the arrest
518 plays
6,439 views
6,439 views
The Arrest is out to get you. Making the new music in Boson, Jersey, and Philly, we have recently surfaced to meet you and introduce you to this new OWT band. The music comes from members of disparate backgrounds and musical conceptions, creating a solid rock sound, subtly pronounced with jazz and electronica, using guitar, drums, samplers, sequencers, etc.Band/artist history
Well, in the beginning there was Chris. And Johnny. Both excellent musicians and songwriters at an early age, each with a flair for computers. On the other side of town (actually, only a few blocks away), Nick and I had started writing some very amateur music and lyrics, that we eventually scrapped entirely. Very goth music. Nick introduced me to Skinny Puppy. Eventually, we moved towards making faux-British Pop music, overly "bloody 'ell" and crap like that. Actually, I still remember a lot of that stuff and might drag it out of the closet one day. Chris was the first person to impress me musically, because he was able to put together an entire song, where Nick and I were still writing mostly fragments. And he could play several instruments. We invited Chris to be in our band, but the timing sucked, as he was leaving for college in North Jersey (might as well have been NY.) But he introduced (or re-introduced) us to his brother, the "drummer." So Johnny, Nick, Dan (a friend of ours), and I started writing songs. This was probably the most productive we ever moved for any length of time. Dan left, and though we continued to write and record, it seemed we were at a stalemate. We were overly critical of ourselves, and we were grinding to a halt. Enter Chris, now graduating college. That's right - 4 goddamn years later. Suddenly, we began finishing songs, writing new songs (far superior to our old songs), and generally getting things right. We were a band again, and this was the band we'd always wanted. Johnny's position as the "drummer" had evolved into playing keys (which he is very good at) and even a little bass. By this time, I was banging on the drums (almost rhythmically) and was playing bass more than I played guitar (at least when we recorded). Nick's playing had advanced a lot, and he too was playing the keys here and there. And Chris rounded everything out by playing everything else: guitar, bass, keys, even sax. Chris is now in Boston doing post-graduate studies, so the three of us have returned to writing. It makes for interesting work. Chris is still very much involved, despite being several states away. We usually cut a basic track to give to him either thru the mail or the internet. He adds his ideas (drum programming, additional instruments), and returns it to us, where it sits for months unfinished. Then, we pick it up, dust it off, and re-record it, this time with the intention of recording the final version. It's a slow process, but it gives each of us a certain measure of control over the shaping of the song that doesn't normally exist. You can usually pick out each person's contribution, if you listen closely enough. Okay, that's enough.Have you performed in front of an audience?Yeah, we've played live. We haven't in a while. Half of our band attends college (and half of us are college dropouts), and it makes it difficult to perform except over summer break. I can speak for all of us though when we say it's our favorite part of being in a band. A lot of people claim "stage fright" or things like that, but for me it was more of a nervous energy, or even an adrenaline rush. It's surreal when people respond to what you've worked so hard on. We really put a lot of ourselves into what we do, and it means a lot to us. It's a lot like asking a girl out, really. There's that fear of rejection, but when things go well, you're excited, you know?
Your musical influences
Jesus, where do I begin? I'm afraid to mention it because I don't want people saying, "oh yeah, I hear that..." Well, I might as well... We come from different places musically. Johnny's into Amon Tobin, Cypress Hill, and At The Drive-In. Chris likes...well, everything. Chris and I exchange CDs, and you should see the stuff he sends me...a lot of jazz, like Thelonious Monk... Dr. Octagon... Notwist... I like, um, the Replacements... Elvis Costello... Beck. We all like Beck, let's be honest. Nick's into the smooth sounds of Barry Manilow... no, uh, Nick's really into the Delgados right now, and the Clash. I love the Clash.What equipment do you use?
We use a Korg MS-2000. We use a lot of different instruments, just to create different sounds. We have a real electric piano, not a synth. That's great. We have a banjo, steel drums, a Hammond organ, a bodhran, a ukulele, turntables. We don't use these things on every track, but it does help to define the songs a bit.Anything else?
Nope, not really. We're not your typical band. We're four talented individuals who care a lot about the music we're creating, and because of that, we move like glaciers. So be patient. Things are happening, even when they don't seem to be. If you dig us, let us know. It would mean a lot. We'll write a song about you. Maybe.Guys, it's a pleasure to be the first of what I'm sure is gonna be many people to sign your message board. I really liked "London Bridges" alot. The vocals are very tight and the musicianship is glaring and apparent. I really like that intro - cool stuff. One of the most outstanding things about this track is the quality of the production. Was this done in a professional studio? It sure sounds like it... I'll tell you right now that I've been "arrested" by Sam, Chris, Johnny and Nick... Log me into your fan book, fellas...
The only negative thing I have to comment on at all is the fact that you only have one song posted... Don't keep your fans waiting too long. Welcome to Soundclick and I'll be checking back for more stuff.All comments (3)
518 plays
6,439 views
6,439 views
Admin
Sam
@thearrest
Gee, you guys inspire some hardcore comments, eh? Anyway don't listen to anyone... even me. Keep up the music. A life without music is no life at all! thanks, roAE