Sound of Urchin
| Sound of Urchin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin |
Brooklyn, New York & New Hope, Pennsylvania |
| Genres |
Alternative rock Experimental rock Heavy metal Outsider Arena-rock |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels |
RCA, Hybrid, Steven Records |
| Associated acts |
Ween, Moistboyz, Project/Object |
| Website | soundofurchin.com |
| Members |
Tomato (Chris Harfenist) Reverend B-ILL (Bill Fowler) Conor Kinsman Karina Rykman Josh Musto |
Sound of Urchin is a musically diverse "outsider arena-rock" band from Brooklyn, New York and New Hope, Pennsylvania. SOU is known for their eclectic songs, for energetic, spontaneous live shows, and for their heavy touring schedule.[1]
Band History
Sound of Urchin's debut E.P. was released on lead-singer/drummer Tomato’s own independent label, Steven Records.[2][3]
After further developing their style and sound, they signed to a major label and began working with Dean Ween of Ween. From 2000 to 2002, the band released an album and two E.P.’s on RCA Records.[4] In 2002, the band made a video for their song "Scary Skull Eyes". It was directed by Lorin Finkelstein and featured on MTV2’s 120 Minutes.[5]
In 2005 Sound of Urchin's album The Diamond was released on Hybrid Recordings. The independent label is led by former A&M Records label head Al Cafaro and legendary concert promoter John Scher.[6] SOU performed their best-known song from 2005, "There Are People In The Clouds", before nationwide audiences on CBS' The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,[7]
Touring History and Affiliations
Sound of Urchin are Zelig-esque chameleons of rock, as their diverse style has gained them entrance into likewise diverse rock circles. For example, over the years SOU has toured with bands like Tenacious D, Ween, Dio/Deep Purple/Scorpions, Cracker, Mike Watt, Slightly Stoopid, Fishbone, The North Mississippi Allstars, The Urge, SR-71, Trik Turner, Bargain Music, The Ziggens, as well as sharing stages with Public Enemy, Twisted Sister, Slash's Snakepit, Dick Dale, Butthole Surfers, Everclear, Project/Object, Vernon Reid, Lit, 2 Skinnee J's, Cobra Verde, and Local H.
Urchin is also known for its affiliation with the band Ween; Dean Ween has been a mentor to the band and produced their first major label release The Orange E.P.,[8] Tomato and B-ILL play in Dean Ween and Guy Heller’s Moistboyz (featured on the "Live Jihad" DVD release[9]) and have played with Ween and Dean Ween's Tenderloin. B-ILL also played guitar on Ween’s “The Mollusk” album, and Tomato plays drums with Ween's bassist Dave Dreiwitz, as a duo called Crescent Moon.
Sound of Urchin are also known for their affiliation with Tenacious D; Urchin was the opening act on their 2001 tour, and Tomato played drums with them for their 2002 Comedy Central Crank Yankers recording of “Friendship”.
Members
Current members
- Tomato (Chris Harfenist) – drums, lead vocal
- Reverend B-ILL (Bill Fowler) – lead guitar, main backup vocal
Side members
- Black Sebabbitt (Jack Krause) – co-writer, character vocals
- Mr. Richard Rickles (Wayne Price) – tambourine, dancer
- Jah Rob (Rob Marcario) - artwork
Live members
- Jordan Shapiro - keyboard
- Chris Shepherd - lead guitar
- Conor Kinsman – bass
- Karina Rykman – guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals
- Josh Musto – guitar, vocals
- Matt Holloman - lead guitar
- Brian Ellingham - bass
Past members
- Doo Doo Brown (Chris Huetz) – bass, backup vocal
- Hollywood Scotty Choc (Scott Heydt) – lead guitar, backup vocal
- Barbie Smooth (Mike Huetz) – producer, guitar
- Seahag (Robbie Mangano) - lead guitar, bass, backup vocal
- Michael Davidson – bass[10][11]
Discography
Early pre-official SOU 4-track albums (1994-1998) (currently out of print)
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Four Fours From A Calendar Fan | Steven Records (originally released on Mighty Monster as cassette only) |
| 1995 | Springtime Makes Me Feel | Steven Records |
| 1996 | Approval – Cob 9 | Steven Records |
| 1997 | Earth Blanket | Steven Records |
| 1998 | Willow For Gasoline Alley | Steven Records |
Official SOU Studio albums (1998–present)
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | All That And A Brandy Alexander | Steven Records |
| 2000 | The Orange E.P. | RCA Records |
| 2001 | The Jack And Diane E.P. | RCA Records |
| 2002 | You Are The Best | RCA Records |
| 2002 | Blame Canada – Live In Toronto | RCA Records promo only |
| 2005 | The Diamond | Hybrid Recordings |
| 2008 | Rejoice | to be released |
| 2014 | Black Castle | Baby Gas Mask Records |
References
- ↑ "Sound of Urchin at CBGB, SPIN, Newswire". 8 June 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ↑ "Pointless Questions: The Sound of Urchin". April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ↑ "NIPP: Sound of Urchin". April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ↑ allmusic.com
- ↑ altmusictv.com
- ↑ allmusic.com
- ↑ imdb.com
- ↑ allmusic.com
- ↑ nytimes.com
- ↑ Czerwinski, Christian (November 11, 2008). "Music: Sound of Urchin – High-energy attitude keeps rock band tuned into its fans". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
- ↑ Brodeuer, Melissa (March 24, 2009). "Sound of Urchin". Glide magazine.
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