Few bands can create such an appealing and overwhelmingly unique sound, while still staying true to their musical vision. Highwater Rising is one of those rare few, and they have generated a huge buzz in the industry in just a few months.
Describ [+]Few bands can create such an appealing and overwhelmingly unique sound, while still staying true to their musical vision. Highwater Rising is one of those rare few, and they have generated a huge buzz in the industry in just a few months.
Described by KCRW host Chris Douridas ("New Ground") as "epic scale modern rock that's both melodic and bracing," Highwater Rising's music is truly their own. "I listen to mainly soul and blues," says frontman Aidan Hawken. "I don't listen to a lot of what's on the radio today," he says, citing such historic influences as Curtis Mayfield and Bob Marley. However, critics still compare the band's sound to current artists like Coldplay and U2 and more recent classic artists like Peter Gabriel and Counting Crows.
Introduced by Hawken's sister, Hawken and guitarist JJ Wiesler formed HWR in San Francisco in 1997. Once keyboardist Jason Borger joined, the band's sound really began to take shape. "We hope to make a classic album. One that will be looked back on years from today as groundbreaking," says Borger.
Such aspirations may not be far from the truth. Twelve labels are already buzzing about, including Atlantic, Interscope, Lava, Maverick, MCA and RCA , many with whom the band has already met. "Wasted Days" is currently being spun on KCRW and HWR is planning an upcoming live interview and performance on Douridas' hit show "New Ground." Even television shows like MTV's "The Real World" are abuzz with interest in using the band's songs.
Having already graced the stage at San Francisco's famous Fillmore and been hand-picked by A-list producer Eric Valentine (of Smash Mouth/Third Eye Blind fame) to record three songs in mid-June 2002, the band has retained its down to earth perspective. "We've been together for five years so the fact that all this is happening so quickly is exciting, but also a bit incredible," states Wiesler. "People are really coming from all directions supporting us...it's amazing."
Hawken adds, "It's really amazing, especially considering these are all just demos we've written and recorded in our free time."
Indeed, Highwater Rising is clearly a band on the rise.
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