Stokeswood: Press

STOKESWOOD
Masquerade, Atlanta, GA - April 17,2009

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF CARASSIA, where Atlanta-based band Stokeswood lives, breathes and entertains you while celebrating the release of their debut album in the hell of Masquerade. The speakers buzz, the disco ball is spinning, and the boys begin their performance with a reading of the "Legend of Carassia" that outlines the creation of their music and this strange world it comes from.

The anticipation of screaming fans is met with smoke machines, bright lights and the energetic and vocally rich "Criterion" that kicks off their set. Its performances like "Criterion" and "The Old 4th Ward" that have become the backbone for Stokeswood and display a kind of controlled chaos that coins their sound. As they work through the set it becomes clear that the tracks are substantially driven by writer/singer/guitarist Adam Patterson, yet wonderfully complimented by the musicianship that surrounds him. It's like a rock 'n' roll ballet with sweeps of solo guitar, spins of bongos, and no one ever running into each other or missing a step.

But don't try to pin them down, because they will surprise you. Throughout the set they move from genre to genre and highlight a more serious side with "The Extraordinary Mrs. Crickett" They recreate the typical love song and meld dark, light and electronic influence. No doubt the diversity of personality inspires the wonderfully dynamic sound of Stokeswood.

Soon the percussionist is dancing through the crowd, Patterson hops around the stage barefoot, and the guitarist loses himself in a solo hiding behind long hair and satisfied glances to his band-mates. There is evidence of real craftmanship, but also a visible dedication to their work and each other. This sets off a real sense of togetherness and an energy of comradery on stage that becomes infectious to everyone in the room. They really listen to one another. and as a result the audience witnesses a musical experience that is fresh, smart and just a real good time.

Atlanta’s Stokeswood have all the attributes to be a massive international success. They combine excellent vocals with incredibly proficient yet understated instrumental performances perfectly. Their big, rather British sound is packed with magnificent harmonies and intelligent melodies played with feeling and conviction. We put a few questions to them and asked how it was going.

How did you meet and go on to form the band?

Mark: With the exception of Craig, we all met in school at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. We just jammed on acoustics and learned to play live with each other. It wasn't til after school that Adam and I started writing together (2004) and a couple of years later we decided to put together a band, so naturally we called on Jon and Reed. Craig came into the picture on percussion when we looking for a drummer before Jon became available.

What do you think are the main challenges facing US artists at the moment?
Mark: Oversaturation and technology, now anyone with a computer and a myspace can have a "band," it gets hard to weed through it all and find the real good music that’s being created in the States right now.

You’ve recently released your debut album ‘Carassia’. What’s the reaction been like so far?

Mark: I've heard "Fucking Epic" a few times

Craig: People have been impressed with the record's intertwining flow and how clean it sounds even with all the instrumental layers.

Adam: Sounds pretty professional for it being us!

What else is going on for Stokeswood in 2009?

Mark: We’re just going to focus on getting Carassia heard, while developing our local fan base with a series of really big events rather than playing numerous small shows.

Reed: Well we are hoping to create as many "Pure Notes" as possible to help The GZ Monster defend Carassia from Conti the Evil chicken and his hoard of Peep Jousters. (refer to "The Legend of Carassia")

Your sound has been described as being quite British. What inspires you?
Reed: Long walks on the beach singing acapella covers of 2080 by Yeasayer. Something that inspires me personally is the drive to create a soundtrack to life. When I find good music it usually pertains heavily to the emotions and feelings I am experiencing at that point in my life. I feel great artist can capture that and convay it through there music... Radiohead is one of the best examples of this in my opinion.

Mark: I've listened to the album Magical Mystery Tour my whole life, probably more times than anything else.

You come from Atlanta. What’s the scene like there?

Craig: Hip-Hop is really big and people come out for it, but getting people out in Atlanta for some local music is rough.

Adam: She is fickle lady!
Do you find it easy to break out and tour outside of your home state?

Mark: Actually booking the tour is difficult, but the reactions are always stellar. We love playing Miami, the energy and music scene there is brilliant and people come out ready for an experience only live music can deliver.

Have you got any plans to hit the rest of the world with the Stokeswood sound?

Mark: Naturally we would love to spread our "pure notes" to the entire world.
We are currently waiting on confirmation on an October tour of your homeland. Hey, maybe this article will help! Ha

What’s your dream collaboration?

Craig: Bob Marley and Giovanni Hidalgo, Stokeswood and Radiohead

Reed: Stokeswood and Dave Matthews Band

Adam: Patty Griffin and us

Where do you get your inspiration?

Mark: Why the Mythological, magical, magnificant land of Carassia, of course!

Reed: Where else?

Stokeswood’s great album Carissa is available from CD Baby and Digstation. Do yourself a favour and give them a good listen.

STOKESWOOD - we caught up with Stokeswood at their CD release show at the Masquerade for their first studio release Carassia (which has a story behind it; check Stokeswood's myspace page to read the history behind the album - its interesting to say the least). They have two other albums These Roses Red (2006) and The Cellar Door EP (2005). This new album, however is meant to redefine their sound a little bit. The album is good and its sure to bring this diverse and versatile sound some notice. Described as Progressive / Electroacoustic / Rock on their myspace page, Stokeswood by way of Carassia recalls a little Incubus meets Coldplay in my mind...they have an accent of soft, easy funk flowing with thoughtful, melodic lyrics. Here is a little about them from their myspace: An eclectic mix of percussion, strong vocals, story telling lyrics, powerful electric guitar and driving synths Stokeswood's sound is described as a Cosmic Waltz. Here is a video from the show...
Stokeswood formed in the summer of '04 when Mark Godwin (electric guitar) and Adam Patterson (acoustic guitar/lead vocals) decided to get together as a two piece. They played as a two piece releasing their previous album and EP. After about 3 years as a two piece they decided to put together the traditional act. After trying out some art school kids they turned to Jon Joiner (drums)and Reed Irvine (synth piano and keys), all of whom jammed together in college. Mark has known Reed since they were seven. Craig Gendreau is on percussion. Everyone in the band are Ga natives save Craig who moved down from Rhode Island. The band has toured the Southeast going as far west as Mississippi and as far south as Miami, which they noted was their favorite city to play. I mean, who wouldn't like Miami. This wasn't their first time at the Masquerade and these guys have frequented Vinyl but are currently looking to expand their horizons and play some new venues...so hook up with them to play some show...they'll definitely help to bring a crowd...they are developing quite the loyal fanbase.
We asked Stokeswood how they felt about the Atlanta scene: Atlanta is a tough scene, we generally book two three months in advance but most venues around here tend to book local acts 1-2 months out which makes no sense and makes for some challenging calendar issues. Its becoming easier to gain new fans now that we have some quality recordings but i also get the feeling that we do have to go away to make a name for ourselves. when the hometown crowd comes out they treat us great. The thing about ATL that i notice is that there isnt really built in music crowds. But in cities like Miami or Columbia people go to venues to find new music and enjoy the live scene. Thats what we have been hearing and thats exactly why beatlanta came into being. We're looking for a revolution of local music in Atlanta. We want to help bring the scene as a whole more exposure. Soon enough we'll start are sites marketing campaign looking to boost exposure to Atlanta bands and artists...so be looking out for that. These guys were have spent the last year working on and recording Carassia so we were eager to hear their thoughts on file sharing...I was a fan of tape trading and file sharing in its new form. So for live recordings, file share away. But having just recorded an album for a year with our own money we definitly can relate with the anti-sharing camp. Ok, we can understand that, but how do you feel about the outrageous measures the RIAA has taken in suing fans and planning to cut off internet service? Its a little extreme, people are always going to do it. You just have to hope people get turned on enough to support your music and actually buy the record. Thats what we think here at beatlanta, see our blogs about the future of free. Artists will need to count on their live performances and new and creative ideas to earn their living. I asked the guys where they buy their shoes (because it was funny :) Ha! we all play barefoot minus Reed, i think he just got some shoes from Ross for 12 bucks.
These guys like to pepper the city with flyers to get their show advertised and rely on the internet for the most part, noting you can do press releases for free on some sites (stay tuned for beatlanta's resource section). They mention however, that word of mouth goes best in the Atl. You can find Stokeswood playing the UGA Outdoor fest in Athens Sat Apr 25th; they got asked back after playing an acoustic set last year. We asked Mark what his favorite song from Carassia was (if he had to choose a single): The Old 4th Ward - its about moving into the the old 4th ward and the diversity that is in the area. It was also a different stride in our writing style which has helped define our current sound. Thats cool, I used to live in the Old 4th Ward; my house burnt down there...true story, don't ask. It is quite the diverse area...they especially have just one kind of person:) -ak

Check more photos of Stokeswood in our more pics section...check out more on Stokeswood on their website stokeswood.net. You can see their EPK here. They have a few tour dates coming up but plan to really hit the road in support of Carassia in the fall. They recommend fellow atlanta bands Jungol and Odist. SUPPORT STOKESWOOD. GO TO THEIR SHOWS...IT IS WORTH THE TIME IF YOU LIKE GOOD MUSIC AND COOL MUSICIANS.

ATLANTA- March 4, 2009 – Popular Atlanta rock band, Stokeswood (www.Stokeswood.net), has announced that they will be releasing their first full-length album, Carrassia, on Friday, April 17, 2009. The Carrassia release party and Stokeswood concert will be held on the “Hell” stage of well-known Atlanta music venue, Masquerade (www.masq.com), on the same date.

Supported by strong vocals, story-telling lyrics, powerful electric guitar and an eclectic mix of percussions, Carrassia was created with Stokeswood’s signature sound, which has been best described as a “cosmic waltz”.

The five piece, indie rock band worked with talented producer, Justin Mullinix, of Generator Sound Studios to create their first, full-length, self-released album. The anticipated Carrassia will include studio produced, fan favorite, “The Extraordinary Mrs. Crickett”, as well as, newer songs, such as, “Topical Jesus” and “The Old 4th Ward”.
Stokeswood’s Carrassia will be available for immediate sale through the band’s website and their Myspace.com profile for $12. Towards the end of spring, Carrassia will be available for purchase through CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and iTunes.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase the CD at the Friday, April 17th, Masquerade release party. Tickets for the Carrassia release party can be purchased in advance through the TicketMaster.com website for $8.

About Stokeswood

The electroacoustic band, Stokeswood (www.Stokeswood.net, www.Myspace.com/Stokeswood) was formed in 2004 by lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player, Adam Patterson and lead electric guitarist, Mark Godwin. The five-piece, Atlanta based, indie rock band includes drummer, Jon Joiner, keys and bass player, Reed Irvine and percussionist, Craig Gendreau. Stokeswood, which currently tours along the east coast, has opened for the legendary Mother’s Finest, Collective Soul, American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, and members of the popular 80’s band, Cameo. For further information and to hear pre-released songs from their first album, Carrassia, visit: www.Stokeswood.net or www.MySpace.com/Stokeswood

ATLANTA- April 9, 2009 – Popular Atlanta rock band, Stokeswood (www.Stokeswood.net), is excited to announce that bands 13 Day Mission (www.13daymission.com), Josh Roberts and the Hinges (www.myspace.com/joshrobertsandthehingesrock) and this Piano plays itself (www.myspace.com/thispianoplaysitself) are the official opening line-up for their Carassia CD release party being held on Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Atlanta music venue, Masquerade.

The eclectic line-up of Atlanta-based bands “promises to be an amazing and diverse show”, says Stokeswood’s lead guitarist, Mark Godwin.

13 Day Mission plays “intense, ambient, high energy, space rock music” while Josh Roberts and the Hinges have been described as “cinematic, emotional, and literary Thanksgiving dinner of rock.” this Piano plays itself, according to OhMyPark.com, offers “gorgeous soundscapes and sensational songwriting”, which will round out the sounds of the opening trio.

Producing the Carassia CD release party will be concert veterans, Music Matters Productions (www.myspace.com/music_matters_productions). Music Matters Productions technicians have collectively provided lighting and sound solutions for a variety artists including, Pink Floyd, the Ying Yang Twins, Manchester Orchestra and now, the indie progressive rock band, Stokeswood.

Tickets for the Carassia release party can be purchased in advance through the TicketMaster.com website for $8 and the day of the show, at the door for $10.

Stokeswood’s Carassia will be available for immediate sale on April 17th direct at the CD release party, through the band’s website and their Myspace.com profile for $12. Towards the end of spring, Carassia will be available for purchase through CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and iTunes.

About Stokeswood

The electroacoustic band, Stokeswood (www.Stokeswood.net, www.Myspace.com/Stokeswood) was formed in 2004 by lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player, Adam Patterson and lead electric guitarist, Mark Godwin. The five-piece, Atlanta based, indie rock band includes drummer, Jon Joiner, keys and bass player, Reed Irvine and percussionist, Craig Gendreau. Stokeswood, which currently tours along the east coast, has opened for the legendary Mother’s Finest, Collective Soul, American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, Rehab and members of the popular 80’s band, Cameo. For further information and to hear pre-released songs from their first album, Carassia, visit: www.Stokeswood.net or www.MySpace.com/Stokeswood