Take the lyrical integrity of The Clash, combine it with the high-energy, fearless-punk-sensibilities of The Sex Pistols, empower it with innovative future soundscapes of bands such as The Pixies and S.F.A and youve got an idea what S.T.U.N. is about. The four members of the band bring music back to its essence with volume, reason and movement to create new limits with EVOLUTION OF ENERGY, their Geffen/Interscope debut (June 24, 2003). Its aggressive, dangerous, and volatile. But its not the 1-2-3-4 of the past; its punk circa 2003.
As a group, S.T.U.N. are unified in delivering a message, both through their lyrics and through their music. Some of the topics S.T.U.N. deal with on EVOLUTION OF ENERGY are the Governments growing control of the globe through lies and deception, the healing power in finding your own answers, the warning of the trap of blind compliance, the cowardess and effect of judgment, and the celebration of love and chaos until equality is accomplished. Their name says it all: its an acronym for Scream Toward the Uprising of Non-Conformity. Influenced as much by linguist Noam Chomsky and author Daniel Quinn as they are by The Clash or Janes Addiction, S.T.U.Ns message is central to their music. Our music is a call for unity and awareness, says Neil Spies, guitarist and songwriter/lyricist. When I grew up, every effort was used to force me to comply with the thought process that whoever was in authority was right and thats rarely the truth. Were here to prove that if you are brave enough to fight adversity for what you believe in that you will have your own message to send that will enlighten the world.
Were not pushing opinions on anyone everyone should question everything, and make decisions for themselves, Spies continues. We feel that we have a responsibility, though. When I was a kid, music saved and taught me you cant feel more alive then when you are part of revolution. When we talk to the kids, they really seem to be starving for a band to fight the play it safe, fabricated passion state of the music industry right now. We are playing for them.
The members of S.T.U.N. were equally absorbed by Janes Addiction, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Super Furry Animals, Pixies, and David Bowie. We believe in melody, but these dont feel like traditional melodies to me, says singer Christiane J. understating one of the many distinctive elements of the bands incendiary music. Produced by Sean Slade (Radiohead, Hole, The Cure, 60 ft. dolls, Sebadoh, Circle Jerks, Boo Radleys), and mixed by Slade and Paul Kolderie (Pixies, Dinasour Jr., The Lemonheads, Billy Bragg,) and Andy Wallace (Nirvana, At the Drive-in, Rage Against the Machine, Janes Addiction, System of a Down) EVOLUTION OF ENERGY is a record that runs on both adrenalin and free-moving intensity.
True to their no-frills aesthetic, the S.T.U.N. saga is short, sweet and to the point. Formed just under three years ago in Los Angeles around the uncompromising music and liberating message of Spies, the groups members found themselves experiencing a process akin to creative osmosis. There was a chemistry between us from the moment we met, asserts lead singer Christiane J. The challenge was to build on that and take it to the next level.
We played any where we could and every chance we got, said drummer Bobby Alt. We played parties, local clubs, and eventually, record company showcases. It was a quick, but natural progression, and what meant most to us was the music seemed to make an immediate connection with all different types of music fans.
S.T.U.N. slowed down their lightning fast ascent long enough to carefully consider their choice of producer. We chose Sean Slade because he had a real understanding of the bands that influenced us and how those influences came out in our music, continues bassist Nick S. Recorded at Slades Q Division Studios in Boston over the proverbial forty days and forty nights, EVOLUTION OF ENERGY took shape quickly and decisively. We came in totally prepared, mentally and physically, says Spies. The focus was on capturing as much of the sensory overload from our live shows as we could, while still using studio technology to bring out new aspects of music. Slade allowed just the right amount of improvisation and experimenting which I think is lacking in records these days. Geffen heard the finished record, and signed the band to a deal in the Spring of 2002.
S.T.U.N. is political and thought provoking all the while somehow instilling a unified, entertaining, celebratory atmosphere. Their audience crosses over the genre-divide: there are people who are into hip-hop coexisting with people who are into punk. You never know whats going to happen next at our shows. They are never the same, thats how it should be. S.T.U.N.s live shows have been described as sensory overload. or, as Neil describes it, chaos. Its chaos with a reason, he says. Its chaos that creates love and unity.
Were still playing for certain audiences that have not seen our live show before, Christiane adds. So when we tour, people are in shock and then theres anarchy. On stage, Im in freefall. Ive never jumped out of a plane without a parachute, but that is how I would explain the feeling I get when Im performing.
I dont write about myself right now. I did everything I could to write about what everyone in the world is going through and could relate to, says Neil. Theres so much that Ive learned. Theres so much Ive come to understand. I got bruised going against the grain and not accepting things I knew were lies -- but I also found a beauty and an urgency in life from it, and thats what S.T.U.N. is about living in the moment. We are just a moment away. 05.03
I can't wait for summer you know what I mean haha?
It's warmer everyday!
Anyways, we have a show June 2nd at 8Teen in North Park san diego. All info is on our page.
we freaking love you!
stay in touch :)
Just a reminder that we have a gig coming up June 5th at the MBAR in Hollywood. Would love to meet you.
come out and say Hi to us and stay for the after party.
I dont know what happeed to you guys.. i saw you years ago and you kicked ass! I bought your CD an was hoping to hear more from you guys but then nothing =( please make more music hahaha you guys are really good! and come to vegas again <3
i saw you guys at warped tour years ago and it was such an amazing show that i bought your album and became an instant fan. i would love to hear some new music and see you again! come to tx!
I caught you guys at a show in allentown a while back, the best show i have ever seen. since then i compare every show to that one. you guys fucking kick ass like no other band. thanks for such a fucking amazing, killer performance! cant wait to catch you again... hopefully closer to harrisburg.
