“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”
-Havelock Ellis
Lo-Pro’s journey began when former Ultraspank members Pete Murray and Neil Godfrey’s first demo caught the attention of Staind front man Aaron Lewis. Lewis promptly offered them a deal on his newly formed vanity label 413 Records, releasing their first album on Geffen.
The band’s single “Sunday” rose to the top 15 in three formats at radio, and the subsequent video won FUSE’s “Oven Fresh”. They toured in support of the debut album until late 2004, until they parted ways from Geffen Records. Lo-Pro continued to write and tour with drummer Tommy Stewart, guitarist Pete Ricci and bassist Jerry Oliviera and is now currently supporting it’s latest release, “Letting Go” which serves as a veritable diary of the band’s experiences with the business side of making music.
“We’ve always had the ‘formula’ applied to our records: big producer, big studio, big money,” explains singer Pete Murray. “We’ve always been proud of the result but when you spend that much money right from the beginning, you feel like you’re trying to outrun this dark cloud all the time. We’ve been itching to make a record on our own forever and at this point in our career, we really felt like we were ready.”
The band decided to team up with Santa Barbara producing legend Angus Cooke (Ataris, Mad Caddies, Bad Astronaut). “We were one of the first Santa Barbara bands to record in Angus’ studio when it first opened way back in the Ultraspank days. He’s crazy talented and super fun to work with” explains guitarist Neil Godfrey. “This is by far the most fun I’ve ever had recording.”
“Letting Go” marks a clear milestone in Neil Godfrey and Pete Murray’s writing style. “We stripped all these songs down and played them live as gut wrenching acoustic songs in random little jazz clubs, and they totally worked. It was super fun to then build them back up as electric versions. We knew they already worked so we had a way more minimalistic approach on these recordings than in the past.
Aaron Lewis’ unwavering support and belief in the band has led to phenomenal touring opportunities, including a run on this summer’s Stimulate This! Tour. Perhaps the title track on the EP “Letting Go” best sums up Pete Murray’s feelings towards the music industry today. “The business has changed so much. The technology alone allows you to get your music directly to your fans. It’s a very exciting time to be a musician if you can just let go of how things used to be.”
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MASSIVE fan of your music, have been since the days of Ultraspank. Still can't believe you guys are unsigned! Anyway, I REALLY hope you guys make it across the pond sometime and play in the UK!
Saw you guys in Dallas with Staind and Creed.. AWESOME. Bought the cd and love it. You guys were great, thanks for the contribution to the best overall concert I have ever seen!!
whats goin on wit the Chokt project? just a fun side project or u guys gonna come out wit a cd? ive been waitting 4 a while 4 sumthing wit pete murry, a lo pro or chokt cd.. u hav to give me sumthing lol
Hey guys! You are so AMAZING!!! Big influence!!! Our new Demo will be up soon! Hope you’re coming to NC sometime soon! If so, you’ve got 4 guys that’s DEFINITELY be there! :D ( maybe u need an opener! :D ) Thanks again!
So the EP comes out Wednesday?? I'm pumped! Are there going to be any songs on the beautiful sounds of revenge or are all the songs exclusive to one or the other??
Also...if its out you guys really should let people know a little more! At least the myspace bulletins and whatnot. If I hadn't stumbled upon that article, I wouldn't have known...and I keep pretty up to date with you guys!!
