District 97
is the only Progressive Rock band in the world to feature an
American Idol finalist and a Chicago Symphony Orchestra virtuoso
cellist.
The band was formed in the Fall of 2006 by drummer Jonathan
Schang, keyboardist Rob Clearfield, bassist Patrick Mulcahy and
guitarist Sam Krahn. The foursome from Chicago honed a no-holds
barred style of Liquid Tension Experiment inspired Instrumental
Rock before deciding the right vocalist was needed to complement
their sound; enter 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist,
Leslie Hunt. With a look, sound and stage presence comparable to
a young Ann Wilson from Heart, Leslie's dynamic performances
pushed the band into a new direction that forged a unique
marriage between accessible, catchy vocal melodies and an
adventurous instrumental prowess.
After attending a show and being highly impressed, Katinka
Kleijn, cellist extraordinaire from the world-renowned Chicago
Symphony Orchestra, joined the band. She was followed shortly
thereafter by one of Chicago's finest young guitarists, Jim
Tashjian. With this new lineup of peerless musicianship in
place, District 97 began wowing crowds and establishing a
devoted fanbase through packed shows at legendary Chicago venues
such as House of Blues, Schubas and Martyrs'.
In May 2010, the band signed with Laser's Edge Records, the
foremost home of new Progressive music. Laser's Edge will
oversee a worldwide physical and digital release of District
97's debut effort, Hybrid Child, in September 2010. Recorded
with two of Chicago's best engineers, Manny Sanchez and Chris
Harden (Billy Corgan, Fall Out Boy, Umphrey's McGee etc.), the
album balances a meticulous attention to detail and studio-craft
with the visceral power of a rock band that is firing on all
cylinders. Running the gamut from Meshuggah-inspired metal, the
epic majesty of Yes, and the melodicism of the Beatles, Hybrid
Child unveils District 97 as a true force to be reckoned with,
and one that is poised to take the music world by storm. With
fans ranging from high school students to world-class musicians,
this process is clearly well underway.
DISCOGRAPHY
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Hybrid
Child -
September 14th, 2010 |
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