Red House Painters, Low, The Sundays, Ulrich Schnauss, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Styrofoam, Morr Music, 4AD, Lamb, Azure Ray, Bonobo, Postal Service, DCFC, Emiliana Torrini, Four Tet, Mogwai, Notwist, PulseProgramming
Essenza is best described as a collage trio, whose sound is the unique culmination of Elegant Electronics, moody guitars, and sultry vocals. Sonically pleasing on every level, Essenza's Haunting Melodies will sink deep into your head and keep you humming from dawn till dreams.
Founded by electronica programmer, Jim Vanaria and guitarist, Ryan Snyder (formerly of Serotonin), the Chicago-based band began as scratch recordings of Imaginative Guitar Melodies bolstered by an array of subtle electronic beats. Jim, a long-time devotee of Industrial & Chicago House, and Ryan, a veteran of the Punk Rock scene, both had a surprisingly similar taste for the softer side of music. After a year of casually experimenting with various soundscapes, while combining elements of their inherently different musical backgrounds, the two decided to let their sound emerge to discover its true beauty.
Vocalist Jane Zabeth joined the band in fall of 2003. Jane's delicate yet emotionally confident voice and Intimate Lyrics bring forth an incredible richness to Essenza's exclusive sound.
In September 2005, Essenza released its first self-titled EP and is currently busy writing and recording for a future release. The band can be found playing Chicago music hubs such as Subterranean and Double Door, and is looking forward to touring the rest of the US and beyond.
Until our next release, check out Essenza's remix of Stephanie Dosen's "Like a Dream," off her June Bella Union release "Lily for the Spectre", and Airiel's new album "The Battle of Sealand," where Jane can be heard singing back-up vocals for the song "Sugar Crystals," also featuring electronic shoegazer, Ulrich Schnauss.
Jane and Jim have also been collaborating with Detroit techno veteran, Alan Oldham (aka: DJ T-1000) on a new Trip-Hop/Downtempo project. A full length album, entitled "Champagne to my Real Friends, Real Pain to my Sham Friends," the product of this three- piece band called "The Inside," is set to be released this fall.
Hey guys! After a year and a half we are back charging full steam ahead with the release of our latest album "Songs For The Road Towards The End Of The World" this past May 31, 2009. Unlike our two previous releases this was a long duration album (LP) featuring 12 all created by Pete Drown. Mike Mellow participated in the album by co-producing it and creating the art. The first single is called "Ciento Once Grados" (111 Degrees) and we have a brief video/slideshow teaser for it on our page.
We want to invite you to download our free album and share with us your feedback. All you have to do is click on the Cover art either on this message or by visiting our myspace page. There you can also download our previous two EP's if you don't have them already.
So, that being said, I hope you download it, I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you let us know. Thanks again. Micro out...
Online Now!
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