Zachary Blizzard - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Joshua Kane - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Steven Medd- Drums, Vocals
Louis Santucci - Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Brittany Gale - Electric Harp, Keys, Tamborine, Vocals,
Influences
A Brief Preface
Below is a grouping of artists that is periodically expanded upon by the band members independently. This list consists of a conglomeration of artists that have directly contributed to each members distinctive musical evolution in regards to both personal taste and actual musicianship. Not all of the acts mentioned here are congruent with band members musical leanings and/or influences individually. In addition, a great deal of the artists cited are not necessarily the most immediately relevant in the bands overall musical mainframe. However, there is a common consensus amongst the group that all the musicians noted, and sometimes more importantly, the embarrassing admittances from their pasts, play a huge role in their present musical make-up. This is the anatomy of Cannons and Clouds.
Sounds Like
Like a garbage truck dropped off the Empire State Building... or you can just listen for yourself to determine. You can also watch a video of us performing our quasi-single "Where Reality Has Me" directly below this. It was shot and produced by Universal Audio, a pre-amp company out of Santa Cruz. The first half of the video documents the recording process while the second half consists of the uncut live performance. Hope you enjoy.
"There's a casual, understated elegance to the wistful folk rock sounds of local broken-hearts club Cannons and Clouds — it's there in the band's slow-building acoustic drama, in Zachary Blizzard's tender vocals, and in Steven Medd's expressive brushed-drum rhythms. The septet have a flair for orchestrating unhurried meditations on love and loss and touching reminiscences about dear friends in a vein much like that of Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon). One listen to the evocatively titled "Red Sullivan Ode to the South" — currently featured on their MySpace profile — and you too will find yourself lost in teary-eyed nostalgia." - Todd Lavoie (SF Bay Guardian)
"What really makes this band stand out [Cannons and Clouds] is the addition of the electric harp. It sounds beautiful, elegant and traditional. It no doubt puts an interesting and unique twist on the band’s music. It’s simple, yet engaging—not too complex or over played, anyone could enjoy it. Think Iron & Wine meets Death Cab for Cutie with a little Band of Horses thrown in for good measure." - Jonathan Carabba (SubMerge Magazine)
"In an age of singles and disposable music, Cannons and Clouds forthcoming debut is a testament to the album as a work of art. All of its songs fit together in a narrative that has been mapped out from start to finish. The arrangements range from sparse and naked to brash, noisy, and chaotic... from delicately crafted pop songs to sprawling epics. Some of the featured tracks touch on unspeakable disasters: the betrayal of a close friend, forest fires burning down the towns around them, and the journal of a childhood crush, found in a thrift store, revealing a dark secret following her suicide. But through all this there is a profound sense of joy and beauty. The songs possess an earnestness and a sense of longing that belongs to another era." -Michael Winger, SF Producer/Engineer/Musician (The Shins, Tom Petty, Regina Spektor, Keane, Gomez, Los Lonely Boys, Feist)
"...magic will be in the form of five local magicians, when San Francisco's Cannons and Clouds conjure up their blend of pop-tinged indie rock. Their sound lies somewhere between the Decemberists sans severe vocals and Iron and Wine after a double-shot of espresso." - Daniel Alvarez (SF Bay Guardian)
"Cannons and Clouds is a band who's musical roots germinate shamelessly within the core of their collective heart. In sequence these roots mature, sprout, bud, and eventually unfurl into prodigiously orchestrated songs that possess an allure and ingenuousness that in moments can feel both timeless and trendsetting." -Robert Page (Fundamentally Figment Magazine)
Cannons and Clouds are an eclectic indie rock band hailing from the old city by the bay, San Francisco, Ca. What had originally started out as a stripped down acoustic collaboration between singer/songwriter Zachary Blizzard and current bassist Joshua Kane has since effloresced into a dynamic, full bodied five-piece ensemble. With their consistent and soaring three to five part harmonies, the almost symphonic permanent inclusion of classical harpist Brittany Gale, and the trademark confessional balladeering of Blizzard, sees Cannons and Clouds truly standing out in SF's esteemed, yet saturated independent rock scene. Their coercive and compelling live show has continually broadened and increased an already formidable local fan-base and has also attracted the attention of the San Francisco Bay Guardian, who has handpicked and featured the band twice in their publication. After a long and arduous self-financed recording process, the band is set to release their long awaited full-length debut, "After All" on their own vanity label, "Slow and Steady". When “After All” producer/engineer Michael Winger was asked to write about the upcoming release, this is what he provided… "In an age of singles and disposable music, Cannons and Clouds forthcoming debut is a testament to the album as a work of art. All of its songs fit together in a narrative that has been mapped out from start to finish. The arrangements range from sparse and naked to brash, noisy, and chaotic... from delicately crafted pop songs to sprawling epics. Some of the featured tracks touch on unspeakable disasters: the betrayal of a close friend, forest fires burning down the towns around them, and the journal of a childhood crush, found in a thrift store, revealing a dark secret following her suicide. But through all this there is a profound sense of joy and beauty. The songs possess an earnestness and a sense of longing that belongs to another era.” The record is scheduled for a fall 2009 release and will be available for purchase or download at most major online retailers. Words really can only say so much, so it is at the humble request of the band and this author that you just listen to the previewed songs and let the music speak for itself. In closing, Cannons and Clouds would like to thank you for your interest and support in their musical gathering past, present, or future. Cheers!
My attempts to create an Open at the Mama Buzz Cafe have failed. The will be no open mic at the Mama Buzz cafe. The "Every Second Sunday" open mic has been double booked for the second month in a row. It is clear I'm not suited to be the host of an open mic. Thank you all for your interest and support. My sincerest apologies to all musicians poets that hoped and even planned for this open mic.
Thanks for an amazing show Saturday and for gracing our studio with some fine talent! Vacaville will never be the same!!! come back come back come back to me....! Ps: my 8-year old wrote with Sharpie on the butcher paper, " Dear Harp Player, I love you and your harpey awesomeness! Love, Lauren"
you guys just threw me a comment, so I'm gonna say you're the sweet heart! I saw you guys play at that bakery in vacaville with build us airplanes but i didnt know you guys yet, but i love it now. A lot.
Thanks so much for having me as a myspace friend. Hey I need your help!! I have been officially nominated for the category of male Country artist of the year. Now is the time for my Friends, fans and family members to cast their vote. Go to www.Queencityawards.com and select Nominations in the tool bar of the home page the scroll down selectyour choiceBe a part of the Pee Dees bigest Party October 10th & 11th... Eagle 92.2 Presents Mudflap & Mattie's.. 6th Anniversary Party... Mud and Music.... October 10th Starring Rhett Akins with special guests Fast Ryde, Jeffery Allen Edwards and the Pee Dee' own Sideswiped. There are a limited amount of reserved seats available, buy your Now!!! ADVANCE PURCHASE ONLY $20.00 (tax & ticketing fee included) gets you a 2 day pass for the races and a reserved seat closest to the stage for the concert If there are any left they will be $30.00 day of the show. General Admission $15.00 for one day $20.00 for 2 days Kids 12 and under free with General Admission ticket ONLY! Camping available $5.00 per person with a 2 pass only. For Tickets go to entertaincarolina.com or call 843-423-0077 Ticket price includes pases to attend the MUD RACING DIRT SERIES FOR TWO DAY also held at the complex
Thanks for the add! Be sure to spread the word to all your friends about Analog Buttons :) I'm always open to take orders. Free button special for a limited time
