sMALLTIME
Westminster, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Ankh Entertainment - August,2013- I met Danny Van, Kenny Goorabian, Steve Clayton and Dusty Slaybaugh of “sMALLTIME” this past Friday night while covering the event JAR (Jesus Art Revolution) which was held in Echo Park CA. The band was tight and the music a very marketable genre of Christian Rock, Pop. They should? be touring with the likes of some of Nashville's top Christian, Country, Rock Pop artists. If there are any promoters out there reading this listen up, "sMALLTIME" would make an absolutely wonderful opener. - Ankh Entertainment
Los Angeles, CA – The 1st Annual SPC Awards, a tribute to the region’s musical talent, will be held on September 15, 2012, at Sandbox Studios, located at 2121 Bay Street in the Downtown Arts District. - spcawards.com- Jowanna Lewis
They are a straight forward rock and roll ensemble with some serious chops. Kenny Goorabian does a great job making sure every song is filled with powerful guitar work. This is complimented by the immense vocal talents of Danny Van. - Paper Dragon Ink.com
They are a straight forward rock and roll ensemble with some serious chops. Kenny Goorabian does a great job making sure every song is filled with powerful guitar work. This is complimented by the immense vocal talents of Danny Van. - Paper Dragon Ink.com
sMALLTIME is one of those rare bands that have the ability to play at the toughest biker bar on a Saturday night and at the local church on Sunday with both audiences being equally receptive to their music. - - C.W. Ross - CWsPLACE.com -
“Smalltime” is extremely likeable and commercially viable act with a fresh sound and dare I say hellish aftertaste that packs a powerful punch. It also takes us back to our musical roots with a more traditional hard-rock foundation. They have my full attention deservedly so. It will also genuinely lift your spirits unlike most music you hear on the radio these days. Final Word “Smalltime’ is a powerful, real, statement that holds nothing back. They deserve your respect and full attention. - IMP.com
If there was a word I would use to describe Smalltime it would genuine. This CD will simply make your day more delightful, but beware Smalltime packs a powerful punch and has the potential to reach a huge fan-base. Smalltime is a musical experience you will return to again and again. At the end of the ride you will find yourself inspired, invigorated and in a more passionate mood than you were 30 minutes ago.
Rory Richardson - EvO:R Entertainment
sMALLTIME on this self-titled EP issues forth an energetic blend of rock styles. Hints of Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, and the psychedelic rock of the sixties can be heard from the onset. The guitars and drums push the vocals to the next plateau; sMALLTIME is an act that makes a big splash on this EP. The back and forth of the chorus’s keeps fans at the edges of their seats until the track’s end - NeuFutur Magazine
sMALLTIME is not only a band but they are a force of nature. They are invading the airwaves on a mission and will not be satisfied until they have thoroughly rocked you into salvation. Feel the power and glory for yourself. It is nice to know the man upstairs has some hard core rockers singing his message of peace, love and understanding. - Scope.com-Rebecca Hosking
The most up-front element of sMALLTIME's sound is their message; words of faith, hope and holy inspiration are given incredible life and vitality via the pipes of frontman Danny Van, whose unique power gives voice to the entire project. Behind him, the rest of the band create driving rock and roll with a lively pulse. - musicemissions.com by: Kevin Sellers
This collection really surprised this writer/listener. The lyrics were moving and inspiring; the guitar riffs and the band’s overall vibe is tight. They have this unique texture that is sewn throughout the EP. sMALLTIME certainly has a nice place in the indie rock scene. The overall CD review grade is A – this band has some great tunes!
- Indie Music-Suite101.com - Melissa Kucirek
Skope: At what age did you start to play music and want to make it a career?
sMALLTIME: Speaking for all four members of the band, all which have been around the block more than once, that moment in time when ya get to plug into a decent amp, hit a power cord that reverberates and shakes the pictures off the walls getting your parents to scream “Turn that crap down!” Yeah….. that’s when I wanted to make it a career. - http://skopemag.com
Skope: At what age did you start to play music and want to make it a career?
sMALLTIME: Speaking for all four members of the band, all which have been around the block more than once, that moment in time when ya get to plug into a decent amp, hit a power cord that reverberates and shakes the pictures off the walls getting your parents to scream “Turn that crap down!” Yeah….. that’s when I wanted to make it a career. - http://skopemag.com
Artist: Smalltime
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs Saving Souls, You Never Know - - indiemusicdigest.com-
Smalltime – Self Titled (EP)
Drew Blackwell - Rock n' Roll View
There are some fantastic moments on display here which gives this CD a very accessible feel emotionally. What I like most – this EP does not attempt to hide the truth in any way, shape, or form, rather it tells it with bold honesty and a genuine conviction. The vocal timber and emotions are the ultimate report card for me when I evaluate music and this artist tells the truth – and in a word this EP says so many powerful things in is comparable to light in a dark tunnel.
Drew Blackwell - Rock n' Roll View - Rock n' Roll View - Drew Blackwell
Smalltime – Self Titled (EP)
Drew Blackwell - Rock n' Roll View
There are some fantastic moments on display here which gives this CD a very accessible feel emotionally. What I like most – this EP does not attempt to hide the truth in any way, shape, or form, rather it tells it with bold honesty and a genuine conviction. The vocal timber and emotions are the ultimate report card for me when I evaluate music and this artist tells the truth – and in a word this EP says so many powerful things in is comparable to light in a dark tunnel.
Drew Blackwell - Rock n' Roll View - Rock n' Roll View - Drew Blackwell
“Smalltime” is an endearing EP that is powerful and entertaining in it’s posture. I could hear this at a party, club or on the radio. I would imagine in time we will hear more from these 4 guys as 2012 unfolds. Time will tell but I can honestly say this is one band that had much in the way of potential, and fills the modern day musical void quite well with music that is – well genuine, powerful and above all real.
Mindy McCall -indiemindy- May 1, 2012
Rating: 5/5 - -indiemindy- Mindy McCall
“Smalltime” is an endearing EP that is powerful and entertaining in it’s posture. I could hear this at a party, club or on the radio. I would imagine in time we will hear more from these 4 guys as 2012 unfolds. Time will tell but I can honestly say this is one band that had much in the way of potential, and fills the modern day musical void quite well with music that is – well genuine, powerful and above all real.
Mindy McCall -indiemindy- May 1, 2012
Rating: 5/5 - -indiemindy- Mindy McCall
Smaltime's debut EP is an impressive musical teaser - from start to finish. It’s strong suit – the rock solid song for song consistency, and impressive feel from Van and company. The music is nitty, gritty but goes down smooth with messages of genuine hope and redemption. They are also just plain fun to listen to. Smalltime is one band that definitely knows how to deliver some amazing messages and no doubt a total riot to check out live. I look forward to checking out the full length release hopefully later on this Summer.
Cyrus Rhodes - indiemusicdigest.com - Cyrus Rhodes
Great vibe. Perfect for late night college parties, or coffeehouse hang outs. Honorable mentions go out to Dan & his band for not being afraid to let it all hang out musically. This CD has the personality of a 57 Chevy on steroids. Van and the rest of the band are not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal. The CD refuses to try to hard – that’s what makes it so amazing
Markus Druery
Indieshark Music Critic - indieshark.com - Markus Druery
Overall “Smalltime” EP delivers and is a solid release with many feel good rock grooves with a in your face guitar driven sound that is a blast to listen to. I also like the passionate messages contained on the album very uplifting and overflowing with wisdom. It’s a record that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing artist and takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well Nikelback.
Kevin Huber - Skope - Kevin Huber
"The songwriting digs a bit deeper than the next Independent Artist. Within each one of these songs Smalltime bares their soul and delivers pure musical mojo."
Michael Morrison - musicemissions - Michael Morrison
I recently had the privilege of reviewing the latest EP from California's own Smalltime. Let me say this latest release is an impressive musical teaser. From start to finish it’s strong suit is the song for song consistency, powerful messages and impressive feel from Danny Van and company. In fact I'll go on record to say Smalltime is the band to watch in 2012.
By Cyrus Rhodes - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST.com
sMALLTIME
www.sonicbids.com/sMALLTIME
Skope: How did you react after you were selected for A2W?
sMALLTIME: We thought it was Very Very cool. Always nice to have someone talking about us and this is especially nice because it’s not behind our backs.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
sMALLTIME: Well we’re looking to record the first of many (we hope) sMALLTIME- EP very soon and then hit the road to promote that. Right now we’re just giging as much as we can, trying new material out, throwing it against the wall and seeing if it sticks, if ya know what I mean.
Skope: At what age did you start to play music and want to make it a career?
sMALLTIME: Speaking for all four members of the band, all which have been around the block more than once, that moment in time when ya get to plug into a decent amp, hit a power cord that reverberates and shakes the pictures off the walls getting your parents to scream “Turn that crap down!” Yeah….. that’s when I wanted to make it a career.
Skope: Where do you turn these days to hear new music?
sMALLTIME: Local clubs, still the best choice is radio I’m afraid, internet radio is a good source, college radio works. Just anywhere where the music their playing isn’t so vanilla, ya know? Especially in our genre of “Contemporary Christian”. It seems that a lot of it, although well intended, seems a bit safe. Not all but some. If we’re to play it as Jesus would, and we are, well Jesus was anything but safe. If you have a point of view than sing it loud, sing it proud. I’ll listen to any music that has conviction and passion.
Skope: What is your ideal mood & setting to write & play music?
sMALLTIME: Everybody has a different formula for writing. For us, right now?…it always changes, the formula seems to be someone bringing in a skeleton of a song to rehearsal, a hook, chorus and verse or something, the rest of us give it a tumble to see if it’s worth spending time on. Those are exciting moments because whatever you bring to the table may materialize into a wonderful song you never imagined it could be or flatline and die right before your very eye’s. Very exciting indeed!
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
sMALLTIME: Were giging in the Los Angeles area and as I said earlier looking to record and EP very soon. You can find all sMALLTIME info, shows, music, videos and pic’s at these links.
http://www.sonicbids.com/sMALLTIME
http://www.reverbnation.com/smalltime
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFpDsBVAtps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlaYFfQEBsI
http://www.jango.com/music/sMALLTIME?l=0 - http://skopemag.com/
Discography
*sMALLTIME, "sMALLTIME" Released Jan 2013
*STEEL BREEZE, RCA 1983- Kenny Goorabian (Steel Breeze)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKyVgAzwPXY&feature=fvstTHIS
*THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN 2006, EDM -Danny Van (Sunday Shoes)
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sundayshoes
*Significance 2004, EDM -Danny Van (Sunday Shoes)
*Broken Ground 2002, EDM -Danny Van (Sunday Shoes)
*Dancin' On the Edge 2000, EDM -Danny Van (Sunday Shoes)
Photos
Bio
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA BASED
ROCKERS CALL THEMSELVES sMALLTIME, BUT
THEIR DEBUT EP DELIVER THE MUSICAL MOJO
WITH A BIG POWERHOUSE SOUND
AND A TRANSCENDENT MESSAGE
The four hard hitting rockers that joined forces to become of Orange County, Californias hottest rising indie band bring incredible individual musical histories to the mix. Gritty voiced frontman Danny Van (who also plays rhythm guitar) was lead singer in a longtime rock-blues-jazz duo called Sunday Shoes. Steve Clayton (bass, backing vocals) is a veteran of bands in nearly every possible genre. Kenny Goorabian (lead guitar, backing vocals) was a founding member of the early 80s RCA-signed rock band Steel Breeze, which toured with Hall & Oates and opened for The Who at the Astrodome; he also wrote their hit song You Dont Want Me Anymore, which charted Top 20 on Billboard. Dusty Slaybaugh (drums) played in a local Sacramento band called Spider Kelly, and over the years performed in many of the same clubs as Goorabian, even though they never met each other. Dusty went on to tour nationally with the Cadillacs.
All of that previous success was just a warm-up now that theyve hit the sMALLTIME a cleverly ironic moniker for the group considering the fiery intensity of their sound and the big inspirational messages of their songs, including the six they recorded on their highly anticipated debut EP. Their CD was produced by Sejo Navajas at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica California where the band knocked out all six songs in only 4 days.
Michael Morrison of Musicemissions captured the vibe of the EP best when he wrote: Within each one of these songs, sMALLTIME bares their soul and delivers pure musical mojo. Cyrus Rhodes of indiemusicdigest.com echoes: Kudos go out to some of the impressive guitar riffs and Vans vocal stigma both are delivered hot to the touch and full of reckless abandon. The music is nitty, gritty but goes down smooth with messages of genuine hope and redemption. They are also just plain fun to listen to.
Van explains that the bands name has to do with the music itself being more important than the guys playing it, but theres also a God thing going on there which makes perfect sense in light of the fact that founding members Van, Clayton and Goorabian met a few years ago playing in a worship band at Calvary Chapel in Westminster. The message is first and foremost, the singer says, so why not name it something that keeps us humble. Gods the only BIGTIME so were sMALLTIME. He adds with a wink, Its a little bit of false humility.
Though sMALLTIMEs uplifting message and deep regional connections have led to gigs at numerous churches and outreaches in Southern California, their raw intensity, infectious songs and universal messages have made them popular far beyond the religious realm. They have performed at the Blue Caf in Huntington Beach and Long Beach, Amplify in Hollywood and recently participated in a Battle of the Bands competition at The Press Box in Anaheim. Indie Music Digest dubbed them a band to watch in 2012 and nominated their EP as CD of the Year, and Skopemag.com called them artists to watch.
As a band, says Van, were just trying to be honest we write about what we know and believe. Every song has a message. We write about what we believe to be the most profound message there is, and we love rock songs that are good now and will still sound fresh and contemporary ten years from now. The goal is to write songs that are timeless like our influences The Beatles, Van Morrison, Tom Petty and artists like those. All of us had been around the rock and roll block a few times, so to speak, and became fast friends. As the frontman, I love the chemistry of the band, and I feel like I've been chasing something like this my whole life. I have a great guitarist and bassist on either side of me, and a locomotive drummer behind me. It doesn't get any better than that.
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