“Supergroup” is a word that is sometimes carelessly thrown around on the local level, but one band that has most definitely earned the title is Native Lights.
The new project is the collaboration of four musicians who have each in their own way found a niche with their day bands–Johnathon Ford, founder of the nationally recognized indie outfit Unwed Sailor, Bryce Chambers, frontman for dream-pop darling Ester Drang, Aaron Hamby, lead singer for local “it” band Callupsie, and Nathan Price, workaholic percussionist and resident drummer for Vandevander.
The band currently has one demo, entitled “El Rosa”, posted on their MySpace (myspace.com/nativelights). The song, originally written by Chambers, has the tell-tale hallmarks of each member. Ethereal vocals (sung by Chambers, who shares guitar and singing duties with Hamby) are complemented by haunting guitar melodies and a driving rhythm section (Ford on Bass and Price on drums) that brings to mind the dreamy otherworldliness of Ester Drang, the cinematic soundscapes of Unwed Sailor and the immediate catchiness of Callupsie. The track dovetails into an outro that unites the band members’ common infatuation with early ’80s post-punk and shoegazer.
Native Lights will release their debut single, "Blackwater" in January 2010.
Special Edition Blackwater 7"
Hard Work Records is proud to officially open up the Pre-Order for the brand new, Native Lights - Blackwater 7" vinyl record!
Choose between Three* tiers of highly-limited-edition, one-time-only magic!
The record will be available in stores and digital retailers on January 19th. This is the best way to secure your copy with all the limited edition extras that you won't find on the streets.
Tracklist: A. Blackwater B. Of All The Things We've Made
Choose from the following Three** Tiers currently available for pre-order.
Prices are postage paid, worldwide shipping.
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$10 - Tier 1 includes:
Blackwater 7" on limited edition, hand numbered, CLEAR RED VINYL.
FREE mp3 Download coupon of the songs on the record, plus the unreleased Bonus demo track "El Rosa", which is not on the record.
ONE of six randomly inserted Native Lights limited edition mini-posters. SUPER COLLECTIBLE- featuring exclusive artwork by Denny Schmickle.
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$20 - Tier 2 includes the Tier 1 items, plus the following, awesome modifications:
Includes the COMPLETE set of all 6 exclusive mini-posters.
Ships in a strictly limited edition, hand screened box.
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$30 - Tier 3 includes Tier 2, plus the very special addition:
Full Size, Four Color, hand screened Tour Poster from the current Unwed Sailor / Native Lights - Fall Tour 2009.
Signed and numbered by world renowned poster artist, Denny Schmickle(dennyschmickle.com). This is the little piece of rock history that you've been seeing all over the internet. These are severely limited. Once they're gone- that's it.
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{Shhh} $60 - Tier 4: WARNING- This secret tier is ONLY for the true collector of groundbreaking rock memorabilia!
Includes Tier 3, but with this extremely unique twist: It includes a TEST PRESSING of the Blackwater 7". Signed by every member of the band! This would be a copy that the members of Native Lights actually listened to, and approved for final manufacturing at the pressing plant. You don't see this kind of opportunity every day. This is the one that kids at the swimming pool have been talking about all summer. Now it's cold out, and time to start bragging. LIMITED TO THE FIRST 3 CUSTOMERS!!! Get on this. now.
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$1500 - Secret Platinum Level:
For the opportunistic music fan. Includes everything in the secret, 4th Tier, but with a far secret-er bonus:
Round trip airfare and accommodations for one lucky person to the historic, art deco city of Tulsa, OK, for a delicious dinner, and memorable night out on the town with the members of Native Lights. Check your liver at the door. This offer is limited to the first buyer within the continental U.S. International inquiries may be sent to jeff@hardworkrecords.com.
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* Four
** Okay Five, but don’t tell anybody!
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JFJO returns home to TULSA this FRIDAY (Sept.25th @ 9pm) at THE MARQUEE (222.N.Main) to celebrate the release of their new EP 'One Day in Brooklyn'. This date falls in the middle of a two month long album release tour across the country. Come celebrate and pick up a copy of the new album. Advance tickets are still available for $10 (! - $15 at the door) at Starship, Shades of Brown, Dwelling Spaces, and online at TicketStorm.com! See you soon!
I'm liking the videos showcasing the material via youtube. It's an unedited look inside my new favorite unkown infinate potential rock band. Can't wait for an unwed sailor/native lights show near me. Let me know if any help is needed for booking in the Grand Rapids area. We'd love to be a part of it.
Excited to hear the new stuff. Been a long time fan of Unwed, Ester Drang, Circle Of Birds, pretty much anything you guys do. Do you know when you will have an album completed? Can't wait to get my hands on it! - Brian
I will absolutely be at the show on the 27th, to see you guys play again, but also because Sherri from the Lava Children is my cousin - I haven't seen them yet, so it will be a must! Thanks for the info - I actually downloaded Dazzle Ships to treasure hunt for the tune. -Alan