The singular formation of Chantigs began in late 1996 during the burgeoning influx of avant-pop muzik into the San Francisco Mission art scene Ö
In 1995, Greg Turner, Matt Slavnik, and Josh Bevelacqua eagerly traversed their way from their homeland of Yorktown, Virginia to the amber mountains of California. The three were well familiar with each other, as they had been playing for four years under the guise of Dying Echo (w/ Joshís older brother Dennis). Upon arriving in San Francisco they then stumbled across a local musical conceptualist and creator of Rodent Records and Global American studios, Elton Ridge. Elton was in transition after the demise of Kin To Weasel and Corn and Co. and shared with them a similar wry vision and hurly-burly humor of what avant-pop should sound like.
The instrumental duties were naturally solidified with Greg and Elton on guitar, Matt on the bass, and Josh on the drums. Now the quartet needed a name. After incessant debating, Chantigs was decided on due to its subtle vibro-resonance on the tongue and upper cleft of the mouth. The next obvious step was to write, perform and produce an album showcasing this fruition. While the Global American recording studio was usually booked solid during the days with bands, after midnight the facility became completely empty. It was during these wee hours that the Chantigs sound was realized.
Released during the summer of 1998 on Rodent Records, ìUp With Chantigsî is an eclectic mix of songs that combines infectious melodies and soaring harmonies with funky drumbeats and bombastic production style. A 45î single of Raquel (Hey) was quickly released accompanied with a non-album b-side called ìInvisible Stairsî.
After playing a handful of local gigs to perfect their live delivery, Chantigs began writing and working on a new release. ìMission Faucetî was unveiled during the late fall of 1999. Described as epic and surreal but with the signature harmonies and ìall over the shopî production, ìMission Faucetî is more introspective and fluid than their first album with more focus on collaborative song crafting.
Around this time Chantigs became a more prolific live act performing in various events such as the International Pop Overthrow (IPO) in Los Angeles and Noise Pop in San Francisco as well as traveling longer distances to cities like Portland, Eugene, Chico, and Humboldt (Eureka).
In the spring of 2001Rodent Records released ìFour Hatsî, Chantigs third release, the title being inspired by Eltonís recent epic wedding in Zipolite, Mexico. ìFour Hatsî is described by one reviewer as ìone crazy, fun, and rocked-out trip that at first glance might have you scratching your head, but upon a second listen will have you cutting a rug in no time flatî. It was the last record to be recorded at the Global American facilities, as the studio moved to a more accessible location at 18th and Mariposa St.
For the moment Chantigs are still trying to write the perfect song, and to sing the perfect melody.
Website
http://www.chantigs.com
Discography
Up With Chantigs, CD, 1998
Raquel, 7" Single, Rodent Records (1999)
Mission Faucet, CD Rodent Records (1999)
Four Hats, CD Rodent Records (2001)
"Come as You Are" Nearvana Compilation, Loud as Fuck Records (2002)
My Door, Your Door 7" vinyl EP, Rodent Records (2003)
Korea 7" vinyl single, Rodent Records (2004)
"Holly Jalopy" West of Eden, Zip Records Compilation (2005)
Hey, Im posting new videos today! New pictures too!
And TUESDAY July 14, the band will be filming a performance for the tv show at SAXON PUB! Be in the audience for the tv show 4:30 to 6!!!!!!!! Ruby Jane
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane. I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio...be one of the first to hear, even before they are released! Let me know what you think!!! Thanks! Ruby Jane
I'd like to invite you to a couple of my coming events:
1. Free lecture:04/13/2009 07:30 PM - East West Bookstore
324 Castro St, Mountain View, California 94041
Cost:free but please call to book
Description:Bring Your Own Kundalinii - Tantra, one of the oldest forms of spiritual practice in the world, is often misunderstood as limited to sacred sexual practices. Join New Zealand author, monk and musician Dada Nabhaniilananda, a yogi who studied in India under Tantra master Shrii Shrii Anandamurti and was ordained a monk in 1979. Learn the principles of Tantra and more about this compelling path, and experience a novel ecstatic technique to raise your kundalini using music and mantras. To Reserve Tickets, Please Call 800-909-6161
2. 'The Secret of Meditation'
A One Day Workshop Sunday April 26th 10am - 5pm
Ananda Marga Meditation & Yoga Centre
27160 Moody Rd
Los Altos Hills, 94022
Enquiries: 650 948 2865
Greg Turner, it's not the same not being your boss.... is everything I hear true? I f*ing hope so, one of us should be having so much fun rockin' out!!! babycakes, stay in touch already
