!!
Sounds Like
The Beatles, Electic Light Orchesrta, The Kinks, Oasis, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Queen.
Hey Great work on "The Way I Rock". Very Cool. Can you do me a huge favor and spread the word that Tuesday there will be Beatles and Comedy at Brennan's Pub in Marina Del Rey. It should be a blast!!!
