The New Division began as a college dorm room project for songwriter John Kunkel back in 2005. After moving from Uruguay (where he resided for 18 years) to Southern California. Kunkel began experimenting with synthesizers after being heavily influenced by the sounds of Joy Division, New Order, and Depeche Mode. Originally, the name “New Division” was meant as an artist working title for songs that would never be released. Within a few months Kunkel developed a series of songs that attracted other fellow college students at California Baptist University. By the end of 2007, the one man New Division project had transformed into a four piece.
**My favorite track, Starfield, off their previous E.P**
Currently, The New Division is John Kunkel (vocals), Brock Woolsey (guitars), Janzie (synths), and Mark Michaslki (synths). With over 300 songs in their “demo roster,” the band is continually writing new material on a regular basis. “We believe the best way to make good music is to write a lot,” says frontman John Kunkel. “I wake up every day with fresh ideas, and I seek out sources of inspiration. Sometimes, I’ll write three songs in a day if I have the time. It’s what I love doing. It’s therapeutic.”
While Kunkel focuses on the production and songwriting aspect of the band, the other members play a vital role in developing their live performance and sound. “We used to be crappy live, I won’t lie,” says Janzie. “But we’ve come such a long way from what we used to be. Whereas before we just plugged in an ipod and pressed play for certain tracks, we’re now doing basically what Deadmau5 does with Ableton. The only difference is that we’re a four piece, we’re new wavish, and we sometimes use a live drummer [Kenny Wells].” This may be the brightest year for the band to date. Already receiving critical acclaim for “The Rookie” EP, the band has big plans and just released their first full length album – Shadows. The retro 80’s-esque vibe floats in an ambient haze with no ending in sight. I highly recommend checking out this Riverside, California band’s new-wave album – you won’t regret it!
By: Elizabeth Stene | Beat-Play Ambassador South Africa | @LizMWL | Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC
Described as making music that bridges the gap between electro-pop/new wave and supercharged indie-rock, These Electric Lives play their own brand of “melodic dance rock”. TEL’s exciting and energetic live show consistently delivers uplifting and danceable anthems fueled by an intensity of honest emotion and the powerful soaring voice of lead singer Mark Stanfield.
The Toronto, Canada based quartet began working with Juno-nominated producer João Carvalho (João Carvalho Mastering) releasing their critically acclaimed, self-titled debut EP in 2007. The underground hit “We Should Be Believing” charted regularly on college and internet radio stations around the globe. These Electric Lives’ infectious and catchy songs have become increasingly popular with DJ’s and producers in Canada, the US, and Europe, prompting the release of a TEL remix album in 2008.
In September 2010, TEL released a new EP entitled “We See Light…” and are currently back in the studio working on new material, including a dance track collaboration with New Zealand producer Yuhei Kubo, to be released on Bonerizing Records (Sweden) this spring. Fresh off their Indie Week Canada win, These Electric Lives are also gearing up for their first international tour in May which will include dates in Dublin and Belfast, headlining Indie Week Ireland and showcasing at Liverpool Sound City.
By: Elizabeth Stene | Beat-Play Ambassador South Africa | @LizMWL | Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC
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