"We selected the name Channel because we liked the multiple meanings of the word," said Rhodes. "There's a channel on a mixing board, a channel of water, channels on a television set, even a channel that claims to commune with the spirits of the dead. In all cases, the word basically represents the same thing, a conduit for something, be it music or the afterlife."

"One of our goals is to tour Europe, then Asia, then the United States... in that order," jokes Rhodes. "I know some bands that hate performing live. We are NOT one of those bands. Playing live, for us, is the ultimate natural high. What could be more enjoyable than making a living performing your music for a receptive audience?"

We'll pay off the bills.

Channel, born unassumingChannel is an unlikely pairing of musical minds and influences. In their beautiful, sweeping orchestration one can hear traces of Vangelis, William Orbit and Tangerine Dream. In their aggressive rhythms one can hear traces of the Crystal Method, Depeche Mode and Prodigy. And in their singer's smooth, baritone voice, one can hear traces of Jim Morrison, Stan Ridgway and Peter Murphy.

Born and bred in the shadow of Disneyland, Anaheim-based Channel took nearly six years to release their first full-length CD. Singer Mark Rhodes and keyboardist Todd MacKenzie released demos and EPs along the way, building a following and opening for electronic artists such as Gearwhore, Anything Box and Spahn Ranch. But it wasn't until last year that the band was ready to commit to their firstborn child, the ten-song CD, Burning Inside.

Since its release, the CD has landed Channel a feature on Universal Music's FarmClub.com television show, a showcase slot at the Philadelphia Music Conference, an invite to perform in New York City for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a feature on A&R Online and BandRadio.com, and a standby slot at the NEMO Conference.

Additionally, the CD was nominated as one of the seven best alternative albums of 1999 by the music organization Just Plain Folks. Founder, Brian Austin Whitney writes, "from cool keyboard/sample riffs to thick dark-edged harmonies, this CD offers surprises around every musical corner. They build a fascinating aural landscape..."

Promotion of the CD has allowed Channel to return to what they love - performing live. With over 150 gigs under their belt, the band is no stranger to the local circuit and looks to build on their momentum with memorable performances locally and abroad. "We look at each show as an opportunity to share our music and have fun," said Rhodes. "Performing live is the reward for all our hard work, and it allows us to demonstrate that we're not a couple of nob-turners standing behind a rack of mixers and keyboards."

Wall of Voodoo, Depeche Mode, Vangelis, Stan Ridgway, Ennio Morricone, 16 Horsepower, Paul Kelly, Elliott Smith, The Doors, Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, a-ha

Vienna

Fender Stratocaster Plus
Rickenbacker 360 12-String
Rickenbacker B1e Amplifier
Blueberry Microphone
AKG-3000 Microphone
Sure Beta-Green 3.0 Microphone
Joe Meek VC-3
Kurzweil K2000
Korg Z1
Roland VS-880
Pentium II 400
Tascam DM-T1000
Spirit Folio Notepad
Acid
Cubase
Rebirth
Wavelab

Channel's "hip and compelling style ... does as much for reminiscing as it does for pushing the musical pop/rock element further along," writes earBuzz.com.