Stokeswood: Playing Secret Shows to Test New Material

“Being on a label means nothing, unless they can do something for you. You don’t need a label for distribution anymore.”

Most bands survive by evolving over time, but the ones that last beyond a trend are those who constantly reinvent themselves. Atlanta-based Stokeswood have effortlessly tapped into this recipe for success in the fickle and wavering world of music. Stokeswood doesn’t abide by the notion of “stick to what works.” Instead, the sextet is willing to try anything and makes it all work by injecting their charisma and infectious vivacity into every musical metamorphosis it can muster.

From the studio to the stage, Stokeswood remains sublimely unpredictable, venturing throughout acoustic, electronic, soul, and dance rock territories that seem to fit any of the multiple stage personas conjured up by the band. Costumes and spontaneity are alluring, but it’s Stokeswood’s characteristic traits that stand out, particularly the magnificent and soul-gripping vocals of Adam Patterson and the effervescent raw energy produced by the collaborative creative force of each Stokeswood member.

“The problem is that Adam [Patterson] is so very good,” says electric guitarist Mark Godwin sarcastically about the cohesive musicianship of the group. Godwin and Patterson started the band over seven years ago. Since then, they have continuously transformed their aesthetic by adding to their clan, bringing in broad influences from Reed Irvine (piano, synth, bass) and drummer Jon Joiner. The newest members, Justin Mullinix (bass, keys, sampler) and Megg Serrano (back-up vocals, sampler, keys) have been two of the most influential in bringing a fresh approach to the kaleidoscopic Stokeswood repertoire.

Before joining the band, Mullinix worked with Stokeswood as producer on the band’s first album, Carassia. He also introduced the Stokeswood boys to Megg Serrano during the recording of their second full-length. She originally came in to add a feminine counterpart for just one song. “This is the absolute most perfect voice for this,” says Mullinix of Serrano’s sweet, yet powerful delivery. The rest of the guys agreed and without hesitation Stokeswood swooped her up as a full-time band member, realizing her vocal range worked brilliantly on many of the other songs being worked out in the studio at the time.

Stokeswood kept up a relentless schedule of gigs and studio sessions for most of the past year, culminating in the unveiling of In the Field of the Vibrations in the spring of 2011. The group took an entirely new approach on the recordings for this album. “Instead of writing the songs live and then rehearsing them and then recording them, we wrote the songs while recording and then had marathon practices to pick parts,” says Irvine, adding, “We threw caution to the wind and didn’t worry about how we’d reproduce it live.” Bringing Mullinix in as a band member gave Stokeswood a unique opportunity to experiment with sound during songwriting. “Justin’s [Mullinix] involvement as producer has helped our sound,” reveals Joiner. “We can bring in individual ideas, that by themselves can’t be songs, but Justin can put them together.” Mullinix’s ability to arrange songs and work Pro Tools to create intricate samples helped manifest a genuinely artistic album with a fierce electronic edge.

In the Field of the Vibrations is fully exhilarating with whirling noise, intensity, and intriguing poetic verses. Much of the magic experienced throughout the album stems from Patterson’s vocal tenacity and storyline lyrics. The band members spoke in awe of Patterson’s aptitude as a lyricist and songwriter. “Adam sat there in one take, without knowing he was being recorded, singing and playing a guitar that wasn’t even tuned – and that made it on the album,” explains Mullinix. Several of the songs on the new album feature the original vocals and melody that Patterson came up with off the cuff. Mullinix further reflects, “Some of the very first moments he came up with the melody and the line made it to the end, and we were like, ‘That’s the chorus!’”

In the Field of the Vibrations diverts from the predominantly organic essence on Stokeswood’s first album, Carassia, which highlighted the acoustic guitar work of Patterson with accents of electric guitar and keyboard on imaginative and danceable melodies. However, the new album doesn’t veer off in a completely new direction. Instead, the acoustic and electric have just traded places for the dominant roles onIn the Field of the Vibrations. This subtle difference gave Stokeswood the opportunity to delve into more innovative musical terrains.

Not only did Stokeswood switch gears after their first album, but they also took an inventive approach to testing out the new direction, which began to emphasize the electronic-dance sphere, as opposed to the frantic acoustic guitar. Stokeswood became Neckbeard for a short time, in order to perform their newest material in a live setting and inconspicuously gauge the audience’s reaction. Not surprisingly, the band received raving responses from the unsuspecting folks at the Neckbeard shows. This was enough to let the band know that they were on to something.

With newfound confidence in the band’s sonic transformation, Stokeswood left the Neckbeard alter-ego behind. The Stokeswood boys eagerly set up a grueling schedule of shows, primarily between Atlanta and Miami, where they found a home away from home. The energetic dance vibe transmitted through an animated live performance attracted many Miami club-hoppers, including Galena Mosovich, who swiftly began booking and promoting Stokeswood all around Miami’s club scene. In a town where DJs outnumber bands, Stokeswood began enticing the club crowds by bringing the dance experience through real instruments and an impassioned stage presence.

The stage is where Stokeswood shines most brightly. “We want to be innovative. Everything for us is about not doing the norm. But then the unique stuff becomes the norm,” says Patterson. This drives Stokeswood to constantly push beyond the parameters of comfort, aspiring to remain original and engaging. “Anything that’s awesome goes,” adds Irvine. Stokeswood often implements a theme to their shows, urging the audience to play along while they dress up as superheroes or robots. The band also refuses to shy away from atypical venues. Instead, Stokeswood thrives on owning the room in any environment, playing in dive bars, hotels, posh and sophisticated nightclubs, and run-down strip clubs. “We like to do weird things and concept shows while making it entertaining, making it an experience. It’s not an option to just show up and do the conventional band thing,” says Irvine.

Stokeswood also chose an unconventional approach for the release of In the Field of the Vibrations. The usual method for self-releasing an album includes making it available through standard distribution websites (i.e. iTunes, CD Baby), offering physical copies at shows and celebrating with an official release party.  Stokeswood instead chose to throw a listening party poolside on the rooftop of the W Hotel Downtown in Atlanta and then later at The Stage in Miami, where the group performed the album live in its entirety. There were no physical CDs to buy, but the band gave out download cards, which was the only way for fans to access the new release. This bought the band some production time, at the same time appeasing eager fans vying for a copy of the new music. The download cards now offer a limited edition version of the album, and the final physical album will be released after mixing is completed by renowned producer Billy Hume (Nelly, Rehab, Nas) at his Atlanta studio, The Zone.

There is no interest, on Stokeswood’s part, in getting with a record label. The group has been functioning independently since the start, and though they’ve partnered up with Galena Mosovich for management and publicity and recently signed a contract with Nimbleslick Entertainment to book an upcoming national tour, the guys have resisted any ties with a label. Godwin clarifies, saying, “Being on a label means nothing, unless they can do something for you. You don’t need a label for distribution anymore.”

Stokeswood marvelously caters to a myriad of musical tastes, mainly because the group implements such a variety of means to entertain. Mullinix sums it up, saying, “I always thought of Stokeswood as similar to My Morning Jacket, but not musically speaking. We’re teetering on this pyramid of a few different sounds and genres and our shows can please an indie rock crowd, a hippie crowd, a rock crowd, or an electronic dance crowd.” Indeed, it’s not hard to enjoy Stokeswood.

Trip In the Field of Vibrations With Stokeswood at the Stage July 30By Margaux Herrera Thu., Jul. 21 2011 at 8:00 AM Categories: Heads Up ​

When someone, like Stokeswood band leader and lead guitarist Mark Godwin, tells you that his musical influences range from "Aretha Franklin to The Whitest Boy Alive," you kinda have to stop and wonder. But just like Oreos and peanut butter, sometimes weird-as-hell combinations work.

The Georgia band has been making Miami its second home for a while now. "When our sound started evolving to more of a danceable monster, our popularity in the 305 started taking off. So we just went with it," says Godwin. "Miami feels like home to us now. We have such an amazing group of friends and fans there. And we have played some of the best music of our life, sweating in that tropical heat."

And coming out this fall, Stokeswood's new album, In the Field of Vibrations, will feature more of the cool and trippy indie music that we Miamians have come to love. As lead vocalist Adam Patterson explains: "We were trying to convey a sense of surrealism and seriousness built around an electronic sound."

Stokeswood as part of Soul Fest Weekend. Saturday, July 30. The Stage, 170 NE 38th St., Miami. Doors open at 9 p.m. and admission costs $5. Call 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com.

This Saturday, May 21st at 10 p.m., Stokeswood returns to Miami to launch their second album, In the Field of the Vibrations, and they will perform at the The Stage in the Design District. The Atlanta-based electro-acoustic band was formed in 2004 by lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player Adam Patterson and lead electric guitarist Mark Godwin. The five-piece also comprises a drummer, keyboardist and bass player. Stokeswood’s independently released its debut album, Carassia, in 2009. Stokeswood’s second album, In the Field of the Vibrations,  showcases a vocal-centric aesthetic and an array of synthesizers and guitars that are illuminated by infectious dance beats. During the course of my interview with Stokeswood, we discussed what makes the band unique and what it is like to collaboratively put an album together with so many members. We also talked about what the band likes to eat before they perform.

Stokeswood. | Photo courtesy of Lauren Vereen

Neil de la Flor: What does music mean to you?  

Stokeswood: Oxygen.

ND: I love oxygen, too, but what qualities distinguish Stokeswood from other “killer electro-acoustic” rock bands?

SW: Our ability to put on an intense live show that is both sonically representative of our recorded music and a separate piece of art all together certainly allows us to stand out. I think we’ve found a really unique way of blending the line between electronic and acoustic music. We cross the line so often and, in such a seamless manner, we find ourselves thinking there is no longer a line. And Adam’s incredible voice doesn’t hurt either.

 

ND: Is there one element that unifies the sound or musicality of the band? Is it a combination? If so, how are the parts weighed and woven together?

SW: What really defines a “Stokeswood” song is Adam’s voice. On our first album, Carassia, we jumped all over the board as far as genres go, and what brought it all together was his unmistakable voice. The same goes for our new album, In the Field of the Vibrations. We’ve clearly defined a style of music that we are playing, even though you could still say we jump around quite a bit. But, it is Adam’s voice that makes Stokeswood recognizably Stokeswood.

As far as weighing musical parts, when writing and recording our latest album we made the decision early on to make the best piece of art possible. So, we didn’t say, “OK, all five of us need to play our main instrument on every song.” Rather, lets play what is best for each song and ultimately for the album as a whole. And that’s exactly what we did. The resulting live show has us running all over the stage switching instruments between every song in a carefully planned game of musical chairs.

ND: Musical chairs, brilliant. What’s it like to work together to create an album?

SW: So to basically continue where I left off, it’s tough because you have to listen to the opinion of every member in the band, and they’re naturally very different at times. Those differences usually spark other unified ideas that wouldn’t have been thought of before. In other words, it’s amazing, bewildering, frustrating and intense.

ND: Are you influenced by technology or nature? How and in what ways?

SW: We don’t think that it’s mutually exclusive. We are influenced by everything around us. This is especially true with In the Field of the Vibrations.  We have a reoccurring theme within the album called “forest face,” which appears four times throughout the album. Not to get into my interpretations of the lyrics, for we like to leave that to the listener, the musical concept brings you from stripped-down a cappella vocals and claps to one guitar and one voice to full-on band and, finally, to just electronics and vocals — all the while introducing your ears to sounds that could be either from nature or algorithms. Again, it’s bleeding the line between electronic/technology and acoustic/nature.

 

Stokeswood. | Photo courtesy Chris Gill

 

ND: Can you reveal the sonic details about In the Field of the Vibrations, Stokeswood’s highly anticipated and long-overdue sophomore album? What should we expect?

SW: Expect to dance, smile, think and then dance some more.

ND: Who are the bands or soloists you respect and why?

SW: Radiohead, because they’ve continued to try new approaches to their craft during the entirety of their career and have done so with the utmost integrity. Musical influences are the driving force of inspiration behind all the music we write. In Reed Irvine [keyboardist] words, ‘Without bands like The Notwist, The Whitest Boy Alive, Kunek, Ghostland Observatory, Brazilian Girls and many more, there is no way we would have been able to write some of the songs we did. This carries over to live performance as well. Seeing my first Ghostland set changed forever my expectations of live performance, whereas hearing Erlend Øye, lead singer/co-songwriter of The Whitest Boy Alive and The Kings of Convenience, forever changed something in me and the way I think about music when sitting down to write. About seven years ago, I started getting into electronic indie music and an album called Neon Golden by a German band [called] The Notwist. It opened my mind to an extreme, yet tactful, crossover from acoustic to electronic. Even more recently, bands like Passion Pit and Vampire Weekend helped me understand how to achieve pop sensibility without it sounding generic or overdone.’ Hopefully, we will be that influence to other bands and the cycle will continue. One other point is that we are all most influenced by the people we spend the most time with. My wife, my child and my band family are my biggest supporters and influences. Without them, everything would be without purpose. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded with a group of people that are all extremely talented musicians and writers. And the single most important influence on our music is most certainly each other.

Listen to “Understandably So” from the new album In the Field of the Vibrations.

ND: For young or old musicians who want to break into the art of electroacoustic rock, what would you suggest?

SW: If you’re going to make music that gets people to lose their shell and go a little nuts out on the dance floor, don’t be too cool — break it down on stage as well.

ND: Where will Stokeswood be in 10 years?

SW: With the prospects of movie and commercial placement at our door, we would have to project that we’ll be everywhere. And with the exponential growth rate of technology, we may literally have the ability to be everywhere.

ND: And, most importantly, what does the band eat before a performance?

SW: Whatever is free.

Stokeswood invented a legend with their debut album, Carassia. This planetary myth revolved around Pure Notes, GZ Monsters, and chickens, while the music stuck to poetic melodies on an electroacoustic foundation. Now the band has planted their feet for the jump into the sequel. In the Field of the Vibrations is Stokeswood’s second full-length (due out May 21).

 

Since Carassia was first unveiled in 2009, Stokeswood has made Miami its home away from home. Landing residencies at posh clubs and becoming immersed in the Miami nightlife circuits has contributed to the evolution of the band’s sound on this sophomore release, which emphasizes the electronic dance beats, without losing the acoustic aesthetic or the lyrics.

“Miami is a town that has no bands,” Patterson says. “It only has DJs and everyone is impressed when you can put on a good show and make people dance, and not just press play or fade something over. People want to see you sweating on stage and acting crazier than they are. People don’t want to be the only fools in the room. If we go ahead and act that out, then they can go ahead and lose their minds.”

Patterson along with bassist Justin Mullinix, drummer, Jon Joiner, keyboardist Reed Irvine and guitarist Mark Godwin serve as the core of the group’s lineup, and getting good gigs that pay extremely well with V.I.P service is just one reason that Stokeswood has been spending more time playing Miami than Atlanta over the last few years.

Their motivation to stay in Miami also stems from the band’s wild reception. “We are not above just losing it,” Patterson adds. “In Miami they really give that back. If you want to talk about the reason Atlanta is not like that, it’s because people are so afraid of not looking cool. People don’t want to be the stand out in the crowd. If you’re the guy losing his mind in the front row then yeah, that guy gets it. At the end of the night, you want to have a blast,” he adds. “Atlanta — I love it and I hate it. People only go see their friend’s bands. And maybe not tonight, because they’ll play again next week.”

The group also benefits from the international exposure that a tourist-saturated city like Miami has to offer. “You don’t get paid based on draw in Miami, you get a guarantee because people are coming,” Godwin says. Though the band lusts for Miami, home is where the heart is. "We love Atlanta, " Irvine says. "I feel like we're a good representation of an Atlanta band, because it's a weird scene here, and we're a weird band."

The album’s official release date is May 21, but the band is hosting a listening party at the W Atlanta Downtown on Sat., May 7. This poolside affair will set you back a cool $20. It lasts from 6-10 p.m. and there will be complimentary cocktails before the band hits the stage to play In the Field of the Vibrations in its entirety.

SWEET RELEASE

An Album Release Party at a Rooftop Pool

After the dust settles at the Downs, you’ll want to slip into something a bit more... rooftop-friendly and head to the 16th floor of the W Downtown. That’s where local band Stokeswood will unleash their electroacoustic fury with a poolside performance complete with gratis welcome cocktails. So, basically, get a room.

Read more: http://www.urbandaddy.com/atl/weekender/13127/The_Weekender_A_Poolside_Concert_Competitive_Seersuckering_and_Mom_Atlanta_ATL#ixzz1Ny1WtzJS

Miami - May 19, 2011

The Weekend Guide

Miami Events and Diversions

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Let the rhythm move you.

HEAR
Stokeswood Album Release Party
What: The electro-acoustic rock band from Atlanta celebrates its second album with a group of Miami-based artists.
Why: Roxanne Vargas of NBC Miami hosts; phenom Panic Bomber spins; Music Matters Productions turns on the light show.
When: Sat., 10 p.m.
Where: The Stage, 170 NE 38th St., Design District (305-576-9577). Advance tickets ($20) at wantickets.com.

Georgia. Home to R.E.M., Otis Redding, Ray Charles... and Stokeswood. The Atlanta band stops by to debut their second album, In the Field of the Vibrations, at the Stage. No, they will not play “Georgia on My Mind.”

Read more: http://www.urbandaddy.com/mia/weekender/13307/The_Weekender_Burgers_Massages_and_Marine_Biology_Miami_MIA#ixzz1Nxzaeq1I

Atlanta-based electro-acoustic band Stokewsood will debut their second album tomorrow night (11 PM) at The Stage in the Design District. The band has become a regular on the Miami scene spending the past year playing some of the most popular venues in the city, including the W South Beach, The Florida Room at Delano, Vagabond, The Standard and Bardot. Saturday night they’ll celebrate their sophomore album, In the Field of the Vibrations, with a light show by Music Matters Productions and a DJ set by Panic Bomber. All ticket holders at Saturday’s show will be gifted with the new album—via a download code for the band’s website—upon arrival. 170 NE 38th St.; wantickets.com

Well-known in Miami’s nightlife scene for their sets at the W, Florida Room and Bardot, Atlanta band Stokeswood is coming back to the city for a special performance at The Stage on Saturday, May 21. What’s so special about it? The guys have chosen Miami for a preview concert highlighting songs from their second album, In The Field of the Vibrations (in stores this weekend). Audiences can expect the same brand of electroacoustic rock that put the band on the music map, a light show by Music Matters Productions and a special guest DJ set by Panic Bomber. Show starts at 10pm: Looks like you’re staying up late. Tickets $20. The Stage, 170 N.E. 38th St., Miami, 305.576.9577, wantickets.com/events

Stokeswood Dish on Popovers and Getting Naked

Give these guys a popover, and a freezing pool, and you may get a killer song out of it.

It's no surprise southern boys do well in the Magic City -— usually all it takes is just one spoken syllable of a southern accent (typically foreign in these parts) and we Miamians swoon. But when you add a killer sound to that? Well, that's just game over.

This could be one of the reasons Atlanta-based Stokeswood has had no trouble adjusting to our geographically deep south city. Another is their signature electroacoustic sound, which the fivesome, led by vocalist and acoustic guitar player Adam Patterson and lead electric guitarist Mark Godwin, have been blaring everywhere from W South Beach and Bardot to their regular monthly gig at The Betsy's B Bar. 

Now on the cusp of dropping their second studio album in February, the group has set their sights on new Design District live music hub The Stage, where they return to headline the grand opening shindig tonight. But before that, we asked Godwin what really inspires Stokeswood -- and were surprised to find popovers made such an impact. (Hey, we suppose you can take the boys out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the boys).

1. Getting naked. "That's definitely one, and sometimes just jumping in the ocean."

2. The stage at The Stage. "[A previous performance there] was one the best shows we've ever played. We love that venue."

3. Daniel Wills, sound expert. "He's the best music connoisseur we've ever met. He was at Bardot, and now over at Wynwood Walls. He makes us sound perfect."

4. The Cold Plunge at The Standard. "The water is like 35 degrees and shocks your body. It's invigorating and gets us pumped up."

5. The popovers at BLT Steak at The Betsy Hotel. "Whenever we set up for a gig at The Betsy there is someone handing these out, and we love the accent the server uses when he gives them to us."

6. Fans. "The beautiful people in our fan base that come down and dance to every show. Our Miami fans are the best in the country."

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."

BY Elizabeth Newman // Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 10:25 EDT

Stokeswood at The Bad Manor and Carassia Album Review

Filed Under: Music, Review, Win by ryandom — Leave a comment

05/17/2010

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 – Photos

Stokeswood:

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.