Of The Dark I Dare

Of The Dark I Dare's dark, tranportive electronic pop is the work of singer Tracy Lorin and keyboardist RickEy Lumpkin II, along with drummer Christopher Hendrich. They call their oeuvre “cemetery pop,” and indeed it’s haunting and cinematic. The trio’s new single “Sleeping Bodies” counters Lorin’s soaring voice with a guest turn from Zilva Thustra (aka Ray Silva) from L.A. shoegaze/post-rock band DreamVacation. The track tip-toes methodically down a dark tunnel, the duet countering with a ray of light. The “Sleeping Bodies” in the song are certainly in repose, but Of the Dark I Dare lets you see their dreams. - BuzzBands

Of the Dark I Dare’s has a new release on the horizon titled ‘Drowning.’ The track arrives right on time to close out the year, laced with arpeggiating chimes and synths to set a haunting, somber tone. The track discusses the untimely death of vocalist Tracy Lorin’s sister, and the difficult process of coping after such an unexpected tragedy. The band reminds us of Paramore meets Muse meets Goldfrapp, leaning into dark rock elements while introducing the genre to electronic production. Check out Of the Dark I Dare’s latest track, ‘Drowning,’ you won’t regret it. - EDM Boutique

Over the last few years I’ve really gained an affinity towards electronic music, especially synth driven music. There are quite a few bands that I’ve come across from this realm that I’ve really grown to enjoy. Last night before I was watched Spirit In The Room decimate the audience at The Satellite, I got there just in time to watch a band called Of The Dark I Dare. Their blend of dark wave, goth and haunting synth driven music really peaked my interest. One of the most profound things about Of The Dark I Dare is the vocals of Tracy Lorin. Her voice is soaring and fits the darkness of the beats and synths of drummer Christopher Hendrich and keyboardist Rickey Lumpkin. Lyrically, the words come across as more poetic than just words. Of The Dark I Dare have described their sound as cemetery pop, to which I think is a pretty interesting and provocative way to draw people in. While the music and lyrics are dark, there is definitely a pop sensibility to the band that doesn’t take away from the vibe they are putting out. - Audioeclectica

Of the Dark I Dare had no guitar or bass, just synth, electronic and drums, plus Tracy Lorin, a dynamic frontwoman whose powerhouse vocals were like light slowly filtering through darkness. The result was theatrical, often dramatic and sometimes sinister, with truly unusual tones and vibrations while Tracy was at times adding a few electro beats to the already loud and pounding drumming, What I got to read about them on line mentions dark forests and the appropriate expression ‘pop cemetery’, as the haunting atmosphere they installed gave the chills, and the lorgan-like keyboard loops played by RickEy Lumpkin II had even a sort of Skeleton-Tree-Bad-Seeds feel. They played a new song called “Sleeping Bodies’, but all set long, their atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes was like a soaring cry of human longing in complete darkness. - Rock NYC Live And Recorded by Alyson Camus

Of the Dark I Dare is an impressive ensemble, coming to us by the way of Berlin and Philadelphia. Specializing in dark alternative, the group composes intricate melodies supported by electronic elements. This is no better exemplified than their latest release “Stars”.

The single is a whirlwind, propelled by lead vocalist Tracy Lorin who facilitates the track’s evolution into a melodious requiem. With careful consideration, the three-piece have crafted a mesmerizing and seductive work while still depicting the innocence which permeates new love’s identity. Soaring off of endless euphoria the group transports listeners to another galaxy, floating through the universe completely intoxicated by infatuation.
A wonderful and fun edit, the group has us captivated.

BIO:
Of the Dark I Dare can control the weather.

Their unique brand of electro-luxe cemetery pop unites RickEy Lumpkin II’s dark keyboard landscapes with the brave melodies and soaring vocals of Tracy Lorin. The volatile mixture is tethered solidly in place by the unwavering rhythms of drummer, Christopher Hendrich. The trio blends two “seemingly polar opposite thresholds, gothic and dance/electronica, almost seamlessly.” ~ Planet Stereo.

It feels as though they want to reach a part of you that was previously unknown, to take you where you may not want to go, or so you thought. Whether you wish to go or not, Of the Dark I Dare’s pull is irresistible. With traces of Phantogram or Bat for Lashes, there is no denying that you are witnessing a fresh exploration of musical freedom and power.

Lumpkin (affectionately dubbed the Unicorn by Lorin) and Hendrich were both born in Germany, while Lorin is from Philly. There is a special chemistry, a brooding mixture of dark and light, that gives them a flavor all their own, which has garnered them placements in film and opening for the band Berlin.

“…[Of the Dark I Dare’s] music is dark and alternative, blending unusual tonalities with modern structures and melodies. ‘HOME’ is a beautiful & cinematic track that’ll hypnotize you from the first listen.” -GroundSounds

Lorin, modest and unassuming, blushes at such praise, no doubt recalling the days when she would only sing in the closet. Literally. The music has become an act of self-discovery and transformation, equal parts mad science and deep human longing, coaxing audiences to discover what has been waiting for them silently, seductively: The gravitational pull of their own souls. - EDM Boutique

Bare is the third in a trilogy of singles looked at since September of last year, all of which will feature on their début, as yet nameless, LP planned for release in the second half of this year.

Bare has the lightest mood of the three, but don’t be fooled, by that description, into thinking you will be met with whooping peals of laughter. Carmella produce music which is wrapped in deep layers of synth with a sympathetic expressive vocal whilst poignant keys add a stark counterpoint and this track is immediately recognizable as their signature sound. - Tim Whale

LA-based duo Carmella blends gothic vibes and electronica for what they’ve self-categorized as “cemetery pop.”

We have the pleasure of premiering their single “Bare” which showcases the band’s signature ethereal intensity. Beyond the powerful vocals and subtle production, one can find sonic solace in the hypnotic spaciousness of the music. Haunting synths and scattered electronic beats help the mystic imagery feel both mysterious and modern. - Mike Olinger

One of the more unique genres we’ve ever featured on the site, Los Angeles-based duo Carmella (Tracy Lorin & RickEy Lumpkin II) brings us a “dark, dreamy, cinematic” vibe with a style they title electro-luxe cemetery pop – music you need to hear in order to understand. Lorin hypothesizes that it’s the duo’s contrasting backgrounds that breeds this unique approach... no matter the source of inspiration, it’s new music that we’re really getting into. - Richie Frieman

Tracy Lorin and RickEy Lumpkin II are a Los Angeles-based duo who play what they term "electro luxe cemetery pop" under the name Carmella.

After releasing their self-titled debut EP in May, they followed that with the recently released single, 'The Wild'. Tracy (vocals) and RickEy (keyboards) combine an electronic mix with dark, intense but undoubtedly hypnotic and lush, cinematic arrangements.

Check out 'The Wild' below, and hear more of their work over on Bandcamp. -

CARMELLA// “THE WILD” We are the Wild, the wanted, the soulful, the brave. And I’m coming down now: I was right, it was worth it. You’re crossing bridges in Pittsburgh or Petrovsko, Croatia–fuck, I don’t know, my mind knew it was on such a hopeless high speed chase after your heart to reel the rush in with your itinerary . But I’m not swinging, shouting off of bridges–even though I’m brave enough to do it, to walk myself back not in pieces. Sure, I’m shot and strangled by the sheets on this bed I wrap around my neck, smelling the spots your scent catcalls, the splashes of your skin cells that still light a fire in my soul. And I’ll, like Carmella, wait for you–not you persay–but what you can do for me. I steered off into the void and I was man enough to take the weakness in tow, because even though I’m one of the Wild, I can also be wanted, still be soulful, and fuck yes–boast of bravery. And that, is an experiment I’ll wear in the scars of every arm hair that was electrified, every bit of beard you scraped your heart and lips against. And I can’t brush it off, I can’t sweep or trim you away, you’ll just come fucking back. Welcome to my DNA. - Kavit

The Wild finds Carmella in contemplative mood as the music wends its way to the ceiling and drips sounds like a stalactite. The combinations of keys, esoteric computer generated synthetics and a captivating vocal entrap the listener in a mineral deposit of evocative spaciousness. Akin to spectrum physics – there is a slow feed of colour combinations which the duo are able to extrapolate and the mind is captivated by the slowly changing spectral kaleidoscope.

Carmella have been able to deliver most from the contexts by the virtue of slowing the progressions, leaving the audience with plenty of time to follow the threads, whilst leaving touches that demand an instant replay to catch all the nuances.

For those of you who know Carmella this is of far darker textures than you will have heard in the previous release and marks a broad step-forward in the out-put.

I am already looking forward to the next EP. - Tim Whale

Top 5 remixes of 2014 and our new release "Home". - Mike Mehalick

“LUCKEY & CHARM HIT THE ROAD LIT BY THE BIG ROUND MOON.”
We’re revisiting one of our favorite LIVE artists who recently appeared at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles: Carmella. Electro-luxe cemetery pop, Tracy Lorin & RickEy Lumpkin II are as mysterious and quite possible as ethereal as the music they make. We can’t seem to track them down any other way! But as in the title of this track, it feels like HOME every time we listen. We’re going there. - Tracey Paleo

The track features a dark, haunting melody with stunning vocals, and a pop undertone that kicks into high gear in the chorus. It is captivatingly beautiful, blending two seemingly polar opposite thresholds, gothic and dance/electronica, almost seamlessly. -

We’re excited to premiere LA duo Carmella’s new song “Home.” Carmella’s music is dark and alternative, blending unusual tonalities with modern structures and melodies. “Home” is a beautiful & cinematic track that’ll hypnotize you from the first listen. Stream the song below and be sure to follow Carmella online. - Jake Craney

Hi Carmella, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
We are doing so great and really looking forward to 2015.

Can you talk to us more about the story behind your latest single ̈Home ̈?
Home is a song about the one who questions and drifts and is not always connected to the truest part of themselves. So it is really about coming home to yourself. And the choice we have to either hold on to what is comfortable or to let go.

Can you talk to us more about the recording and writing process?
Our writing process varies, but for this song in particular, I wrote it on the piano first. Sometimes the lyrics and melodies just come out all at once with a simple chord progression. That was the case with Home. I was actually on my parent’s incredible baby grand, which to hear is inspiring in itself. Then over to RickEy at the studio where we laid down a rough vocal and then RickEy runs with it. I love to come back in the studio after RickEy has had time alone with the track. And then I say, ok let me hear it. And I usually jump up and down so happy. And then we crack up.

Where did you find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?
I really think the inspiration can from that baby grand and just the chords. The chorus came first and by surprise. I did not know what it was about yet. Then I sort of just do a stream of consciousness kind of writing and see what comes out. Then I was more informed and could see what I was trying to say. It doesn’t always happen that way, but it is so enjoyable and magical when it does.

I understand this is part of three standalone singles – so they are not connected in any way?
Oh they are connected. Perhaps that will be revealed even to me as the album progresses. But so far this is sounding a little like a self-help record. Kind of fun!

Any plans of recording an EP or album?
Yes, these singles will all be on the next album to come out Spring 2015.

Will you hit the road next year?
That is such a goal of ours! We so want to tour! Since we are in Los Angeles, I think we will start with going down to San Diego and then up to San Francisco. We would also love to do an east coast tour being that we are both from there (Philly & Atlanta). That would be so exciting and in the works.

What else is happening next in Carmella ́s world?
So besides releasing a new record this year, we will be playing lots of shows/festivals, and working to place our songs in film/tv with our new publishing deal. That would be incredible. We are also going to be shooting videos and planning our first mini tour. Oh! And RickEy is planning on getting a new pair of white marshmallow tennis shoes. So if you have an ebay listing, send it to us. - RJ Frometa

Hot 15 of 2015 for our single "Home"! -

Our new single "Home" - Tim Whale

Electro Alternative Pop, singer Tracy Lorin let’s loose in The Wild by Carmella. Gia On The Move first heard the uninhibited poetic sounds of this music artist at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA back in May and has been a fan ever since. The Wild was sent to us unreleased in a private link and we just couldn’t wait to spotlight it! Gorgeous, dark, emotional lyrics and sound for your spirit to take flight! - Gia On The Move

Carmella…..the duo Tracy Lorin and RickEy Lumpkin II — have formed an unlikely musical alliance with fascinating and dream-like results. They are happy to have collaborated with the renowned listening venue Hotel Cafe for a special EP release experience for their fans. And now are very excited for their upcoming performance at The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball at The Legendary Park Plaza.

Download FREE music from Carmella at Noisetrade!

Check out Carmella’s sites below and also be sure to follow the duo on their social media pages for more updates from this great new music group on the rise! -

A dark forest of beautiful music in the desolation of a barren region.....Formal in the gothic atmospheres but pop, experimental and modern in the electronic backgrounds. -

Song of the Week! -

Of The Dark I Dare's new track "STARS" has been added to Indietronica's Playlist 2016. -

The duo Tracy Lorin and RickEy Lumpkin II – have formed an unlikely musical alliance with fascinating and dream-like results. Genre-bending cinematic electronic arrangements over a substantial foundation of rhythmic songwriting characterizes the experience. -

Over the past year on Radio Why Not there were hundreds of songs . And they are all in some way good or noteworthy. But there are the ones loved , touched a chord with each listening , forcing the move to the beat to dance furiously , then sing along with varying degrees of voice volume , then rejoice , then thoughtfully sad. Here they are , the best , according to the editorial board, the composition of those that have appeared on our kilobits over the past 12 months. Fifty and one more song . Listen and enjoy. - Radio Why Not

"I was not, I repeat, not expecting anything this good. This is a brilliant vocalist with a unique and rare blend of feeling and deep, unfiltered soul. Musically intoxicating, too. Whoever did the keyboards and arrangement is a mad, mad genius. I'm still only on the first song and I'm WIRED IN. This is GRAMMY worthy material.
I think Sarah Brightman is looking over her shoulder and with good reason. Carmella is about to speed past her and take her rightful place..a DIVA for a new generation of listeners. Carmella belongs on the world stage. Pure theatre!" Richard -

"Love Might" is just fantastic..perfect tune to be lazing to on this blisteringly hot London afternoon!
Superb work on "Grief"...what a brilliant piece of work....the music is so perfect for the lyric and vocal....loving your vibe!" Mike -

"Grief" is an astonishing, beautiful song. Wonderful vocals. Perfect mix and arrangement." Frank -

"When I started burning the candle and listening to your song, I felt somehow transported--back to a time and place where my heart and mind were living in unison. A place that is eerie and haunting, mysterious and fulfilling, and somewhere "out of time"--a place where all my lifetimes were one spectacular mix of color and texture, and sound and light. You just put the "awe" back in awesome, my friend! :D

"I wish I could describe it better--but it feels the 90's and things I loved in the 90's like rich reds, and dim lighting, and cool, sweater weather, ghosts, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but blended with old old Hollywood and vintage circuses and gilded theatres. That was a really good time in my life when I was a very strong creator and full of passion and I completely forgot about ever being that way! Of having so many worlds to conquer and art forms to master and actually knowing it is possible. Thanks for "Reminding Me". :)
I seriously felt transported to an etheric sound chamber of some kind completely constructed from the sounds of your music that had all my favorite things in it from a time in my life I seem to have forgotten about." Melinda -

OF THE DARK I DARE – “DROWNING”
A Spill Exclusive Music Premiere

It feels as though they want to reach a part of you that was previously unknown, to take you where you may not want to go, or so you thought. Whether you wish to go or not, Of the Dark I Dare’s pull is irresistible. With traces of Phantogram or Bat for Lashes, there is no denying that you are witnessing a fresh exploration of musical freedom and power.

Lumpkin (affectionately dubbed the Unicorn by Lorin) and Hendrich were both born in Germany, while Lorin is from Philly. There is a special chemistry, a brooding mixture of dark and light, that gives them a flavor all their own, which has garnered them placements in film and opening for the band Berlin. - Spill Magazine