American Idol Goes Prog Rock!

[District97]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jonathan, and I'm a drummer/composer from Chicago. I'm new here, and first I want to say that I have immense respect and admiration for all the pioneers of Progressive Rock/Metal, and it is daunting trying to carve out one's own niche in a genre so filled with brilliance. That being said, I thought you guys might like to check out some new music that draws much, though not all, of its inspiration from the aforementioned pioneers. Yep, I've got a Prog Rock band called District 97 (featured here on ProgArchives under Crossover Prog), and our debut album "Hybrid Child" was just released worldwide by Laser's Edge to tremendous reviews. The kicker that seperates us from any other prog band is that we feature 2007 American Idol Finalist Leslie Hunt and Chicago Symphony Orchestra virtuoso cellist Katinka Kleijn. Here are some links you guys can check out:

(Music Video)
www.district97.net (website)
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/revi...ontent&id=9610 (Sea of Tranquility review)
http://blog.billkopp.com/?p=306 (Bill Kopp review)
http://www.goldminemag.com/blogs/ame...alum-goes-prog (Goldmine article)

If you guys like what you hear, you can pick it up everywhere online for sale or download. Either way, I'd be curious to hear the thoughts of some like-minded music fans!

Jonathan
__________________
Get the CD at http://www.lasercd.com/Products/Dist...-spc-1057.aspx
www.district97.net
www.district97.bandcamp.com (free download)
www.myspace.com/district97

 

[Phanto]

1:45 - 2:45 is very good.

Rest is very boring. Main riff, chorus, uururururuhhhhhrrhk.

 

[Dark Lucidity]

1:45 - 2:45 is very good.

Rest is very boring. Main riff, chorus, uururururuhhhhhrrhk.

it's a single edit, listened to the full version and it's much better.

 

[Postulate]

I wish you success, but I don't hear any prog in here. Sounds like pop punk with a couple motifs taken from a Kaipa song.

Edit: nvm, listening to the unabridged version and there's a chunky prog instrumental in there. I dunno how well the two sounds connect though, she doesn't sound like she likes the phrasing in Termites

 

[District97]

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that our entire set from CalProg 2010 is up for download at www.district97.bandcamp.com. There's no minimum price to download, but those who donate are entitled to some very cool gifts from us (credit on the next CD, signed merch, even play on the next album!). All proceeds will go directly towards recording our next CD. Think of it as a holiday gift to the future of creative music!

Some pertinent links:
(live video from CalProg)
(Our singer Leslie Hunt talks about "Live at CalProg")

The download and gift specifics are at www.district97.bandcamp.com. Thanks!

 

[Ryan M.]

Sounds a little poppy... BUT... I LOVE the Yes influence in it. It makes it stand out unlike most music out there. Thumbs up and I wish you success. Would you consider Yes an influence? Cuz I hear it seeping through everything. Excellent.

 

[District97]

Yes is most definitely an influence.

 

[Liquid Tension]

I have to skip the 1st song on this disc because I don't want to wait for different lyrics....

Other then that the disc is good and hopefully you'll stop with the repetive lyrics in the future...

All the best!

 

[District97]

Hi folks,

Just want to let you know that we have a brand new music video for "Termites", from our 2010 Laser's Edge release, Hybrid Child. You can watch it here: . If you like it, please share it with others!

Secondly, Thursday's a great chance for any Midwesterners to come catch us when it's not past your bedtime, and it's all ages so you can bring the kids! Doors open at 6 PM, and we're on shortly thereafter. We'll be joined by the iconic German Metal band, Gamme Ray.

Thursday, February 3rd
Reggie's Rock Club (2109 S. State)
6 PM, $25, ALL AGES
District 97
Mindwarp Chamber
Act of Destruction
Atomize
Gamma Ray

For those of you hoping to see us with our cellist Katinka, fear not, she will be there. Hope to see you out, should be a fun one!

Additional News
-Here's a new interview with Jonathan for Singapore's MadAboutAsia: http://madaboutasia.com/2011/01/interview-with-jonathan-schang-of-district-97/
-Our "Live at CalProg" download is still going strong at http://district97.bandcamp.com/album/district-97-live-at-Calprog. Download a full show and get some gifts from us while you're at it!
-Follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/District-97/250928325595

 

[fire_angel]

I don't hear much prog in there sorry guys, but you definitely hit a good pop/punk niche! Keep up the great work and all the best in the future!

 

[javie]

"Not much prog"? The Termites song posted above is *extremely* prog, in the sense of constantly shifting time signatures, musical complexity and difficulty of performance. Well done. Good luck.

 

[Phanto]

I don't like it but to say there's not much prog in there is just objectively wrong.

 

[nckissfan]

sounds pretty good, I like Termites. keep up the hard work.

 

[SymphonyXV]

Honestly, I hated the vocalist, but the music is really fresh. My main problem with her is that she sounds like Katy Perry and has that kind of "heh heh imma pop star, mommy look im on tv with the movie stars" kind of look. I'm pretty sexist in general though, so my opinion should not be taken too seriously. Basically, sex appeal and prog definetely do not mix with me.

 

[Postulate]

Honestly, I hated the vocalist, but the music is really fresh. My main problem with her is that she sounds like Katy Perry and has that kind of "heh heh imma pop star, mommy look im on tv with the movie stars" kind of look. I'm pretty sexist in general though, so my opinion should not be taken too seriously. Basically, sex appeal and prog definetely do not mix with me.

At least you are honest about your prejudices.