here is a theory that suggests the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking, and that each of us prefers one mode over the other. Chris Sheehan , the one-man virtuoso who is Cleveland's The Celebrity Pilots may disp [+]here is a theory that suggests the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking, and that each of us prefers one mode over the other. Chris Sheehan , the one-man virtuoso who is Cleveland's The Celebrity Pilots may disprove this theory – splitting his time between songwriting, playing keys for Bob Pollard and guitar with Doug Gillard (formerly of Guided by Voices ), and working as a NASA engineer who designs International Space Station E xperiments.
This combination of left-brain logic and right-brain artistry has produced the Celebrity Pilots debut CD Beneath the Pavement, A Beach!, a lush, timeless pop vision, to be released on Sunken Treasure Records on September 13, 2005. "The 'math' side of my brain helps in the composition stage of my music” says Sheehan, “but ultimately I'm striving to create songs that are interesting on an emotional level.”
Recorded with eccentric producer/drummer/bassist Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Gem) at Waterloo Studios in Kent , OH , Beneath the Pavement… stretches the boundaries of the typical indie-pop palette and highlights Sheehan's pop sensibilities as well as his broad musical vocabulary. From breezy pop gems, to jangly rockers, to intimate 4-track inventions, to elaborate studio productions, Beneath the Pavement… gives nods to a wealth of influences such as The Zombies, The Beach Boys, The Smiths, Ben Folds, E lliot Smith, and Wilco.
“I'm very interested in soundscaping a song,” Sheehan says. “I've arranged the songs on the record with a sort of wall of sound approach. I'm not too particular about the fidelity of recording - I love the organic sounds of those old soul records from the 60s distorted vocals, bass high in the mix things you'd never hear on mainstream radio today.”
Although Beneath the Pavement… is Sheehan's debut as a solo songwriter, he is no stranger to the craft, and his indie rock resume includes stints with The All Golden (with whom he shares songwriting and singing duties), indie media darlings The Witch Hazel Sound , touring with Doug Gillard, and session work with Bob Pollard.
Sheehan says he's been inspired by all of the musicians he's worked with. “After watching Pollard crank out 20-some tunes in a few days I thought it was time I just give it a go and get out some of my own songs.” The Celebrity Pilots will tour as a full band to support Beneath the Pavement… in the fall.
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