The shock was great. In 2003 Germany mourned the breakup of it’s most successful alternative rock band of all time. The Guano Apes were dead. The sum of it’s parts were no longer a unit; they simply drifted apart. An era had come to an end, not only for the band, but for german rock music in general; the Guano Apes had shown how a band could be successful over many years and multiple albums loaded with sincere, energetic rock music. Calling it quits was not easy - neither for the band, nor for their fans. But for every ending, there is a new beginning.
But what came instead? Bassist Stefan Ude raised a family and enjoyed an active private life, drummer Dennis Poschwatta concentrated on his own project called Tamoto, und guitarist Henning Rümenapp concentrated ..ing newcomers acts, supported projects that trained and promoted new talent, acted as a judge for music competitions and as an instructor and coach for various workshops and seminars. They kept themselves busy, but as full-blooded musicians, it wasn’t enough.
The story continues. Opposites attract.
Three months after the official breakup of the band, the guys found themselves back in the studio together. “We weren’t even thinking about forming a new band; we just wanted to make music together. tells Henning. There were plenty of time-outs, creative pauses, and retreats back into private life, until 2006, when Dennis by chance ran into the soul singer Charles Simmons - who emigrated to Germany from the USA in 1991 and has been involved in countless soul and R&B productions - at an event during the Frankfurt Musik Messe trade fair. The two of them started talking, and Charles confessed to Dennis that “after so many soul, R&B and club projects, I really wanted to do something with lots of power and energy. Straight up ‘in your face’.” With the other 3 musicians at his side, that was not a problem. “iO” was born. Just how good these polar opposites work together could be seen in the more than 50 concerts the band has performed since their inception.
Concerts, that have played a pivotal role in the making of their forthcoming debut album. Their music covers a broad spectrum of emotions, and lives from an intense live energy and precision. The three instrumentalists who, according to Henning, “over the past 15 years have been like brothers, like family”, are perfectly in sync with each other, and know the game of dynamics and intensity very well. It is in this tightness that Henning, Dennis and Stefan are able to give their ‘new voice’ Charles plenty of space to work his vocal wonders. Charles shows clearly what he’s made of; from moments of tender fragility to massive fury in his message. A voice that takes one on a journey through rock, that is rarely heard nowadays.
A happy end: new band, new approach. Energy! Message!
The message - a new feeling for Henning, Dennis and Stefan “to be in a band, with songs that have a clear political statement”, according to Stefan. “The Apes was always a clearly non-political band. Charles, on the other hand has a lot of topics that he wants to talk about. In the beginning we discussed if we as a band could stand behind the things Charles writes about. We can. It was never in question, that we wanted to take our music to another level, political or otherwise. It’s a new element that is very exciting for us.
For Charles it’s not about, as he describes, “writing about political themes in an abstract way, rather in a way that is clear, understandable and meaningful. I sometimes take a very long time to write lyrics - not because I’m looking for something to write about, but because I’m always looking for the easiest, clearest words to convey my message. I want the listener to understand what I’m saying, and not spend too much time trying to figure out what the song is about. Song titles like “Stupid People”, “Say Something”, “Rage”, Fight Back”, and “Attention” are all examples of the power of straight talk combined with perfectly produced, powerful and timeless rock music.
In the background: Never change a winning team!
iO entrusted no other than Fabio Trentini, who sat behind the desk many times during the Guano Apes period, because, according to Henning, “through the years he’s been like a fifth band member. He’s been there since the Apes debut, and we trust him. He always finds the right angle for every song.” Also due to that ‘trust factor’, the album was recorded in Horus Sound Studios in Hannover. Nevertheless, iO is not a case of history repeating itself, but a totally new band. One can hear the difference immediately when one listens to the album: Here is a band that combines their passion and commitment to making great music together with a willingness to go a new direction, to take the road less travelled, and to test their limits. From this dedication comes a remarkably dynamic, energetic debut album that stands on its own, with timeless songs that are not bound to any of the current musical trends.
This pure, unadulterated approach to rock music is also part of the meaning behind the band name “iO”. “There are many interpretations of our name,” according to Henning. “Our favorite - the one that’s the actual meaning of our name - is: the little “i” represents our individual input as band members; the big “O” is the result of that input.” In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Sevendust, Living Colour, Skunk Anansie, Stain'd, Puddle Of Mudd, Linkin Park, King's X, Danko Jones, Tool, A Perfect Circle, System of a Down, Velvet Revolver, Guano Apes ;-)
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Tonsport pres. Marcel Knopf „Dusty Dance“ Album Tour Freitag, 06. November 2009 Marcel Knopf& Dapayk - live Support by Vladimir Corbin Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Humptata, tatütata, die erste Tonsport im Romy hinterließ einen glückseligen Veranstalter, eine strahlende Luftmatratzenumhängetasche, hochmotivierte DJs und ein Publikum wie von 1000 Wespennestern gestochen. Der Tonspion, der mich liebte, hauchte die Romy zum Abschied – auf Zeit. Beim zweiten Tonsport-Gastspiel steht die Mo's Ferry Posse auf der Matte. Kennt man, mag man, tanzt man. Im Focus ist aber am heutigen Abend nicht Frickel-Donmeister Dapayk, sondern sein Label-A&R und bestes Pferd im Stall: Marcel Knopf. Connaisseur Rec. pres. Estroe Elemental Assets Album Tour Samstag, 07. November 2009 Estroe & Alex Flitsch Support by Tom Humljan Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Mit dem Flitsch flutschts wie mit Gleitgel – bereits zum dritten Mal gastiert der Labelmaster von Connaisseur Recordings in der Romy. Nicht ohne Grund. Weil Alex Flitsch die Rominenso ordentlich abfiedeln lässt, ist er einer unserer nationalen Residents. Demnächst wird Estroe den Connaisseur Katalog geschmacksicher um das Album „Element Assets“ erweitern, nachdem sie zuvor einige Maxis auf Connaisseur und anderen Labels gestreut hat. Für ihren Longplayer konnte die kurzhaarige Holländerin sogar unter anderem Miss Kittin als Feature-Gast gewinnen.
Hallo und einen guten Nachmittag! Am Samstag sind wir wieder in Niedersachsen unterwegs, diesmal auf dem Herbststurm Festival in OLDENBURG! Weitere Konzerte in diesem Jahr sind: 25.12.2009 - Moskau, Megasphere Club 27.12.2009 - Osnabrück, Lagerhalle (Rockmare Festival) Wir würden uns sehr freuen, Dich am Samstag begrüßen zu dürfen. Viele Grüße, Rozencrantz
We are so glad to inform you that our new album "Not the end" is available now! Hope you will like it. Special greetings from us and Bulgaria, God bless!
Freitag, 16. Oktober 2009 Stimming – live (Diynamic / Freerange / Hamburg) Freundkarajan (Benztown Artists / Stuttgart) Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Hamburger gehen mit ihren Emotionen öfters mal etwas vorsichtig um. An der Alster regiert die stoische Ruhe und generell ist man ein wenig einsilbig. Vielleicht liegt das an den 360 Regentagen pro Jahr. Und vielleicht hat dieses Prinzip auch Martin Stimming verinnerlicht, der zwar erst vor einigen Jahren von der hessischen Provinz in die Stadt mit dem Tor zur Welt zog, aber der sich zumindest im Internet eher bedeckt hält und nicht wie Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Kollegen mit belanglosen Trophäen um sich schmeißt. Nein, Stimming punktet mit musikalischen Statements, die wiederum Bände sprechen. Im Herbst des Jahres 2009 kann man festhalten: Martin Stimming hat in der laufenden Saison mit „Reflections“ eines der besten Album im House/Techno-Segment veröffentlicht. Ein Werk gebaut auf trickreichen wie filigranen Grooves und catchy dank mitreißenden Emotionen. Stimming ist mehr der Mann für den Geigenhimmel als für stupide Minimal-Schleifen. Samstag, 17. Oktober 2009 Roman Flügel (Alter Ego / Klang / Playhouse / Frankfurt) Ata (Robert Johnson / Playhouse / Frankfurt) Eric Walker (Phoenix Records / Stuttgart) Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Techno verleiht Flügel! Dieser Roman ist einfach unermüdlich. Jeden Tag eine Dose von dem guten Zeug und Roman Flügel hebt ab zu einem kreativen Ausflug. Ob am Abend rotziger Breitwand-Techno, zauberhafter House oder gar ein Abstecher in ambiente Gefilde unter der dem Strich stehen ist letztendlich egal – denn können tut dieser Flügel alles. Flügel hat heuer einen seiner Labelpartner im Gepäck. Im Gegensatz zu Roman hat sich Ata nie großartig als Produzent versucht, sondern als famoser DJ, der mit mehrstündigen Sets zum Publikum sprich, profiliert. Nebenbei ist er als Graphiker für die Artworks seiner Labels verantwortlich und bringt freshe T-Shirts in Umlauf. Mit dem Robe
There is currently a search for two types of bands for record label consideration.
*** Note: PLEASE IDENTIFY IF YOU ARE IN GROUP 1 OR 2 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR RESPONSE. Emails are being reviewed by different representatives.
1. A Pop/Rock/Commercial band with female lead. Band must consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums. Lead vocal, followed by backing vocals, in that order, is a plus as it relates to other members of the group. Average age of the band cannot exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
2. A Modern Rock band with male lead. Must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band. Average age of the band cannot exceed 23 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
XXX - If you meet the minimum qualifications as described above. Email a link for your MySpace Page and if applicable, a link for your website to: recordingartistsearch@gmail.com
Only send one email with your links. Due to the volume of responses normally received for these types of opportunities. After review of your material, you will only be contacted if there is an interest in attending one of your shows by a label representative. As such please to not send any follow up emails regarding selections. If you were not contacted back, there was not an interest.
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U-Haft – Die Tour des Frankfurter Kultclubs U60311 Freitag, 18. September 2009 Tony Rohr (Plus 8 / Drumcode / Cocoon / New York) Peter Latino (U60311 / Frankfurt) Plattenpeter aka Peter Eilmes (U60311 / Frankfurt) Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Es gibt nicht mehr viele Techno-Clubs in Deutschland mit einer langen Tradition. Da ist das U60311 (die einen sagen U60 dazu, die anderen sagen 311) mit bald 11jähriger Geschichte fast schon ein Dinosaurier. Die ehemalige Fußgängerunterführung mit integriertem Einzelhandel unter der so genannten Hauptwache, dem Frankfurter Stadtmittelpunkt, wurde 1998 zu einem Club umgebaut und bald mit Architektenpreisen überschüttetet. Aber nicht nur das Innenleben ist längst Kult, sondern auch das Programm. Es gibt wohl kaum einen weltbekannten Techno und House-DJ, der noch nicht ein- und ausgegangen ist. Wie zur 10jährigen Jubiläumstour präsentiert die Frankfurter Institution sich und ihren typischen U60-Sound auf einer nationalen Rundreise all denjenigen, die schon immer mal „311-Luft“ schnuppern wollen. Und so kommt die Romy S. zum ersten Mal in den Genuss von Tony Rohr. Der Wahl-New Yorker ist nicht nur in seiner Heimat einer der bekanntesten Repräsentanten elektronischer Clubmusik. Seit Sven Väth und Richie Hawtin den Track "Baile Conmigo" 2002 auf "The Sound Of The Third Season" gefeatured haben, ist Tony Rohr auch diesseits des Atlantiks eine feste Größe in der Technoszene. Samstag, 19. September 2009 Dualism°° - live (Numbolic / Archipel / Miniature Records / Zürich) Liapin (Afrilounge / Outils de Connaisseur / Karlsruhe) Suedmilch (Autist / Hertzmusic / Numbolic / Pforzheim) Alexander Maier (Moodmusic / Buzzin Fly / Stuttgart) Romy S., Stuttgart, Beginn: 23:00 Uhr Hoher Besuch aus dem Alpenland. Bereits zum zweiten Mal bringen Dualism°° schweizerischer Minimalflair in die Romy. Der Sound von Dualism°° ist aber nicht löchrig wie Käse, sondern wasserdichtes Dancefloor-Futter. Kwamina und Gab, die Köpfe hin
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wow hey jungs echt geil was ihr hier macht das grooved XD und rockt einfach nur geil :) eine schande von euch erst durch myspace zu erfahren :) Wir sind die band Willenlos und versuchen uns auch durch deutschland zu rocken :) Vielen Dank für die Freundschaftsannahme Mfg Willenlos
Howya! I'll be playing some solo acoustic shows over Germany next week. It would be great if you had time to come along, have a listen and some good German beers! This are the dates:
Thanks for adding me. I'll keep an eye on your page and see what your up to. Please let me know when your buying merch and I'll help ya make it look sweet and at a great price...