***
The East Coast Indie Rockers Offer Their First Single
‘In Love,’ As A Free Download To Raise Money For
Save The Children And St. Jude’s Hospital

Steve Palmer, lead singer, songwriter and creative force behind the East Coast based Steve Palmer Band, describes the title track off his debut CD “Apparition”, as “an edgy song rock about a woman who is beckoned to break away from a dark force that wants to control and destroy her.” The band is set to release their 13-track debut “Apparition” March 1, 2011 on Arythmia Records.

This storyline applies to the multiple obstacles Palmer has confronted as an artist who has struggled to take his songs public – songs that are “timeless and transcend genre” (Celebrity Café, 2010). Putting a modern spin on classic rock and soul, Palmer and his band recently celebrated their first Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) nomination (for Best AC/AAA Song) for “Apparition”.  They performed the title track at the red carpet gala November 18, 2010 in Hollywood.

Steve Palmer Band (SPB) and Arythmia Records also offer fans a unique way to help two great children’s charities by giving away free downloads of “In Love”, the feel good single off Apparition.  To raise money for Save The Children and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Arythmia Records will raise and donate five cents for each of the first 200,000 fans who download the song.  The promotion can be accessed by clicking “ShareThis” at www.stevepalmerband.com and runs through January 31.

As SPB gears up to hit the road again in 2011, Palmer has given interviews to In The Now Magazine, the popular online music source Maximum Ink, plus a live interview and performance for New Jersey’s Power Play and a radio interview on KJAG-FM in Salina, Kansas.  In 2010, the band filmed three concerts in Nashville at Mercy Lounge, Sound Check and 3rd Avenue South, as well as producing a live music video for the single “Apparition” that appears on websites – the same recording appears on the CD.  Palmer’s 2010 slate included opening for Blues Traveler, Sister Hazel and Bob Schneider while touring from Massachusetts to Georgia and west to Arkansas.

In 2009, SPB filmed and produced ten music videos and recorded two records in Nashville . . . one two times and the other three times.  “Well by our fifth or sixth effort, I think we got the thing tamper proof so we’re making strides on quality control.  After a lot of mumbo jumbo in studios throughout my career, we ended up at a basement studio called Downtown Battery Studios, which is the best room I’ve ever recorded in.”

Joining Palmer (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) for the Blackbird and Downtown Battery Studio sessions were Bryan Ewald (MD and lead guitar); Anthony Setola (bass) now replaced by Josh Chapmen; Tony Morra (drums); Larry Hall (keyboards and Hammond B3 organ); and Vicki Hampton (background vocals).  Its members are all veteran players with a collective century of studio and concert experience that have joined together with Palmer into a genuine and committed band. On the road, Steve often adds Brian Fullen, Brandon Bartlett and others from Nashville and Maryland.

“I was recording great music before I met my current band,” says Palmer.  ”But I really respect these guys as human beings.  And they’ve become a important part of Apparition and also the live sound.  I rely on their natural instincts and musicality to bring something different to the music.”

Palmer draws inspiration from a wide range of rock and pop from the ‘60s and ‘70s. “Yes, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Beatles were some of my favorites,” he says. “But some of my biggest influences are five great singer/songwriters: CSNY, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Joan Armatrading. I also liked Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Hendrix and Joplin, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Palmer explains, “All those players taught me about being true to the music. For example ‘No Words To Say’ is a ballad, pure and simple. ‘Her Own Place’ is a long story accented by the big stomping rhythmic beats. ‘Apparition’, on the other hand, has an edgy minor strained sound, more like Nirvana or Dave Matthews Band. And, hopefully, you just want to dance to ‘Livin A Lie’.”

By his junior year of high school Palmer made his initial solo quarter-inch reel- to-reel recordings, followed soon by studio sessions at age 18 in Plymouth, England and then Connecticut with first call New York musicians.  He followed with self funded sessions in Chicago, Indiana, Maryland and DC and recorded four records in Virginia between 2004-6.  But no one would help distribute and promote Palmer’s music.  “People either didn’t want to work with me or just took the money and not only didn’t help much but actually hurt me.”  In the middle of all this, Palmer studied at Northwestern and Georgetown “to keep one foot in the ‘real world’ and the other one on the peripheral, dreaming and writing.”

Since 2002, Palmer has spent every waking hour writing, recording, developing his band, growing a record company alongside “developing a virtual major label” comprised of top independent music industry professionals and putting together a promotion, marketing and distribution team.  In running Arythmia Records, Palmer mixes in the business sense he learned from earning money as a kid since age 10 working in yards, restaurants and supermarkets, starting a student paper in England, founding a fraternity based on diversity, bringing black and white student groups together to put on appearances by Dick Gregory, Chick Corea and Gil Scott Heron, interning with an Alderman Danny Davis on the West Side of Chicago, and working as a professional in New York, Philly and Washington D.C.

Palmer adds. “I will not be satisfied until my music gets out to the people and all the road blocks for me and other artists are torn down.  People need great music to feel good and be inspired to hope and dream.  And that’s one thing I think I can give to everyone.”

PHOTO CAPTION (L-R): Bryan Ewald, Steve Palmer, Judd Bolger at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards in Hollywood, Calif. PHOTO CREDIT: LUCK Media & Marketing, Inc.

PHOTO CAPTION (L-R): Howard Rosen, Steve Palmer. PHOTO CREDIT: LUCK Media & Marketing, Inc.

STEVE PALMER BAND ROCKED
THE STAGE AT THE 2010
HOLLYWOOD MUSIC IN MEDIA AWARDS
TO A STAR-STUDDED CROWD
WITH THEIR SOUL-INFUSED
SINGLE ‘APPARITION’

Steve Palmer Band (SPB) celebrated their first Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) nomination with a stellar performance of their lead-off track “Apparition” at the red carpet gala in Hollywood, Calif. The room was filled with music supervisors, industry luminaries and celebrities such as Jane Fonda, legendary producer Richard Perry, rock star Gilby Clarke (Guns & Roses, “Rockstar: Supernova”), and actress Natasha Henstridge (“Species,” “The Nine Yards”), among others.

In its third year, the HMMAs were held November 18 at The Highlands and presented honors to mainstream and independent artists and music in various forms of media including film, television, video games, commercial ads, and movie trailers. The next day, Bolger and Ewald of the band had a lesson with renowned guitarist Carol Kaye and Steve visited Warner Bros. studios in Burbank. “I was excited to see the set of Ellen Degeneres. One of my dreams is to do something for TV or film,” exclaimed frontman Steve Palmer.

In other news, SPB recently released their original holiday tune “In Love” to Top 40 radio from their upcoming Apparition debut. Also frontman Steve Palmer recently stopped by the Interlochen Public Radio studios in Interlochen, Mich. for a solo acoustic performance. Visit www.stevepalmerband.com to view the videos.

With roots in Nashville and Maryland, SPB has made strides on the road, recently touring with acclaimed band Blues Traveler in cities along the East Coast, including Hartford, Conn., and Charlotte, N.C., in support of Apparition, slated for release in March 2011.

Apparition was recorded live at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Third Story Recording in Philadelphia, Penn., was mixed by Drop Trou Productions in Van Nuys, Calif., with Howard Rosen Productions and was mastered by Steve Quick of Traverse City, Mich.

For the latest on SPB, including music samples and tour dates, log on to stevepalmerband.com.

***

With Roots in Maryland and Nashville, SPB
Gears Up For Their Anticipated Album ‘Apparition’
To Be Released In March 2011

***

SPB Names Bryan Ewald As New Musical Director
 

Celebrating their first Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) nomination for Best Adult Contemporary/AAA Song “Apparition,” the Steve Palmer Band (SPB) has been added to the bill for a coveted performance spot at the awards show on Thursday, November 18. SPB will perform the title track to their upcoming rock, pop and soul-blended debut album, Apparition.

Held at The Highlands at the world-famous Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif., the HMMAs recognize and honor the music of visual mediums, the talented individuals responsible for it, and the music of both mainstream and independent artists from around the world.

SPB’s lead guitarist Bryan Ewald is stepping up as the band’s new Musical Director. As the guitarist and singer for the acclaimed Mid-Atlantic based indie band Starbelly, Ewald has also done stints with other acts including Jarflys, Non-Fiction, Judd and Maggie, and Meg & Bryan. He’s also graced the work of notable talents like Pat DiNizio (Smithereens) and Warren Zanes (Del Fuegos) with his fluid, extemporaneous and versatile playing. Ewald has also held title as Music Director for Baltimore’s Paul Green School of Rock.

With roots in Nashville and Maryland, SPB is enjoying their ongoing successful fall run with acclaimed group Blues Traveler, performing in cities along the East Coast including Hartford, Conn., and Charlotte, N.C. The band recently toured in support of Apparition, which is slated for release on Palmer’s own label Arythmia Records in March 2011.

Drawing heavily from rock, soul and pop, Apparition is produced in a contemporary context and played with fiery soul-dipped passion. It’s a crafted work of songs such as “Living on the Streets” and “Livin’ a Lie,” along with hooky melodies atop dynamic rhythmic shifts and finessed with full harmonies.

Recorded live at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Third Story Recording, Philadelphia, Penn., Apparition was mixed by Drop Trou Productions in Van Nuys, Calif., with Howard Rosen Productions and mastered by Steve Quick of Traverse City, Mich.

For the latest news and to hear the music, visit www.stevepalmerband.com.

***

The Tennessee-based Rockers
Are Set To Open For Blues Traveler
In Charlotte, N.C., On October 21

Steve Palmer Band is celebrating their first Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) nomination for Best Adult Contemporary/AAA Song for the title track to their upcoming rock, pop and soul-blended debut album, Apparition.

Set for November 18, 2010 at the world-famous Hollywood & Highland Kodak Theatre complex in Hollywood, Calif., the HMMAs recognize and honor the music of visual mediums, the talented individuals responsible for it, and the music of both mainstream and independent artists from around the world.

The Nashville-based rockers will continue their successful fall run with acclaimed group Blues Traveler, performing a free show on October 21 at Pavilion at EpiCentre in Charlotte, N.C. The band is currently touring in support of Apparition, which is slated for release on Palmer’s own label Arythmia Records in January 2011.

Drawing heavily from rock, soul and pop, Apparition is produced in a contemporary context and played with fiery soul-dipped passion. It’s a crafted work of songs such as “Living on the Streets” and “Livin’ a Lie,” along with hooky melodies atop dynamic rhythmic shifts and finessed with full harmonies.

Recorded live at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Sound Shop, Apparition is currently being mixed by Drop Trou Productions in Van Nuys, Calif., with Howard Rosen Productions.

­EVENT RECAP

October 21, 2010
Steve Palmer Band Opens for Blues Traveler
Pavilion at EpiCentre
210 East Trade St. Charlotte, NC 28202
www.pavilionatepicentre.com
7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Tickets: FREE

***

Nashville’s Own Adds New Show Dates,
Ending The Summer On A High Note With
Grammy Winners Blues Traveler

Nashville-based rockers Steve Palmer Band are gearing up to hit the road for shows in multiple cities along the East Coast in support of their rock, pop and soul blended debut album, Apparition.

Led by multi-talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Palmer, the band continues a series of spot dates starting in New York City at National Underground on August 28  and continues on to Dave & Buster’s Summer Concert Series in Philadelphia, Penn. on August 29, where SPB will open for the popular The Who tribute band Bargain.  

The band hits the road again in September opening multiple shows for Grammy winning band Blues Traveler in Windsor, Conn. on September 5, Keene, N.H. on September 23, and Westport, Conn. on September 24.

Steve Palmer Band’s debut album Apparition draws heavily from rock, soul and pop and produced in a contemporary context and played with fiery soul-dipped passion. It’s a crafted work of songs such as “Living on the Streets” and “Livin’ a Lie,” along with hooky melodies atop dynamic rhythmic shifts and finessed with full harmonies.

Recorded live at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Sound Shop, Apparition is currently being re-mixed by Drop Trou Productions in Van Nuys, Calif. with Howard Rosen Productions. The CD is released on Palmer’s own label Arythmia Records.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

August 28
National Underground
159 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 475-0611
8:30 p.m.
$11
 
August 29
Dave & Buster’s
325 N Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1951
7:30 p.m.
Free

September 5
Opening for Blues Traveler
Summerwind Performing Arts Center
40 Griffin Rd. North
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 688-5098
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35 and up

September 23
Opening for Blues Traveler
Colonial Theatre
95 Main St.
Keene, NH  03431
(603) 352-2033
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35.50 and up

September 24
Opening for Blues Traveler
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
40 Jesup Rd.
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 226-7600
8 p.m.
Tickets: $45 and up

STEVE PALMER BAND ROCKS
WITH CONVICTION, INTEGRITY AND SOUL
ON DEBUT ALBUM ‘APPARITION’

* * *

 Tennessee-based Rockers Tear Up The Stage
On Contemporary Rock And
Tours With Blues Traveler, Bob Schneider And Sister Hazel

 
Steve Palmer Band takes DIY to the extreme and remains true to their music with conviction, integrity and a sense of purpose.

Led by multi-talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Palmer, the band’s debut album Apparition draws heavily from rock, soul and pop and is produced in a contemporary context and played with fiery soul-dipped passion.

Recorded live at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Sound Shop Studios, Apparition was released earlier this year on Palmer’s own label Arythmia Records and distributed through EMI’s indie division, Caroline.  Apparition was remixed by Drop Trou Productions in Van Nuys, Calif. with Howard Rosen Productions.  The powerful title track “Apparition” is Steve Palmer Band’s first single, reaching #37 on the R&R Indicator AC Charts. The ballad “No Words To Say” recently hit #12 on the FMQB AC Charts.

SPB is quickly racking up positive reviews by music critics, along with comparison to some of music’s most distinguished names. The Muse’s Muse touted Palmer musically as a “modern-day Roy Orbison,” while Real Rock News called the album “contemporary classic rock.” Muzik Reviews said, “On Apparition, you’ll think you’re listening to all the classics – Skynyrd, Springsteen, Dylan, and Tom Petty will all come to mind, if not more. However, Apparition doesn’t sound like a cover album or one band. Sometimes Palmer sounds like Morrissey and at others he sounds like Ian Curtis, but mostly, he sounds like Steve Palmer.”

The Celebrity Cafe raved, “Aficionados of intelligent, big-hearted and hook-filled American music are sure to be delighted by Apparition, which introduces a band that continues the proud tradition of such heartland rock trailblazers as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and others into the new millennium with a sound that’s invitingly familiar while at the same time tantalizingly fresh.”

Palmer’s music career is the culmination of a journey that began at age 13, when he first played a friend’s guitar. During his high school senior year, he recorded with first call NYC session players and studied music and recorded in the UK.

After having difficulty breaking into the music business, Palmer spent years working a 9-5 job while writing music.  In 2000, he decided to re-focus exclusively on music.  With the help of his family, Palmer began his seventh recording project pressing the CD “Livin A Lie”  in 2004 and three other full length CDs at Cue Recording Studios in Virginia. Failing to garner a contract, he then started a label and developed a live band.

“Through both my careers in business and music, I was able to help people in their lives.  Working 9-5 for people was definitely rewarding, but I’ve always been consumed with writing and singing music. Now with running the label, managing and promoting the band and playing, I get to do both at the same time.”  Palmer re-recorded Apparition multiple times until he achieved a quality recording that could be played on the mainstream radio.

A key decision came when Steve packed up his computer drive and literally jumping on a plane to Nashville after being based in Northern Virginia/Washington, DC.

Joining Palmer (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) for the Blackbird sessions were  Bryan Ewald (lead guitar); Anthony Setola (bass) now replaced by Mario Sangermano; Tony Morra (drums); Larry Hall (keyboards and Hammond B3 organ); and Vicki Hampton (background vocals). The band now tours with Blues Traveler and has opened for Sister Hazel and Bob Schneider. Palmer also plays solo and plays unplugged gigs.

Palmer draws inspiration from a wide range of rock and pop from the late ‘60s into the ‘70s. “Kansas, Yes, Led Zepplin, Earth Wind and Fire and Beatles were my favorite groups,” he says. “But some of my biggest influences are five great singer/songwriters: Cat Stevens, CSNY, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Joan Armatrading. I also liked Chicago, Bruce Springstein, Billy Joel, the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Led Zepplin.”

Palmer’s goal is to look to that array of artists, but with a modern audience in mind. “I want to make our music sound modern, but it’s not Beyonce, Jay Z or Lady Gaga. Instead, it’s more like John Mayer meets Dave Matthews with a lot of heavy bass undertones for people to move to.”

The far-ranging styles shift from the R&B groove of “Never Gonna See Her Again” to the searing ballad “Where Did Your Love Go” to the surging strut of “Some Things Will Never Change.” While many of the songs’ themes and stories are based on personal experience, the dynamic delivery is universal.