the Philippians
Goodnite Life
© 2006 Brake Records (842994003519)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
This album incorporates soaring vocals, dynamic acoustic performances, electronic elements and esoteric samples culled from everyday Los Angeles life. Inspired by a city that provides a hint of promise on the razor’s edge of despair.
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notes
Los Angeles, Calif., August 6, 2006 – Brake Records is proud to announce the release of the Philippians’ debut CD, Goodnite Life. The genre-defying electronic production marks the first release for both the band—comprised of California natives Cory Nitta and Zak Mering—and the label, headed by Ean Sumner.
The Philippians bring a new dimension to today’s electronic music scene by applying their distinctive computer-based production techniques to organic sounds. Goodnite Life incorporates soaring vocals, dynamic acoustic performances, electronic elements and esoteric samples culled from everyday Los Angeles life. Inspired by a city that provides a hint of promise on the razor’s edge of despair, the Philippians coax heartwarming, uplifting melodies from their assortment of cutting-edge music creation tools.
The Philippians embody the new generation of musicians who take on production responsibilities in addition to songwriting and playing instruments. Nitta and Mering recorded the entire album on their PC, with the help of advanced yet affordable tools by companies like M-Audio and Ableton. Mering begins by sampling the sounds of his environment in high resolution via the M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 and then arranging the sounds in Ableton Live. Nitta then layers his own vocals and performances on acoustic instruments including hammer dulcimer, harp, keys, guitar, bass and drums with orchestral sounds from libraries.
“The Philippians have something new to offer today’s electronic music landscape,” says Ean Sumner, founder and CEO of Brake Records. “In addition to effectively melding the electronic with the organic, the Philippians deliver a unique message of hope that’s notably absent in most music created in this town. The Philippians have taken the dark and mysterious elements of Los Angeles and twisted them into a story of beauty in the midst of survival and chronic depression. The music expresses the great enchantment of art and creation for art’s sake, while maintaining a wide appeal.”
“Beyond creating something that sounds unique in terms of fresh production, we want our melodies to communicate a very specific message,” explains Nitta. “When someone listens to our music, we want them to feel uplifted and reassured, like they’re floating up to heaven or falling in love. To accomplish this, we use real, organic instruments in a way that will speak to everyone—from ardent electronica fans to techno neophytes.”
Goodnite Life is currently available for purchase at http://www.philippiansmusic.com.
About the Philippians
The Philippians came together in 2004, after Cory Nitta and Zak Mering were introduced by mutual friends while living in San Diego. The two passionate electronic musicians instantly saw the potential to collaborate, though their official partnership didn’t begin until they had both relocated to Los Angeles. Living in a small Hollywood apartment, they started making music around the clock.
Hailing from Ridgecrest, Calif., Nitta cites his mother as the primary impetus for his lifelong pursuit of music. Influenced by her love of the harp and guitar, Nitta started with the piano and quickly moved on to the guitar, bass and harp. After playing in a variety of local bands, Nitta left Ridgecrest in pursuit of broader opportunities to produce and perform music.
Born in Los Angeles to a family of musicians, Mering landed briefly in Northern California before relocating to the East Coast. As a teenager living outside Philadelphia, Mering developed an appreciation for Madlib, Prefuse 73, Daedelus and a variety of underground hip hop artists, which ultimately compelled him to start creating on his own computer-based music. After graduating from high school, Mering moved back to California to start a career in music.
reviews
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Top 5 electronic albums of the year...
author: Nate CaouettePure Substance. Unadulterated to the finest virtual orchestral powder. Thank you for your continued progress in breaking down the barriers between analog and digital. A truly fine piece of art.
good work fellas
author: charles ashleyGreat album...glad I picked it up. My favorites are tracks 3,7, and 9. Hopefully these guys make another
i must have this...
author: EWarm, analog tech pop with staccato soul!
author: T. OliverWe all know how rare it is to discover new music that rises above pretty wallpaper. What a pleasant surprise to come across these innovators... The Philippians ingeniously use highly technical production to create a visceral, warm, melodic sound. Satisfying tech pop for the mind and soul. This CD hasn't left my player since I put it in.
It's always surprising hearing what's happening in little corners of Los Angeles
author: Mark WillettIt's always surprising hearing what's happening in little corners of Los Angeles, right down the street from my house. I come across a lot of local music, but much of it is either not good or just undeveloped. Still, I listen. And then one day you'll come into your office and hear something like the Philippians coming out of your email and it's totally ridiculous. I absolutely love this song. Love it. The philippians make this delicate music that's just amazing. It fits right in with everything I've been listening to lately. I've been waking up really early lately. This is mostly due to the carwash next door, but it feels pretty natural. So when I'm sitting there at 7 a.m., doing some work, eating some breakfast, and killing some time, I like having this record along with me. Even though it's called Goodnite Life, I find this to be an exceptional morning record. Two guys in Echo Park made this record. They're more or less putting this record out themselves, and I highly recommend it. You can pick it up direct from the band off their site.