CD REVIEW
After many months of chasing this unit down I finally got to reach them! All in good timing! They just released their 1st 2004 self titled debut and I'm glad I waited!
This C.D is beutifully laid out and the songs are structured perfectly! Ambient but hautingly seductive. The voice carries the music very well, not strong but very soothing and emotional. The higlights of the release are "Stay" "Idyll" and "Lay Down". This release can be compared to a dark version of the group Delerium. Also what was unexpected in this CD was the eperimental/instrumental vibes later on in this release. No complaints here other then the mastering (could just be me) This CD is a must get! - VM
Ever gives V.M.U the pleasure to interview them!
VMU: Hey how's it going?
E: Things are going great! We currently just finished our first album which is exciting. It is so great to be at this point with our music.
VMU: Could you tell us where your from and who's the current line up?
E: We are originally from Albuquerque, NM, but we have lived in the Bay Area for about 2 1/2 years now. Michelle, my wife is the vocalist for EVER, and I create the music.
VMU: How did "EVER" start?
E: Well, I have always had a heart for music, but never really had the time to delve into my own project. When we moved out here to San Francisco for my film school and Michelle's masters, I finally felt freed up to do music. I don't know, one day I was making a track and I asked Michelle if she thought she could sing to it. That's kinda how it started. That is the beauty of electronic music. I don't have 5 other band members that have to agree with what I'm doing.
VMU: How many releases have you put out and who produced them?
E: We just received our first real release. We are still a completely independent band, meaning no label, so everything has been created and pushed by us. Currently the only place our album is being sold is on our website www.evermusic.net. Joey Belville of the Echoing Green is our producer. He is an awesome man, an awesome musician, and one of my best friends. Also, Brian Hazard of 11th Records mastered the album.
VMU: What compilations have you been on?
E: We have been on Automata 6, WXJL III, Automata 7, and Lunar Eclipse.
VMU: Could you tell us what gear you use? (in detail)
E: I am using an Apple 15" Power Book 1.5 Ghz with 1 Gb RAM. Logic 6 pro, Reason 2.5, a Yamaha Pacifica guitar, and an M-Audio Oxygen 8 keyboard. Once you go Mac you never go back.
VMU: Were your recordings done digital or analog? (if computer what programs)
E: Digital, mainly everything in Logic.
VMU: Who are your guy's musical influences?
E: There is a lot. NIN, Bjork, Prayer Chain, Ben Folds, Danny Elfman, Vince Guaraldi, Switchfoot, The Dust Brothers, The Beastie Boys, The Rat Pack, and U2 to name a few.
VMU: What do you express in your lyrics?
E: As we wrote this album we really had the words 'longing' and 'desire' in mind. We feel so impressed by the depth and mystery of God's love. It is alluring and attractive.
VMU: How do you feel about the mainstream music scene and over seas?
E: Music cycles, so I really don't mind it. I don't always like what the radio is playing, but I understand that fads come and go. I do believe that as an artist you need to make the music you love, not what's popular. If you try to sell out to the current sound, by the time you release it, the fads already over. I also think it is important to support the venues that play music that isn't controlled by the current fad.
VMU: Do you preffer live or studio recording?
E: Our music is electronic. When I am making music, I am often just on my couch or outside. Apple laptops are awesome.
VMU: Any new recordings in the works?
E: Yes, we are hoping to complete 6 more tracks by February, and hopefully release it as an EP. We have finished two new tracks so far, and a full length Spring release would be nice, but hard to say at this point.
VMU: Do you have any side projects?
E: I am doing a couple re-mixes right now and I've been working with this band called The Innocence Crusade (www.myspace.com/theinnocencecrusade). They are emo/electronic/low-fi. They have an awesome sound, and it's fun to work in a different genre.
VMU: Any deals in the works or staying independent?
E: We would definitely like to get on a label. We have been in talks with a possible manager and we just sent off copies of our album to a bunch of labels, so we'll see. We love being independent, but I'm not anti-labels either. If a door opens, I want to at least look inside before I have to shut it.
VMU: Thanks so much for your time! Any last words?
E: Thank you Vic. Yea, I want to let you
know that we really appreciate what your doing. VM Underground is a great
opportunity for fledgling bands. Also if anyone wants to learn more about
EVER check out our site
(http://www.evermusic.net.)
and download a free track or chat with us.
VM UNDERGROUND
