Autonomy
Autonomy is fast becoming Minnesotas premiere hard-rock power trio. The group delivers a deliberate, dramatic, hook-laden rock crunch that has become their trademark sound. This riff-recipe is held in stark contrast against a literate approach to lyrics and a devotion to melody demonstrated by the bands singer/songwriter/bassist Ether (aka William Lorentz). Billy Graczyks skilled guitar work outlines complicated melodies in great detail while Ether's unmistakable bass distortion drives home the big points. Autonomy manages to lace all of this together with electronic drum programs, effects, and multimedia stage imagery, and dynamic percussion. The fullness and power of the resulting sound leads the listener to wonder how it all came from a trio.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Autonomy was formed in the summer of 2001 by songwriter William Lorentz (Avalon, Second Skin, Project Eleven) and relocated Dallas percussionist and video guru Rockula (the Necrotonz). The intention was to create intelligent, distinctive music that was high-energy and visually artistic at the same time. Rockula was growing unhappy with the music scene in Dallas and Lorentz was in need of a drummer. Lorentz was convinced the Twin Cities music scene was primed and hungry for a 'deep' band to emerge. They due set out to build a band that was the total package - melodic yet forceful, rhythmic yet not tied down too tightly to structure, stylish and talented. In an age of canned beats and falsified artistry, Autonomy would bring the focus back to songwriting, musicianship, and performance. They began enacting a plan to create the band the Twin Cities, and maybe even the world, had been waiting for.
They were joined by their longtime friend Akbar, who also relocated from Dallas. Autonomy was now a trio, and worked up an EP's worth of material together. They took their newly developed sound into Back Alley Studio in Minneapolis. Akbar moved back to Dallas for personal financial reasons shortly after the recording of this EP and had to leave the band to finish the mixing and move on.
Autonomy auditioned guitarists for some time before finding Billy Graczyk. His developing sound quickly melded with Autonomy and the group was complete again- and sounded better than ever before. The band played clubs all over the Twin Cities metro area, and even into Wisconsin building a grassroots local following. In the spring of 2003, this new incarnation of Autonomy brought a road-tested set back to Back Alley for the recording of their debut album. The group worked on the album for most of that year, and in December signed on with Under the Radar as they were about to release the final product. Autonomy's debut, self-titled album was released on January 1st, 2004 and is available through http://www.utrmusicgroup.com
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Autonomy has become a fixture on the Minneapolis music scene, and has played all of the major rock venues in town. The band is beginning to tour regionally and will concentrate on blanketing the midwest in 2005.
Your musical influences
Autonomy loves deep music. We're really into lots of styles, but a few bands stand out to us that really accomplish something similar to what we're after. Tool is a great example of a band that isn't afraid to write deep music and use powerful visuals to hammer the point home. Pink Floyd is another good example.... We're big fans of the Live in Pompeii video. Radiohead is an excellent band with a very artistic approach to their writing. We like a lot of early 90s rock/grunge stuff. Billy is really into jazz and Ether loves electronica and classical music too.
What equipment do you use?
Ether plays vintage Les Paul basses through an all-tube Fender system. Any digital effects the band uses are provided by Zoom, except vocals which are done using a Digitech processor. Autonomy employs a Zoom drum machine for all electronic programs/sounds.
Anything else?
Autonomy is the kind of band you can follow throughout their career to watch them grow and develop. The band treats their mission as a marathon, not a sprint. Great care is taken to put on great performances, especially in their hometown of Minneapolis. Please take time to discover a great Minnesota rock band and experience them for yourself live!
