Look no further than the title track of their new Vanguard debut album The Bear to understand Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers. As the band sings passionately, "Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you. Sometimes you're gonna win, sometimes you're gonna lose…but you know in the end – there's no apologies!"
"SK6ERS," as they're also affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming in Western Massachusetts in 2003. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit "Goose" Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian "Boots" Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. "We've all opted to approach our life in the same way – trying to put integrity ahead of ambitions of fame and fortune, though we'd like that too... at least the fortune part," Stephen says with a laugh.
Many bands talk about "keeping it real," but in The Sixers' case, they mean it. "We're not up there projecting a personality we can't believe in. I think it's important to go with the feel of each moment and take chances. If that means we get out of synch or sing out of key once in a while, so be it. The crags are cool because they're interesting."
That explains why producer Tom Schick (Norah Jones, Ryan Adams, Rufus Wainwright) signed up for the new record. "Each person in The Sixers really adds a lot," he says. "They're so locked in with each other. Stephen is definitely the leader of the gang, but everybody has their say," he adds of the roles played by Boots Factor and Kit Karlson. "They rise and fall together. It's amazing to watch them work."
Schick now understands why the group has a growing legion of loyal fans. "They're a ‘classic rock' band in the best sense of the phrase," he says. "You can hear Neil Young, Tom Petty and John Cougar in there. It brings back a lot of good feelings about growing up and listening to great people who can really play their instruments. It's not pieced together on a computer. It's very refreshing."
The Bear is their rawest and most collaborative album yet. With alternating tracks between producers Tom Schick and Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter, Erin McKeown) the album was recorded in an apartment studio in NYC and a big old house in Maine respectively. The duality of these settings fits perfectly with Kellogg's description of his family upbringing as, "aristocrats and farmers." Ditto the musical diet he was raised on, a strange bedfellow mix of his dad's 70's records and his sister's taking him to 80's metal concerts. Kellogg explains, "I'm as much a product of Whitesnake as I am of Jackson Browne. The beauty of The Sixers is that they don't have a problem with that."
Out of that deep understanding of each other, several of the new songs were co-written by the group including "My Old Man," an aching personal track about an aging father; "Dying Wish of a Teenager," a song about wrestling hopelessness; "The Bear" and "Do," both brighter tracks about making it through life amidst the highs and lows that exist for everyone. It all builds up to the climactic "Born in the Spring," a song about rebirth from the "what-fors, flames and trap doors through which all of us fell.'' The album is a heartfelt odyssey that also rocks with an explosive touch at times, as the band continues to push the boundaries of what they've done before. Of the recording process itself, Boots elaborates, "Most of the record was recorded in a room with us spilling all the guts we could muster into the mics. It wasn't always pretty but that's... well that's the bear."
Other stand out collaborations comes in the form of those who lent their time and talents to the making of The Bear. Canadian stand out Serena Ryder on "See Yourself," Josh Ritter on "All Part of the Show," label mates The Alternate Routes and Whiskeytown alumnus Mike Daly. Also appearing on guitar and pedal steel is the newest Sixer, Sam Getz, who joins the touring line up in the Fall of 2009.
Having released four independent records as a solo artist, Stephen formed the band in Northampton, MA after meeting Kit and Boots at UMass – Amherst, looking not just for talented musicians, but for true comrades. "I used to play 60 songs a night at this steakhouse. I was supposed to play only covers, but I would slide my own material in by introducing it as 'an old Jefferson Airplane B-side' or something. The guys brought me out of that and into the realm of making records and touring the whole country over the course of one great year. "
The skill and camaraderie of the band, along with its growing popularity, was noted by the major label Universal Records, which signed them off of their 2004 debut album, Bulletproof Heart. Says an animated Kit Karlson: "The fact that we got signed to a major label was surreal. We had said if we ever got signed we would go skydiving because that meant anything was possible. Next thing we knew we were jumping out of a plane together. Needless to say, since then we don't make deals with ourselves too lightly."
After the eponymous release in 2005 and several hundred shows (the band changes it's setlist every night) the Sixers issued Glassjaw Boxer (Everfine Records, owned by rock tour buddies O.A.R.) and saw it make the ‘Top Five of the year' list by USA Today critic Brian Mansfield. They accepted an invitation to tour military bases this past spring in Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Germany (with Sugarland) and NATO bases in England and the Netherlands. "We wanted to give back in the way we know how, which is playing music," Kellogg told CNN. "It was just an honor to get to say hello to those folks." Most recently, The Sixers played for the American Embassy in Israel as part of a July 4th celebration.
These days, Kellogg and his wife (his high school sweetheart) have two daughters and live just outside of New York City. Growing up and in step with his fellow band mates, The Bear looks at generations from two sides, both the vantage point of the child and the adult. Although The Bear is not a concept record, there is a conscious time line that the characters on the record follow and Kellogg even goes so far as to say that it's "66 percent autobiographical." Of course, he will only elaborate on it a little, "If I explained the entire story to you, it wouldn't be as fun to dive in and figure it out for yourself", he says grinning. "I'm sorry, but I just can't take apart every aspect of the music without taking something out of the soul of it... you'll have to experience it yourself and find meaning there."
No apologies needed.
BY STEVE MORSE, former staff critic at the Boston Globe who has also contributed to Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines
News
FREE MUSIC SAMPLER FOR OUR FANS!
As a thank you to the fans of SK6ERS, we've partnered up with 15 of our friends to bring you a free music sampler. It's a gift from us to you for the Holiday Season! As always, thank you for all of your incredible support. Click on the banner below to download!
Here's some big news for those of you who don't want your news any other way:
Holiday Run Announced - 9:30 Club Kick Off
This year's annual Holiday Run kicks off with a huge bang - Dec. 26th in Washington, DC we bring our jams and our chops to the 9:30 Club. We have been excited about this show since the minute we booked it. Every Holiday Run has some special theme, and this year in addition to a traditional SK6ERS set, we'll be paying tribute each night to some of our peers who have influenced our music. Never heard SK6ERS play a State Radio song? Well, now's your chance.
SK6ERS NYE Celebration!
This year, you have 2 chances to celebrate New Years Eve with SK6ERS at Watercolor Cafe in Larchmont, NY (just a short drive from NYC, CT, and NJ). Doors for the first show are at 6:00 pm and doors for the second show at 9:30 pm. Each ticket includes a full SK6ERS set, 3-course gourmet dinner, a meet & greet with the guys, champagne toast at midnight (or faux midnight for you early birds), AND, because SK6ERS have decided to go so intimate for 2009, they will be writing a song for each show, including every advance ticket buyer's name in it!! You will leave with a CD of the song!! Come one and come all!
SK6ERS Are No Charity Rarity
As Monopoly is to McDonalds, so are the handwritten lyrics to the Rellogg Foundation. Available now, exclusively through our online store, you can get some unique cool gifts for loved ones. The kicker is that in addition to personalized lyrics, we'll have a 2010 Calendar and our first ever Holiday song "Winter Wonderland" available. 100% of Net Proceeds will go to benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Live Record at the Legendary Bowery Ballroom
SK6ERS are turning SK's Birthday Shows in NYC into their first ever LIVE RECORD. Lately SK6ERS have been better than ever - rocking hard and loving life. This recording comes at the perfect time. All ticket buyers will receive an exclusive SK6ERS recording at the show and for those who take advantage of the discounted two night pass, you will be able to show your tickets from both nights at the merchandise table and receive your invite to the after party celebration! Please join us in making history together!
Until next time,
SK, Kit, Boots, and Steamer
SK6ERS TO PERFORM AT ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
On November 2nd, Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers will be making a stop at the St. Louis Children's Hospital for a special acoustic performance with patients. After spending a few weeks overseas with the troops this Spring, it's wonderful to be able to give a little back here in the states, as well. We encourage you to do the same!
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF "SHADY ESPERANTO AND THE YOUNG HEARTS!"
At long last! The world premiere of the "Shady Esperanto and The Young Hearts" video directed by Boots Factor himself! Special thanks to the UMASS Minuteman Marching Band. Enjoy!!
"BORN IN THE SPRING" FEATURED ON ONE TREE HILL TONIGHT!
Tune in to One Tree Hill tonight on the CW at 8 pm EST/7 pm CST to hear "Born in the Spring" featured on tonight's episode!!
THE BEAR RHYMES WITH WOMAN TOUR IS UNDERWAY!
The Bear Rhymes With Woman Tour is underway! Check out an update from from the road from SK and Barry from Carbon Leaf here!
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Today is the day! It's our first day of Bear school and as of right now a new Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers record, The Bear is available in stores and online. Goose Karlson calls the album a "masterpiece" (he would), Boots Factor says it's a "work of art", the Steamer pegs it a "Top Album of 2009!" and SK himself says "Yeah, this is a good one." Be your own critic and your own worst critic, be anything you want.
There are several ways to "digest" The Bear: digitally, on compact disc and on vinyl. When you purchase it on vinyl, you receive a bonus track called "May Day," and a complete digital download with your record (street cred). When you buy it through AmazonMP3 you'll get "Howl at the Moon" and "Oh Adeline 2" (collector's items). And if you buy it on iTunes, you'll receive a recording of classic SK6ERS cover "Wagon Wheel" (classic). As yet another option you can stream it for free today on AOLSpinner to try before you buy! Hard to decide where to buy? Yes. Worth deciding on? Yes. Should you wait? No. Any Questions?
SK6ERS Go to Band Camp!
If your life is lacking in choreography, have no fear SK6ERS are here! We just shot our new music video for the first single, Shady Esperanto and The Young Hearts (directed by our very own Boots) with the UMass Marching Band (the SK6ERS' Alma Mater) and if our sore muscles are any indication...it's going to be amazing. In any event, it was worth all the sweat and tears to see the entire 350+ person band spell out S-K-6-E-R-S in 10 seconds flat. We will let you all know the second the video becomes available.
Fall Tour 2009
In conjunction with our new friends at Motel 6 as part of their "Rock Yourself To Sleep" campaign, we are taking The Bear to the streets, starting this Friday and we will be visiting 48 cities and towns around this great country before we take a breath, so find the one nearest you and rock with us ("all night, dance until the morning light, I want to rock withchu...all night, dance the night away."). Find the show nearest you on our TOUR page. Tickets are ONSALE now!
PS - We've revamped the SK6ERS Street Team. Want to join? Email us HERE!
SK6ERS at Sun Studio
In the Fall of 2008, SK6ERS made a stop at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis (the same place where Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash recorded back in the day), to play a few songs. Check out a clip from their session at Sun Studio.
SK6ERS on CNN.COM Check out an exclusive interview with Stephen talking about the band's time overseas playing for the troops this Spring on CNN.com.
Check out the latest video of SK6ERS overseas with AFE. A montage of SK6ERS and Andrew Ripp Band in Kuwait courtesy of TJ Rode.
Episode Four: Some images from The Sixers in the Middle East set to their wonderful song "Father's Day".
Episode Three: Airports...
Episode Two: Germany and the Netherlands.
And France for half an hour.
Episode One with Tour Guide Kit Karlson from Cambridge, England.
Not Boston.
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - "Hearts In Pain"
SK6ERS - "Hearts In Pain" Video (As heard on One Tree Hill)
Check out the new video for "Hearts in Pain" off of Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers' "Glassjaw Boxer", as heard on "One Tree Hill"!
Created by Lab 1033.
SearchwithSK6ERS.com Want to earn some free SK6ERS prizes? Well now you can just by searching the Internet! We created our very own search site for our fans that awards you with "Swag Bucks." All you have to do is search the web at: SearchwithSK6ERS.com , rack up your "Swag Bucks" and redeem them for prizes such as iTunes downloads, autographs, electronics, gift cards and more! When you Search with SK6ERS you get results from Google and Ask.com. So hurry up and make Search with SK6ERS your homepage; or even better, use this link to get a branded toolbar for quicker ways to rack up Swag Bucks.
ADD THE SK6ERS WIDGET TO YOUR PROFILE! Just click the "Share" icon at the bottom of the widget to add to your own profile and share with others!
Press
"Easily the best live band you've never seen" - CBS Radio
"Wordy and witty, soulful and well aware of the power of a pop hook, Stephen Kellogg is a prolific young roots-rock songwriter worth indulging. On the impressive new CD "The Bear," he and his four-piece Massachusetts band, the Sixers, tackle big topics -- love, religion, fate, family, loss -- with big melodies, surprising turns of phrase and a big heart." Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Few things are more gratifying than hearing everything fall into place for a promising band. That's just what happens with Glassjaw Boxer."
- USA Today
"[Glassjaw Boxer] a superb set of rugged, road-weary anthems that Kellogg excels at, showcasing the grit and defiance of Springsteen, Seger, Mellencamp filtered through an Americana perspective...Consider Boxer another winning round for Kellogg."
- Performing Songwriter
"Kellogg's music is semi-gritty, melodic alt-country. Think early Wilco, Whiskeytown, or Tom Petty. Relaxed, yet passionate."
- Boston Globe
Music
The Bear
(Vanguard Records, 2009)
Glassjaw Boxer
(Everfine Records, 2007)
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers
(Foundations Records/Universal Records, 2005)
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The acoustic "You Win" last night was among the most memorable performances you've ever given...just another testament to your versatility and willingness to explore...great show last night guys
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Such talented lads! You are destined for greatness. Saw you in Fargo. What a great intimacy when you guys sang togther without percussion in the center of the floor in our midst and we formed a circle. The whole show gave off a range of emotions, fantastic lyrics! I hope that the road meets your feet as you travel, and not the other way around- you deserve swiftness in spreading 6rs cheer!
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Im coming to see you guys record live.... if you look on UTUBE there are some of us that think you should record the America Song live. First song I heard you guys sing and it had me in tears. Not to bitch but the recorded album does not do it justice.
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