GOLDEN
Atlanta, Georgia, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Atlanta pop quintet GOLDEN doesn't sound like your typical 'local' band. These evocative rockers are tapped into a sound more reminiscent of late '70s-era Steely Dan. And that's a good thing. On their self-produced release, the lavish orchestration of a Donald Fagen studio session meets with a host of talented players to create a full and polished debut. There's a distinct maturity at work in GOLDEN's efforts, from the complex arrangements to the flash and bang of the band's ultra-sleek homepage.
As musicians and composers, GOLDEN could share the plaudits usually reserved for more veteran artists. And by the looks of things, the band is on the fast track to recognition. What ultimately distinguishes ...you, and everything... from the fluffy chaff of top 40 popdom is a refreshing jazziness and a dash of blue-eyed soul. In lead-off track "Come Over," funky riffs and a hooky chorus make for a Jamiroquai-esque groove that sounds poised for national airplay.The album's standout track is the jazzy, jammy "Mine" with its shimmering cymbals and saxophone swells suggestive of Dave Matthews' finer moments. GOLDEN has crafted a work of sophisticated pop that reaches out to the mainstream without losing its luster."
- Performer Magazine Southeast (www.performermag.com)
“With influences such as David Gray, Jackson Browne and Steely Dan, Golden makes music with a classic vibe and modern touches. The Atlanta quintet’s debut album has cruisy overtones a la Maroon 5 or Dave Matthews…”
- Atlanta Magazine, October 2006
“…Atlanta, Georgia bluesy jam-rockers Golden managed to draw me in at first listen… [the album] starts out on a strong note with “Come Over,” which makes the band’s description of their sound as ‘warm apple pie’ and ‘Christmas joy’ move from strangely specific to spot-on instead. It’s instantly obvious as single material, at first because of how easily listenable vocalist Joshua Golden is: like Adam Levine without being so grating, or an updated incarnation of David Gray. But behind the vocals is some fantastic instrumentation, like the hints of calypso that slip in during the bridge or the sophisticated guitar throughout...
The next few tracks continue along in the same vein, drawing you in with higher-energy material like “Mine,” featuring Golden on sax; “Drive,” the harmonized choruses of which showcase the band’s melding voices; and the warm blues of “Lie,” with its slowly unfurling guitar solo and engaging lyrics. Everyone I play the album for declares that last track as their favorite…they switch it up, on the subdued, piano-based “Here,” the introspective lyrics and subtle drums work to create the highlight of the second side.
…Golden absolutely deserve a record deal, though as of now they’re unsigned. But take my word; I’m sure one day these guys are going to get their deserved place right alongside counterparts Dave Matthews Band and Maroon 5.”
- The Daily Vault (www.dailyvault.com), Review by Melanie Love
“If you haven’t heard these independent rock musicians from Atlanta play, time to get with it… The five-man band features soothing vocals from lead singer/guitarist Joshua Golden. After releasing …you, and everything… this past spring, the band played at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and was chosen as a showcase artist for the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival…”
- The Atlantan Magazine, October 2006
"A smooth vocal performance and cohesive and accessible lyrics... The arrangement is well thought-out and has a sophisticated edge to it... with a style similar to Steely Dan, John Mayer [and] Jamiroquai... Very good musicianship -- this is a good band."
- TAXI
Selected as a showcase artist for one of the Southeast's largest music industry events!
- Atlantis Music Conference & Festival 2006
Selected from hundreds of bands in the 92.9 DAVE FM Searcharoo contest. As winners of the contest, they performed at the 2006 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN – the largest music event in the Southeast United States, with over 80,000 attendees.
- 92.9 DAVE FM's Searcharoo Contest 2006
Discography
Night Reminds the Day (2009)
One Good Turn (2007)
...You, And Everything... (2006)
Albums are available through: www.goldentheband.com, www.itunes.com, www.amazon.com, www.CDbaby.com, and other online merchants.
Visit GOLDEN on MySpace: myspace.com/goldentheband
Radio play:
88.7 WNCW
91.9 WVGS
92.9 WZGC
96.5 WHTQ
96.9 WOUR
98.3 WWRZ
100.5 WNNX
Photos
Bio
Since emerging from the fertile Atlanta music scene in 2006, GOLDEN has grown to become one of the top independent acts in rock music today. In three short years, they’ve recorded two studio albums, released a 3D music video, performed live on TV and radio, toured across the Southeast - including a performance at Bonnaroo in 2006 - and shared stages with acts like Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, the Zac Brown Band, and Sister Hazel.
GOLDEN’s musical style is as broad as it is deep. The band plays energetic and innovative rock, infusing the melodic hooks of pop and the groove and funk of old-school R&B with truly top-notch musicianship. The recipe has proven fruitful for GOLDEN, earning them a place on thousands of iPods and winning the praise of reviewers both in print and across the internet. “We all grew up on lots of different music,” says lead singer and guitarist Joshua, “Steely Dan, The Police, Bruce Hornsby are some band favorites -- but also traditional jazz, Motown, 80s hard rock, jam-bands... with so many influences, it’s often a surprise what shape our music takes.”
Originating in the revitalized bohemian neighborhoods on the east side of Atlanta, GOLDEN still call this area home when they aren’t out on the road - it’s where they play their annual Halloween show, and the guys are known by name at the local establishments. A sense of community has always been central to GOLDEN, and the band regularly supports local and national causes they believe in. Apart from donating part of their proceeds to charitable organizations, the band also gets directly involved by performing several shows for charity each year.
2009 brings the release of GOLDEN’s second studio album Night Reminds the Day, which finds the band stepping out into new directions both musically and lyrically. While the infectious melodies of “Listen” or the danceable groove of “Seasons” draw listeners in, the lyrics provide a depth and relevance that elevates the music above mere entertainment. “Night Reminds the Day is about finding your place in the world,” says GOLDEN bassist Sky, “It’s about looking inside yourself and asking ‘what am I going to do with my life?’” Soon after the album's release, the song "Disarray" was placed in an episode of MTV's The Real World Cancun and "Lauren" was placed in MTV's The Real World/Road Rules Challange "The Ruins". GOLDEN has been touring with Sister Hazel in support of the new album.
GOLDEN’s 2008 video for “Shine” found them in the company of huge acts like U2 and Hannah Montana in pioneering stereoscopic 3D as a medium for music videos - and showed that it’s GOLDEN’s indie spirit that keeps them at the crest of the wave. The band currently offers the video as a free download on their website (www.goldentheband.com/3D).
In Early 2007, GOLDEN surprised fans with One Good Turn: Live at Center Stage, an Audio and Video EP of their benefit show at the previous year’s Call to Auction event. Organized by 92.9 DAVE FM, and also featuring Robert Randolph and the Family Band, the show was a great success - raising money for Habitat for Humanity and providing fans with an amazing memory.
2006 was the year that started GOLDEN’s rise to success. The band released their first CD ...You, and Everything... which quickly won regional praise, earning a Critic's Choice award from Atlanta Magazine for its "classic vibe and modern touches." Performer Magazine’s review said GOLDEN “...share the plaudits usually reserved for more veteran artists. And by the looks of things, the band is on the fast track to recognition.” In May of that year, GOLDEN was chosen by the listeners of 92.9 DAVE FM to represent the Atlanta music scene and perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
The band has performed live on Fox TV’s “Good Day Atlanta” morning show, and has made in-studio appearances at major Atlanta-area radio stations. Meanwhile, GOLDEN’s music has received airplay on major and independent radio stations across the country -- 92.9 DAVE FM in Atlanta, 91.9 The Buzz in Statesboro, 88.7 WNCW in the Carolinas, and 96.9 WOUR in Central NY, among others. GOLDEN has also been chosen for inclusion in Pandora’s Music Genome Project (www.pandora.com).
For more information about GOLDEN, please contact info@goldentheband.com.
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