Phao
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada | INDIE
Music
Press
"Phao has come out of the gate screaming with their new self titled record! Solid tunes backed by solid production! "This Vanity" & "Safe and Sound" are stellar tracks! Definitely keep your eyes on these guys!"
- Josh MacIntosh - Juno Nominated Writer/Session Musician
My name is James Kaufmann, a professional musician who has performed with Moist, soulDecision and Colin James, to name a few. I personally know the song-writing team behind Phao to be talented young men who live and breathe music performing, and writing together and with others. This band has the skills, determination and attitude to get them to the next level professionally. They would be a welcomed change for the industry. Their rock/pop styled music and lyrical content certainly have a place in today’s pop music scene.
James Kaufmann (Session Musician)
- James Kaufmann (Professional Session Drummer)
'"I find it very refreshing working with young talent of this caliber. Their level of musical maturity and studio chops far exceeds their ages. I look forward to watching their careers blossom."
- Darcy Van Loo (Recording engineer / Producer)
- Darcy Van Loo (Sound Engineer)
“This recording by Phao is a demonstration of creative musicianship, insightful song-writing and tasty innovation. The band’s mature abilities infuse this EP with originality, technical excellence and energy. Keep your eyes on this band. They could very well become a significant voice to this generation… Hannah has Nickelback. Medicine Hat has Kalan Porter. It’s time for a sound to come out of Lethbridge.”
Ron Sakamoto
Gold and Gold Productions Ltd.
Canadian Country Music Promoter of the Year
- Ron Sakamoto (Gold and Gold Productions)
Discography
Playing With Fire (Not Released)
Full Length Album
June 1, 2012
Something Cold
EP
April 3, 2012
Kaitlin’s Song (Coming Home) (feat. Phao) – Hello Bella
Co-Writing and Tracking Credits
Single
March 6, 2012
Memento – Remix
Single
Sept 4, 2011
Goodbye For Good (Acoustic)
Single
Sept 4, 2011
Phao – Phao
Full Length Album
May 1, 2010
Photos
Bio
Meet Phao – a venture of two brothers to create honest, motivating, straight up pop/rock for the masses. Canadians Kevin and Mike Gnandt started playing in 2005 and expanded to full band for energetic rock anthems with strong pop appeal. Basically, if Paramore and Nickelback had a child, they’d name it Phao.
They worked with engineer and producer Wayne Young in Toronto to create the record that would truly jumpstart their career. “We wanted to walk the fine line of writing intense rock pieces and relevant pop songs, without losing the idea of solid songwriting,” says Mike. They came out with a GMA Canadian Covenant Award nominated album – for both Hard Music Song of the Year, Rock Song of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. They performed at the 2010 award ceremony. In addition, they co-wrote “Kaitlin’s Song (Coming Home)”, a track to benefit Kaitlin’s Legacy and Compassion Canada, and saw it reach #1 on iTunes its first day out.
As individuals, Phao desires to simply cultivate their love of music and songwriting, while showcasing it via records and live shows. They want to share art that can translate into real-life emotions. “I always want the lyrics to drip with something tangible that anyone could cling to,” says Mike. “Our goal is always to write solid songs and play them convincingly.” It’s these goals that influenced both of their 2012 releases.
The Something Cold EP drops on April 3rd, followed by a full length release in June. The record explores catharsis and the struggle to cleanse from the past and constantly set and reach higher goals. “This record got me a through a lot,” Mike reveals. “Whether a song’s content is angry, joyful or super sad, it’s relatable. A listener can take that and use it to describe their own story.”
True music fans at heart, the guys in Phao strive to deliver excellent music and an excellent live experience. They love to travel and love to connect with fans. Now booking for spring and summer 2012, they ask you to check www.phaomusic.com for continued updates.
Links
