Emanuel Ayvas
| Emanuel Ayvas | |
|---|---|
 Emanuel Ayvas performs at Bowery Electric in NYC, 2013. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Emanuel Ayvas |
| Born | 19 June 1983 |
| Origin | Wood-ridge, New Jersey |
| Genres | Indie rock, symphonic rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Composer |
| Instruments | Guitar, Piano, Harmonica |
| Years active | 2005 - present |
| Labels |
Haldern Pop Paper Garden |
| Associated acts |
Emanuel and the Fear Motion Commotion |
| Website | Official Website |
Emanuel Ayvas (born 19 June 1983) is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of symphonic rock band Emanuel and the Fear.[1] Emanuel currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Early life
Born in Woodridge, New Jersey, Emanuel began playing the piano when he was five-years-old.[2] After graduating high school, he initially attended college at Rutgers University before transferring to the University of North Carolina where he competed as a pole vaulter prior to shifting his focus to music.[3]
Career
Early work
Emanuel graduated from UNC in 2005 and formed his first band, Motion Commotion. After playing for less than a year, the band scored a deal with indie label Piermont Records and released their first self-titled EP in October 2006.[4] The EP included the band's first single ‘BBC Sue.’[5] After a small US tour alongside Farewell Flight, the band parted ways and Emanuel relocated to Los Angeles.
Emanuel and the Fear
Emanuel moved back to the East Coast and formed Emanuel and the Fear in Brooklyn, New York in 2008. Formerly an elaborate 11-piece rock outfit, the band currently consists of six members.[6] The band is best known for "intertwining the modern day pop song with extravagant and complex composition."[7] They have often been compared to Arcade Fire.[8]
Emanuel and the Fear have released two full-length records and two EP's.[9] Their first full-length record, Listen, received immediate acclaim, including favorable write-ups on Flavorpill, NME, Fearless Music, RCRD LBL, and Deli Magazine.
Since forming, the band has toured the world extensively, sharing the stage with notable artists including Joanna Newsom, The War on Drugs, Wilco, Beirut and Here We Go Magic, to name a few.[10]
They are currently working on their third full-length release, set for release in late 2014.[11]
Solo
In December 2013, Ayvas embarked on his first solo tour that took him throughout the UK and Europe, including several stops in Germany.[12]
Musical influences
Emanuel is said to be influenced by the likes of Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Philip Glass, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Daft Punk.[13]
References
- ↑ Garcia, Alfa. "Wood-Ridge Native Emanuel Ayvas goes Big with Unique Sound" NorthJersey.com, 6 March 2010.
- ↑ "Interview with Emanuel Ayvas of Emanuel and the Fear" Adequacy.net, 24 August 2010.
- ↑ "Artist of the Month" Making it in New York February 2009.
- ↑ "Piermont Records" Last.fm
- ↑ “Motion Commotion” Pure Volume
- ↑ Quinlan, Adriane. "Think Big. Think Brooklyn" Paper Magazine, 22 July 2010.
- ↑ "Emanuel and the Fear - The Rain Becomes the Clouds - Tour Dates" Earmilk, 17 September 2009.
- ↑ Wood, Mikael. "Emanuel and the Fear" Village Voice, 09 September 2009.
- ↑ iTunes Artist Page
- ↑ "Joanna Newsom, Best Coast, Lykke Li for End Of The Road Festival" NME, 18 March 2011.
- ↑ "Emanuel and the Fear Return to Mercury; Plans New Release" The Deli Magazine, 03 February 2014.
- ↑ "Emanuel and the Fear - Special Solo Performance - Die Bäckerei" ntry.at, 19 December 2013.
- ↑ Lester, Paul. "New Band of the Day" The Guardian, 19 March 2010.