Ming Dynasty is a female-fronted band from NYC formed by Eric Miranda and Ming Chan. Eric Miranda, lead guitarist and vocalist, has been playing in the New York City music scene for over a decade. He has record credits with Francis Dunnery, Jesse Malin and Joe Lynn Turner. He has played with the Counting Crows and Ryan Adams. Miranda pursued his own musical course, first with a band called The Plums, which sold tens of thousands of records on a very small independent label and later on his own as a singer/songwriter, playing gigs at CBGB's, Continental, Arlene's Grocery and other renowned New York venues, almost always to a full house.
Miranda met Ming Chan in 2006. She'd moved to New York City from Taiwan where she was the singer and bassist in a Taipei band called Moo Shoo Sweet Potato. Though she's as urbane and cool as they come, her people actually hail from the mountains where they farmed for a living. The Hakka were one of the few ethnic groups in China that refused to bind the feet of their women. They farmed using their feet, being too proud to kneel down in the dirt. We think that that's where Ming gets her eclectic blend of humility and hardcoreness. After hearing her sing and play the bass, Miranda knew she had amazing potential (and it didn't hurt that she was gorgeous to boot). After warm reception from shows at New York and LA's Knitting Factory, the duo locked themselves up in a farmhouse in Millbrook, New York with a Pro Tools setup. After six months, they emerged with their first LP, Yellow Tiger. Jamie Candiloro, who has worked with REM, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and others, mixed the album.
Drummer Andrew Kilpatrick is a good-ole boy from Alabama, but he "ain't" that simple. He started playing the piano when he was 6 years old and has technical training (drums/percussion) in orchestral and jazz music, as well as rock 'n roll. He has over 10 years of playing, recording and touring experience, most of it extensively throughout the Southeast. Oddly enough, he even had a stint as the drummer for fellow Alabamian and friend, Taylor Hicks (American Idol winner, 2006), but he'll take rock 'n roll over pop music any day of the week.
Guitarist Kolin Smith made it to Ming Dynasty a bit more organically. An NYC lifer, Miranda knew him from the music scene and he simply dropped in on a rehearsal, picked up a guitar, and magically caught on to the vibe instantly.
The upcoming record Yellow Tiger is written, arranged and performed by Ming and Eric with their friend, famed producer Jamie Candiloro contributing keyboards for several songs. Every track on the Yellow Tiger LP packs both wistfulness and high-energy impact into its three- or four-minute lifespan. Each song is both a ferocious tiger and a little bird, all with the potential to be a hit.
Please also visit our official website at www.mingdynasty.tv.
All the best,
Ming Dynasty.
Hey Ming! My sis is spinning tomorrow night at Nikki Midtown on 50th between Lex and 3rd. I know you'll probably be working but if you want to go, let me know. Just mention dj theresa and you're good to go. myspace. com/djtheresamusic
Btw, your music is AWESOME! I LOVE IT! I'm totally gonna see you in a couple weeks. See ya!
