Stokeswood Frontman Mark Godwin: We Want to Be a Part of the Miami Nightlife Scene
Mark Godwin, frontman for electro-acoustic band Stokeswood, said that the group's roots will always be planted in the ATL, but he and his indie rocker bandmates are trying to become part of the Magic City's alluring after-dark scene.
"The energy down there is just incredible," said Godwin, the lead guitarist. "It is really easy to feed off, some of our best shows this year have been in Miami."
He added, "We're trying to make ourselves a part of the Miami nightlife scene."
The fivesome is gearing up to tackle the 305's premier indie hipster scene with gigs at the Electric Pickle and Vagabond following their stint at The Delano's VIP spot The Florida Room, where they rocked out one Thursday a month. The A-towners said they aren't too worried about experimenting with a new crowd.
"It's [the Miami scene] really amazing and receptive," he said. "We have always been welcomed in Miami and welcomed to play what we're writing and our original stuff."
Stokeswood is even taking a cue from the Miami's nightlife scene and upping their tempo a few notches by adding more electronic instruments to keep the city's beat -- and feet -- moving.
"Every time we play in Miami something beneficial comes out of it," added Godwin. "It is a very, very hot scene down there right now -- and for our music, it needs to be played there."
:: Press
The view from the toilet. Sorry for the crappy pic.
This past Saturday, Stokeswood, out of Atlanta, GA, was live at The Bad Manor, my cousin’s new club and music venue.
After having clicked the band’s link to their website from The Bad Manor’s site, I was instantly intrigued by the interesting combination of musical stylings mashed up by the band.
It’s kind of difficult to classify their style, but the best I can come up with is 1 part indie rock, 1 part alternative, 1 part techno and 100% awesome. Electroacoustic I guess?
2nd row and much taller than all the people in front = better pictures.
Playing their own original material and also playing a bunch of covers, these guys rocked The Bad Manor and probably had many panties dropping further into the evening. Seriously, the girls there were practically humping the stage.
After a few songs from their first studio album, Carassia (review below), Stokeswood went on to cover Muse, The Fuji’s, The Beatles and a few other kick-ass bands. But everyone vacated the bar and rushed the stage when Stokeswood began a beautiful rendition of Hey Jude, and everyone sang along at the top of their lungs. It was amazing.
While the music is awesome, each individual band member is just as cool in person. I was fortunate enough to meet all 5 guys: Mark, Adam, Reed, Jon and Andrew. And to make the evening even more kick-ass, when I asked to purchase their album, bassist, Reed, simply handed me one and shook my hand. Awesome!
Lead electric guitarist, Mark Godwin, slipped and busted his ass after the show. Shame on someone for spilling beer and not cleaning it up!
Between the amazing music, the awesome antics they performed on stage and just being overall, genuinely nice dudes, I would give Stokeswood Live at the Bad Manor 5 Ryandom Ships out of 5.
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The thing about seeing most bands live is that they usually don’t live up to the sound you hear on their studio album. Not so with Stokeswood. They hit every note perfectly, no voice cracks, no missed strings or keystrokes or beats. It all came out perfectly.
So when you listen to Carassia as an MP3 or on CD, you have a great idea of what to expect when you go see these guys live.
While I wasn’t a fan of every single song, the majority of the 12 tracks had me striving to hear every word so that I might sing along at the next live show, as they’re just THAT good. The band’s distinct sound is apparent in every track, yet each track stands on its own, no two sounding alike.
To hear for yourself, head on over to Purevolume where you can stream 4 of the tracks instantly on your computer or smartphone.
I give Carassia, Stokeswood’s debut album, 4.5 Ryandom Ships out of 5. There were just a couple songs I didn’t care for, but everything else was top notch. Go get it on iTunes now! Especially you, ladies! You’ll see [read; hear] why.
Stokeswood
Social Media Release
Stokeswood Partners with Miami's FACA Clothing
Unique Music and Unique Fashion Collide
04.06.2010 – ATLANTA - April 6, 2010 - Popular Atlanta electroacoustic band, Stokeswood (www.stokeswood.net), has partnered with Miami Clothing company FACA – An International Affair, (www.facaclothing.com, www.shopfaca.com). Stokeswood is known for its unique approach to both music and fashion; "Stokeswood..a group of musicians who have managed to not only invent their own dress code but their own style of music." (Judas Moon, The Silver Tongue - www.thesilvertongueonline.com), "Their live shows are charged with energy and linger with anticipation of the next costume-theme they will present on stage (we’ve gone to “The Future,” and gotten men in red tights and cowboy boots!). You will be all but forced to dance when they get going! The music is beautiful, the vocals are soulful, and the fun is outstanding." (Nadia Lelutiu, The Silver Tongue - www.thesilvertongueonline.com). Mark Godwin, Stokeswood guitarist says,"We met one of the desginers/founders, Mario, on a Miami tour stop and really liked his shirts, we felt like they fit right in with the fresh energy we bring to the table and began talks of a cross-promotional deal that could benefit both parties." Stokeswood will soon be seen sporting FACA clothing at their upcoming shows and there is talks of a summer rock/fashion show.
About FACA
FACA Clothing was launched in Miami, in 2007 by two brothers who have always been intrigued with fashion and have developed a unique sense of style, taste based on their diverse, international background; growing up in Croatia and also having lived in Hong Kong and Japan. The name FACA is pronounced "Fazza," and it literally means "Face" in English. FACA is a Croatian word originally stemming from the Italian, "faccia." In Croatian it is often used as a slang to address people who live life according to their own rules and achieve great things. Legends for example; James Dean, Bob Marley, etc.
Quality, authenticity and originality is the staple of the FACA brand. They use 100% premium organic cotton tees. In addition, garments are printed in an eco friendly facility using water based inks. All chemicals utilized in the production process are 100% biodegradable and made from either soy or corn. Needless to say the quality and feel of the FACA label is truly premium and this has proven to be FACA's key competitive advantage and has helped build a loyal customer base.
FACA - An International Affair -
FACA strives to shine a new light on fashion design. By acknowledging our cross-cultural differences, FACA Clothing delivers a look that is in essence both, individual and universal. At its very core, their designs are artistic expressions through fashion. The artists at FACA Clothing are dedicated to creating t-shirts of the highest quality and striking design.
FACA is a Miami fashion house and every article of FACA Clothing is individually handcrafted in Miami. It is their aim to retain that personal connection with each piece of clothing produced and released to the customer.
You can currently find FACA – An International Affair in high-end boutiques and boutique chains in Miami, NYC, ATL at The Fashion Industry (www.thefashionindustryatlanta.com), and London – UK. They have recently partnered up with a prominent showroom in NYC and a distributor in Europe.
Whether wearing a sports coat in Palm Beach or sporting bare feet in Monte Carlo, fashion is An International Affair.
www.facaclothing.com
www.shopfaca.com
About Stokeswood
The electracoustic band, Stokeswood released their debut album, "Carassia," in April of 2009 and have since undergone a "caterpillar-to-butterfly" type metamorphosis, pushing their deeply layered sound into a realm of dance-beat-laden, synthesized indie rock. They return to the studio in May of 2010 to record their much anticipated follow up album, "Neon White"
"Stokeswood is a marvel to watch, as they switch between instruments, giving up their spot on keys, synths and guitar like a game of musical chairs, all the while keeping up an irresistible, danceable backbone to the imaginative melodies and powerhouse, gut-wrenching vocals of Adam Patterson. The band undeniably owns the room with their unique unpredictable sound, expressive beats and high-energy presence. The new songs were infused with confidence in a sound that can only really be called Stokeswood’s.." - Performer Mag (www.performermag.com)
"Stokeswood’s sound is full of sonically integrated electric and acoustic guitar, piano, organ, synth and percussion. Their songs are so layered and euphonious, you’ll find yourself playing the music over and over just to catch all of the idiosyncrasies found within it." The Silver Tongue (www.thesilvertonugeonline.com)
"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." Jo Addie -Digital Gig - London (www.digitalgig.co.uk)
www.stokeswood.net
www.myspace.com/stokeswood
Be a fan on Facebook
Follow Stokeswood on Twitter
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The Dirty Word : Stokeswood
Friday, March 26, 2010 1:36:46 PM GMT+5
What up good people! It’s B-Dirty with The Dirty Word, telling you what’s hot, what’s not, what could be and what should be.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if The Killers and Coldplay had a kid and that kid grew up next door to Radiohead? Well, wonder no more because that hypothetical kid would be Atlanta’s own Stokeswood - six super-talented, multi-instrumentalist/slash vocalists who seem to do it all.
Formed about four years ago, and named after the street in east Atlanta that two of the band members lived on, the group started writing the songs that would eventually become their debut album Carassia, which was released in April 2009. Produced by local wonder boy indie producer Justin Mullinix, Stokeswood’s album serves up a healthy dose of danceable, melodic, soulful, rock that pulls you in and makes you an instant fan.
Throw into the mix a high energy live show where the guys might take the stage dressed in bunny outfits or looking like pimps who escaped from the ‘80s and it’s easy to see why they’re always the coolest cats in the room. Stokeswood is the band your girlfriend loves and you secretly wish you could be in. For a body moving good time, do yourselves a favor and check out the good young men of Stokeswood - you’ll be glad you did.
Want more Stokeswood? Check them at Facebook.com/Stokeswood for show schedule and more information
Live Review: Mobley, Stokeswood, Attention System @ The Highland Inn Ballroom
March 19, 2010 · Print This Article
The Moon and Pluto did it again, March 11th at The Highland Inn Ballroom, by setting a stage for the audience and the talent to gently collide their worlds into a bounce of melodic harmony.
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Next up was Stokeswood; this was my second time seeing the group of musicians who have managed to not only invent their own dress code but their own style of music. I simply cannot define Stokeswood’s genre but they never disappoint and always leave me with a Stokeswoody. The band greeted the crowd with a bunny-masked member that seemed to have leaped straight out of Donnie Darko. Lead guitarist, Mark Godwin drew a black bandit strap around his eyes, which began to smear with the sweat dripping off his face; a definite sign of the intensity of their performance. During several songs, the percussionist, and then the vocalist, stepped off of the stage to play not just to the crowd, but within it. I realized at this show that they are outgrowing the bars, clubs and small venues and the large arenas are awaiting their arrival. A Stokeswood show always becomes an exercise of musical aerobics and melodic acrobatics.......
Judas Moon, Contributor
Natalie Ray – Photos
Todd Crowe – PhotosStokeswood:
Photo by Todd Crowe
Photo by Todd Crowe
Photo by Todd Crowe
Stokeswood at the Drunken Unicorn
When Stokeswood took the stage last month to open up for Jungol at the Drunken Unicorn, they did so with finesse...and then brought the walls down; subjecting the audience to an onslaught of melody and spacey, funk infused rock and role...and then the crowd was a movin. Stokeswood was energetic, sharp and on point the entire show. The variety of instruments and musical elements they introduce during their shows exudes expertise and sophistication while the mix of sounds and concepts create a soaring and light aura around the entire room. This was my second time seeing Stokeswood since their debut full length titled Carassia release show just short of a year ago, and they have progressed marvelously. The videos speak for themselves...
Stokeswood brings to the stage a level of pragmatic maturity that makes the difference between "going somewhere" and "headed nowhere." They redefined themselves with Carassia and have kept the momentum going since, and they're not stopping. They have a number of shows this month and last around Atlanta and surrounding areas. You can find their entire show calendar at Stokeswood on myspace.