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 The Storys's Profile |
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New Album - Town Beyond The Trees - out Feb 2008! |
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| Location: | Swansea, |
| Country: |  United Kingdom |
| Last Login: | Dec 3, 2007 (722 days back) |
About Me |
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| The Storys' self-titled debut album is OUT NOW from all good record stores and online from www.amazon.co.uk and www.hmv.co.uk . In the US, download the album now at: "Big choruses, sweet harmonies, heart and soul... The Storys are the hairiest, most melodious band of West Coast rockers this side of the Atlantic... ones to watch" - Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph The Storys are Steve Balsamo - vocals/guitar; Andy Collins - vocals/bass; Dai Smith - vocals/guitar; Rob Thompson - vocals/guitar; Brian Thomas - drums/percussion; Alan Thomas - keys/mandolin/banjo; a 6 piece 70s west-coast-influenced band from South Wales who formed in Spring 2003. With 4 singer-songwriters all taking lead vocals on different songs, their sound is both fragile and intense, underpinned by a dark lyrical edge. They can turn from tender country-tinged ballad one minute to an as-wide-as-the ocean stomp the next - in the same category as classic harmony vocal bands such as Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young and The Beatles, all of whom also had multiple singers. Formed with the intention of writing classic songs with great hooks, melodies and lyrics, their beginning was prolific with songs falling out of the sky and behind every song is a story containing characters and a soundtrack to their lives. There was a natural vocal chemistry: "Everyone would just sing a part and it would fit naturally. Nothing was worked out. We went for a 'if it sounds good, it is good' approach and kept the natural parts even though they might have been musically imperfect", says Steve. The production duties were entrusted to Dai, with co-production from Rob, and the album started its life in Rob's kitchen with Dai recording some very vibey acoustic tracks before relocating to The Hall, a converted cinema, now a social club, in one-road-in-one-road-out Glyncorrwg in the Welsh valleys. What was initially meant to be two weeks of pre-production in the main hall turned into more than six fantastic months of recording using the natural acoustics and vibe of the building and location - the locals werent afraid to tell the band if the music was bad or if it was good. They weren't the only ones to add their two pennies worth. The Hall has its own ghost, Carter, who would change the levels on the mixing desk to his liking and once, during a recording of the strings, was even caught on camera. As spring turned to summer, over thirty songs were recorded and the best eleven chosen for their debut album. By this point The Storys had come so far on their own they decided to avoid all the tested major record company routes and put out the album themselves. So with independent backing The Storys decided to set up their own label - 'Hall Recordings'. Their first gig to over seventy thousand people at The Olympic Torch Concert outside Buckingham Palace was soon followed by a support slot with Tom Jones and a series of gigs in venues such as Bush Hall and The Borderline attracting the critics' attention: "Balsamo has a truly spellbinding voice and The Storys' melodic mandolin-backed ballads and jaunty rockers should sparks some serious interest when the band's debut album is released" - Lisa Verrico, The Times In 2006, The Storys had the honour of being personally asked by Sir Elton John to support him on his UK Arena tour and also on a few European dates. The band have just finished supporting Sir Elton again on his Arena tour across the UK and Europe. The Storys' second album was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios and is due for release in February 2008 Recording at Real World Studios - April 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * Rob Thompson is the proud owner of a Campbell American Guitar (Bill Nelson signature limited edition): www.campbellamerican.com / www.myspace.com/campbellamericanguitars SIGN UP TO THE STORYS MAILING LIST! See The Storys on You Tube: www.youtube.com/thestorysuk Management: John Waller Tel: +44 20 7247 1057 / E-mail: john@johnwaller.net |
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My Interests |
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Music:Member Since: 7/8/2005Band Website: thestorys.co.uk Band Members: Steve Balsamo (vocals / guitar / songwriting) Steve loves Marshall arts (especially ultimate fighting championships), Marshall amps, Marshall Mathers, Marshall Mallows. Cooking (his father is a top local chef) - Steve has studied macrobiotic cookery as well as all types of traditional cooking. Philosophy, conspiracy theories (Steve could have written the Da Vinci Code), UFOs. He is also a pupil of Mongolian throat singer/tutor Jill Purce! Five words Steve chose to describe himself - Bossy, Happy, Childish, Kind, Bonkers. Andy Collins (vocals / bass / songwriting) Andy loves animals especially cats, he is a massive Liverpool FC fan and Beatles fanatic. Lots of local aspiring bass players come to Andy for help and advice. Vampires, history, Peter Sellers films. Reading books especially the news. Playing computer games. Sci fi. He also has a fine afro. Andy is a vegetarian. Five words Andy chose to describe himself - Annoying, Independent, Fickle, Sociable...? Dai Smith (vocals / guitar / songwriting) Dai loves collecting old obscure recording gear and instruments. Watching great films, cycling, Swedish massage, cookery, swimming, reading biographies, travelling. Loves going to gigs and going clubbing. Dai is a vegetarian. Five words Dai chose to describe himself - Eccentric, Enthusiastic, Melancholy, Deep, Shy. Rob Thompson (vocals / guitar / songwriting) Rob loves fine wines and fine food, Woody Allen films, all the latest top TV shows - Colombo and Quincy especially. Cookery showdowns - Balsamo vs. Thompson. Collecting old vinyl, cartoons and kids TV programmes. Five words Rob chose to describe himself - Happy, Honest, Dry, Diplomatic, Quiet. Brian Thomas (drums / percussion) Brian loves harrier jump jets, sport of all types especially Liverpool FC. He loves cycling, sailing. Loves going to gigs. Brian is a vegetarian. Five words Brian chose to describe himself - Punctual, Impatient, Honest, Dishonest, Suspicious. Alan Thomas (keyboards / mandolin / banjo) Alan loves learning to play as many different instruments as humanly possible. Al has also had bit parts in TV and film. He has appeared in The Vision with Lee Remick and Dirk Bogarde and Doctor Who with Sylvester McCoy. Alan is a vegetarian. Loves drinking, dislikes hangovers! Five words Alan chose to describe himself - Hot, Sexy, Fit, Hunky, Liar. Influences: Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Wilco, Grandaddy, Jeff Tweedy, The Beatles Sounds Like: The Eagles... if they had written vocal harmony murder ballads with a Welsh twist! A Glimpse at The Storys The Storys' self-titled debut album is OUT NOW from all good record stores and online from www.amazon.co.uk and www.hmv.co.uk . In the US, download the album now at: Record Label: Warners/Korova/Rykodisc Type of Label: Major |
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My Background and Lifestyle |
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| Occupation: | Music Artist (Acoustic / Country / Rock) |
My Pictures |
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My Blog |
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Supporting Elton John again - Swansea Liberty Stadium - 29 June 2008! |
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| We're really excited as Sir Elton John has asked us to support him again at his Swansea Liberty Stadium show next year - Sunday 29 June 2008! ... Posted by The Storys on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:03:00 PST |
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Supporting Joe Cocker - December 2007! |
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| Exciting news - we are thrilled to have been asked to support the legendary Joe Cocker at his 2 shows in the UK in December.
The first is on Saturday 15 December in Joe's hometown of Sheffield at the ... Posted by The Storys on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:46:00 PST |
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New Album Finished! |
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| So, the new album is now finished, fully mixed and ready to go!
It will be called "Town Beyond The Trees" and is due for release in February 2008. ... Posted by The Storys on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:44:00 PST |
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Acoustic Airwaves Gig - 5pm Friday 24 August |
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| OK people, IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!There will be NO gig at the Airport now. Apparently the council have said that the airport doesn't have a performance licence so the gig cannot go ahead. However, Ton... Posted by The Storys on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:54:00 PST |
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SXSW, Austin, Texas |
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| Well, The Storys will be at SXSW as of tomorrow!
We shall be doing shows as listed below:
Thursday 15 MarchTime: 12.30pm Acoustic set in SXSW Convention (20 mins)Venue: SESAC Day Stage Café, Upper Le... Posted by The Storys on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:21:00 PST |
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Supporting Elton John on his Summer 2007 UK tour! |
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| ...and that's another Storys! Elton John Confirms The Storys as special guest on '07 Summer Tour
The highly acclaimed six piece band from South Wales, renowned for their infectious blend of ... Posted by The Storys on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 06:28:00 PST |
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3 December 2006 - Supporting Katie Melua, Wembley Arena |
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| The Storys have been asked to support Katie Melua this Sunday at her last UK gig this year at Wembley Arena! Sorry for short notice but the band have just been told themselves.Venue: Wembley Arena, Ar... Posted by The Storys on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:03:00 PST |
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St David's Day gig announced - 1 March 2007 - Swansea Grand Theatre |
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| A first airing for those new tunes! Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJTime: 8pmTickets: £14 on sale at 9am on Friday 3 November from:Ticketline: www.ticketlinenews.co.ukTel... Posted by The Storys on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 01:09:00 PST |
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New Single "Journey's End" available to download today! |
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| The new single "Journey's End (Show Me Love) Radio Mix" comes out today as a digital download.
A digital EP is also available today for download. This EP includes limited edition 7" B sides tha... Posted by The Storys on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:33:00 PST |
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The Storys on BBC Radio 2 Tonight - On Song Festival |
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| The Storys' recent Shepherds Bush gig was recorded and excerpts will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 as part of the On Song Festival tonight, Saturday 14 October, from 9pm GMT. Link to the relevant p... Posted by The Storys on Sat, 14 Oct 2006 04:01:00 PST |
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My Friends |
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Steve Balsamo, Andy Collins, Dai Smith, ChimpanA, Tony Moore, DK Hanson, PAB, Karl Morgan, Rosalie Deighton, Margo Buchanan, Emma-Jane Thommen, Tia McGraff, WILCO, CROWDED HOUSE, Rykodisc, RykoDisc International, Real World Studios, Campbell American, Celtic Music, Derricks Music, The Bedford, Bedford Bandstand, The Regal Room, The Big Secret, eskimo, Mary, elisabeth victoria, The New Cult Heroes, Martin King & Paul Van Laere, Kaned, Mirjana Malaika, RoyElvis, Tracy A. Wheeler Photography, SCHERTLER SA, LOVE LETTERS & DEATH THREATS, Mandy, OhR, RUBYLUX, Carmen, Anne, Jacquie, janf, Carolyn, Fellaaa!!, Elke, High-Altitude, ., playgirl.(trace.)x, Ana & Carla, Orwax, Steve, Dave Miller, essy, Beverley, Sheree, Piddy, Jay Web Designer, MELLOWGOLDMINE(New Songs Nearly Done!), Rob Westall, Rose Horne, Jolanta, Kirsty, Mid Life Crisis, Debbie, Ridinghood, lionel (joeneil69), Katsuhiko Watanabe, Guitars Gold
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The Storys's profile has been tagged with the following keywords. Click a tag to search for profiles with the same tags. united kingdom, titled debut album, storys, amazon, sweet harmonies, singer songwriters, west coast, daily telegraph, music artist, acoustic country, neil mccormick, taking lead, andy collins, alan thomas, brian thomas, choruses, self titled, heart and soul, mandolin |
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