Chicago-based five-piece rock band Vintage Blue (formerly known as Tanglewood) will be releasing its debut full-length record, Strike The Mics, on February 14, 2012. The new album is the follow-up to their 2010 debut recording, California Road, a seven-track EP. For the Strike The Mics sessions, Vintage Blue enlisted producer Jamie Candiloro (The Eagles, Luscious Jackson, Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams), who not only ensured a sparkling, 13-track-strong sonic result, but also drove the band to write their most concise, structurally impactful songs to date. “Absolutely every ounce of our love of music was poured into Strike The Mics,” says singer/guitarist Ben Bassett. “Our passion was drawn out by our producer Jamie Candiloro who demanded nothing but the best, and found unique, odd and hilarious ways to bring out our talents.”
One of the key factors underlying Vintage Blue’s strengths as an original rock act is the dual writing tandem of Bassett and singer/guitarist Ryan Tibbs, who each pen and sing their own respective material. Both recently single after long-term relationships, Bassett and Tibbs admit that affairs of the heart dominate much of their lyrical content, with a range of emotions from blissful to vitriolic. Bassett’s “Speak,” the first track that will be released from the forthcoming album, plumbs the idea of recognizing love and not quite being able to get it, while “Just Breathe,” another Bassett-penned track, reminds listeners of the importance of letting things fall into place: stepping back, taking a breath, and trusting that things will work. Tibbs’ “What Lies” is based on the idea of two people who don’t really know each other, yet who are swept up in a beautiful place for a very short period of time.
www.vintagebluemusic.com
