The Endeavors are lead by charismatic singer, Stasia Cymes. Vibrant and engaging, Stasia’s voice has impressive range and expression. The Seattle P-I says Stasia has “an electric voice that crawls deep into you,” and Sound on the Sound has said, “Stasia owned the stage with strong vocals and sensual presence.” Drawing heavily from heros David Bowie and Janis Joplin, the Michigan native creates a commanding, compelling demeanor and undeniable sexuality evident on record and irresistible on stage.
Stasia’s musical counterpart from the Endeavors’ beginning has been guitarist Matt Anderson. Classically trained at Cornish, Anderson’s arrangements are rooted in classical intricacies and the power of modern rock’n’roll. His knowledge of and intensity for compositional excellence results in a dense and delicate balance of melodic interplay between guitar, bass and supporting rhythms.
The recently solidified rhythm section features Chris Croft on drums and keyboardist Josh LaMar. Since moving from Altoona, PA to Seattle in 1999, Croft has played consistently with many different groups. Croft’s power never compromises precision emulating the style of his heros Buddy Rich and Neil Peart. Josh LaMar, a transplant from Fresno, CA, mastered classical forms before exploring the electronic side of music. His influences range from Chopin and Dubussy to Depeche Mode and Daft Punk, equally at home on keys and analog synth.
Although they do not appear on The Fine Art of Persuasion, Croft and LaMar’s influence is evident on stage. The Endeavors now play with more energy, intensity and joy than ever before.
Early in 2008, the Endeavors released Bones, a three-song EP which “ripples along with candied clarity” (Seattle P-I), and provided a glimpse into the complexity, skill and range of emotions they put forth on Persuasion.
The Endeavors are now writing their strongest material at an impressive pace for their follow-up, Highway To Me, scheduled for November 2009. The album will include live favorite Bad Behavior with more contribution from LaMar and Croft. With much to accomplish this year, the verdant Endeavors are looking forward, taking on each task with power and confidence.
Reviews
By Amelia, Back Beat Seattle
The Endeavors played a great set last Thursday at High Dive. Impossible-to-ignore frontwoman Stasia Blue takes (to my ear) vocal risks that work only because she’s fully talented enough to pull them off. I love that she knows her limits and pushes right up against them. Onstage, she’s sexy and confident and her sense of humor shines through. Her band is equally talented.
By DAGMAR PATTERSON, Seattle PI
The Endeavors has found in singer Stasia Blue an electric voice that crawls deep into you. She's gentle when she needs to be (as in Slow) and also can be as equally powerful rock n' roll when she wants (as in Forest). Bones ripples along in candied clarity and I love it. There's a thumping change of tempo and very pretty bass in Forest that's effective in conveying this sense of real urgency and compulsion: I Don't Do it For the Thrill. The music is sultry and sweet, fixing itself strongly to the lyrics in Slow such as I Don't Want to Rush You/ I Just Want to Touch You After Dark. . . Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove/ I Want that Touch So Very Much. It kind of makes me think of how all those David Lynch soundtracks might sound if they added some pop and toughness.
By SOUND ON THE SOUND, Seattle Music Review
"After a week’s absence from my favorite local dive, The Blue Moon, I was in some serious withdrawl of familiar faces and local line-ups. Luckily, The Moon came through (as it always seems to) on Friday when it hosted The Endeavors EP Release. Despite being only their second show, The Endeavors commanded the stage and performed a full set of solid originals. The stand out of the show was Endeavors lead singer, Stasia, who owned the stage with strong vocals and sensual presence. Everyone who thinks they know who Seattle’s sexiest lead singer is, needs to check out The Endeavors before finalizing their decision."
we play the funhouse tomorrow afternoon, sunday, 3pm. it's a good line up! 'davilla666 is from puerto rico and 'sonic chicken 4' is from france. good sounds... we play 2nd!
