Victory Signs Chicago's 1997[views:1510][posts:0]______________________________________ [Oct 31,2006 2:07pm - the_reverend ""] Victory Records announces the signing of Chicago's 1997, whose purpose as a band according to guitarist Caleb Pepp is simple: "We want to make music that my younger brothers and sisters would enjoy, and inspire other kids into listening to and making their own good music." "We don't want to be the next fad band," bassist Allan Goffinski adds. "We want our music to last and stand the test of time." Although the quintet, who grew up in suburban Chicago, aren't exactly grizzled veterans, they started getting into various bands as young teenagers and have been playing non-stop ever since. Previously, the members of 1997 had played in bands ranging from pop-rocksters October Fall and metalcore screamers Funeral Etiquette to emo suburban legends Constance. When they finally got together in October of 2005, it was as if, notes singer Kevin Thomas, "five best friends had finally found our musical niche." But what an intoxicating niche that is! Effortlessly blending passionate rock power with effervescent pop harmonies and melodies, the music of 1997 evokes favorable comparisons to bands as diverse as Jimmy Eat World, The Promise Ring and 10,000 Maniacs. Make no mistake about it, 1997 worked hard and long to create their unique sound. They spent a good six months working on their music before they stepped out on a stage for the first time together. Once they did that, however, it set in motion a passionate local following and the interest of Victory Records, one of the country's top independent labels. Why did Victory sign 1997? Victory owner Tony Brummel said, "1997 are comprised of the same underground rock chromosomes that are part and parcel of the root system that constitutes the overall DNA of the Victory Family Tree. They are a natural fit to our roster in our quest to be the best rock record label on the planet. Like so many of our other great artists 1997 have that special, indescribable 'chill' that can only be felt and not conveyed in words. That 'chill' is what makes them more intriguing and unique than the mainstream pabulum that the powers that be are programming. Their music is a singer/songwriter hybrid of folksy rock yet they are a five-piece band with keys and interchanging male/female vocals. The fact that Kerri and Caleb are husband and wife, and the band as a unit is five best friends, synergizes into the creation of music that can do nothing but immediately infect the deepest regions of your heart and soul. Now, it is up to us to get 1997's music exposed and hopefully bring something meaningful and uplifting to people's lives." 1997 are: Kevin Thomas - Vocals; Caleb Pepp - Guitar, Vocals; Kerri Pepp - Keys, Vocals; Alan Goffinski - Bass, Backing Vocals; and Nick Coleman - Drums. http://www.myspace.com/nineteenninetyseven |