Amanda Smith-vocals
Darren Emanuel-keys
Matt Harris-Guitar
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Influences
nina simone, zero 7, talk talk, david sylvian, portishead, the doors, alpha, ezra pound, aimee mann, tindersticks, fiona apple, john barry, tori amos, miles davis, swans, bjork, wilco, lalo schifrin, kruder and dorfmeister, sia furler, cliff martinez, steve reich, massive attack, steely dan, van morrison, sigur ros, ennio morricone, mogwai, the pastels, sparklehorse, robert creeley, paul auster.
Swimming In comprises Amanda Smith (vocals/lyrics), Darren Emanuel (instrumentation/production) and Matthew Harris (lead guitar). Amanda, the blue-eyed blond,Texas girl, was born and raised in the lazy, mixed-metropolis of Houston, who lent her soulful, standout voice to many experimental recordings with drum and bass, house and trip-hop producers. In 2002, Amanda recorded Dance/Pop album Do You? with prolific, global DJ/producer Sean Carnahan and talented producer Nikolai Stepan. Shortly following her introduction into the recording industry, Amanda met Darren Emanuel, a cool Canadian transplant, who after several years as a visual artist, decided to take his art in the direction of music, thus recording and releasing 5 albums with Two Words Records label, contributing music to film and television productions.
After writing and recording several songs in an electronic vein the duo began to gradually evolve their sound using an increasingly broader palette that incorporated more vintage and acoustic instruments. Soon, the electric piano and acoustic bass became staples of their sound and the electronic aspects took on a supporting role. The result is a lush atmosphere with a quality of timelessness that evokes the sound of classic jazz and rock as much as it does modern electronic music. Instrumentation has become the fundamental ingredient in their music, as their recording and practice studio is a vintage music shop, where guitar lined-walls, boxes of pedals and a back room full of keys, lend influence to their selection of sound from past decades. Swimming In's most recent addition was guitarist Matthew Harris, who joined the group, as a permanent addition for their fall tour. Matthew is a longtime friend with a discerning ear for hooks and a knack for complex riffs, whose guitar falls softly amid the chaotic melodies of Swimming In.
In May 2008, the group released their first self-titled album, Swimming In, which lyrically chronicles the tribulations of relationships at their end both as romantic relationships (Liked It Better, Not The Same) and as the unexpected passing of a friend "Godspeed" it also observes the treachery of family "Your Vertigo" and the selfishness of suicide "Signs of Life". Amanda's lyrics reveal an imperfect humanity and lay it bare, from the understated ferociousness of "The Sting", to the damaged and delicate of "Pearl".
Swimming In is currently in the studio working on their second album, while preparing for live dates this fall.
Sam Houston Race Park 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West Houston, Texas 77064
THIS SATURDAY JUNE 6TH 7:30pm. we play first.
this a battle of the bands out at the race park. idiginis opens the show at 7:30pm and has a twenty min. set. i wanted to play first so people can come out before they start there night. i'm don't know who else is playing but it's 10 bands total. each has 20 min. oh, and it's only a $5 cover. please come hang out.
Enter into a realm where fantasy & reality coexist in harmony together ~ Simultainiously synchronized to enhance the very synapse of endorphins that will ultimately elevate you into a sanctuary of ecstatic self fulfillment ~ inner peace ~ & unconditional love that exists as you will transcend beyond a simple listening pleasure ~ You are always welcome inside my Ashram / Asylum ~ I hope you like my tunes !
Hi dear friends thanx for the good words you spend for my project....think positive share love and listen good music(like the Twentythree's Music :-) is the best way for a magnific Life.
I love you Mandycakes. I miss you. Lets do something together SOON! What is your schedule like? I am off SAT/SUN/MON this week. Maybe I'll see you at Uncle Kenny's? Angie is coming in town too. Toodles. P
Hola Swimming !!! Thanks for the add !!! Everything an honor to introduce in my list of friends !!! his music is original and his voice is very nice !!! kisses from warm and crazy Madrid / Spain !!! from the mother EUROPE !!!
Hiya guys! Thanks so much for the add and for supporting my music. You are so sweet!! Love "SIGNS OF LIFE" - what a great track. Moody and very stuck in my head. I hope your Thanksgiving weekend has been fabulous so far. Food coma? I hope wherever you are there is sunshine, even if the weather doesn’t seem like it!! Kylie xxxx
I have a new tune on my other myspace called 'Jazzy Blue' ~
This is the first time I've gotten to record within my brand spanking new ~ totally optimized Ashram / Asylum ~ & I must say with this updated digital recording facility & some new axes to grind ~ it is truly a luxury at it's finest ~ at least it is for me me me !!!!! So here it is ~ just a rhythm track I'd made over the last couple of days ~ in order to acclimate myself with all the new toys I now have at my disposal . . . I'll be writing lots of new lyrics as well as new music ~ for both of my upcoming projects ~ the follow-up to my debut CD now available on Moiko Records ~ it's a new concept album I've been (Ben) working on for over a year & a half ~ as well as the awesome new version of The Altruistic Messiah's latest touring band ~ a line up consisting of life long friends & a few of the most amazingly talented new individuals I have just recently had the honor to become associated with ! I am always wishing each & every one of you the very best ~ & this continues to be the primary focus of any & all communication between us as individuals ~ it is my belief that this concern is fundamental in the advancement of humanity ~ & that this is the reason we are alive ~ that this is what we are living for ~ as human nature must transcend into something greater than it ever has been (Ben) ~ as every single one of us collectively evolve into everything we are destined to realize ~ & we must leave no man or woman behind ~ STOP WAR ~ I know I go way off the beat & path often ~ but I love everyone !!!!!! Peace, Ben P.S. PLease don't forget to attend my CD Release Party at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip ~ It starts at 3:00 P.M. November 1st & of course YOU ARE INVITED !
The long wait is over! The Attic Trax debut album “Where what where” is now out on CD baby and iTunes.
Take a generous portion of Lemon Jelly and Blue States. Add a bit of Zero 7, Air and UNKLE. Finish with a sprinkling of The Cinematic Orchestra and what have you got? Attic Trax‘s debut Album “Where what where?”.
A big thank you to those that appreciate the above acts for your really supportive comments. Much appreciated. Try out the new tunes on our site.
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