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In Theory SOTF 003 July 25, 2006 |
Digital $6.00 |
CD $10.00 |
Stream
These
Things Are Too Real
Track List
1. Pacific Tide
2. In Theory
3. So Far from Bliss
4. New Love
5. These Things Are Too Real
6. The Storms of Early Summer
Album Description
With just a guitar and a voice, Austin May's sophomore effort In Theory comes through as a brilliant piece of indie folk-rock. The lo-fi recording really adds to the intimacy and it's like you're hearing these songs one on one.
Notes
All songs were performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by Austin May in York, PA during July of 2006. All songs were written by Austin May except "Pacific Tide" which was written by Samantha Lee, Austin May and Kenneth Morton.
Press
Austin May’s mesmerizing music contains whispering voice, yearning melodies, darkly poetic lyrics that pick the right tones, and moods. He is a balladeer whose words and melodies resonate in your soul. Decidedly downbeat, it features primarily acoustic instruments with an ear toward simplicity and limitation. What results is an airy, intimate collection of songs dealing primarily with the human condition, our relationships with ourselves, and with each other...and our greater struggle. Words straight from the heart and strong melodies make it a memorable listen. Some of highlights include “Home To Me,” “Too Much To Ask,” and “S.Bouquet” from the self titled album, “In Theory,” and “Pacific Tide” from “In Theory” EP.
- Ken Dubois
Acoustic rock with personality
Oct 5, 2006 — Artist: Austin May, 24
Describe your sound/style: It's pretty independent acoustic rock kind of stuff. I really don't like to think my music is too similar to other music. I like to think it's a reflection of my own personality. It's really honest and artistic. Or at least I think so.
Who are your influences? I would say Elliot Smith was a really big influence for me. His music was very uncompromising and real. Some other artists I like are Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens and Arcade Fire.
Last three albums you listened to? I guess realistically the last three I listened to were The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," Elliot Smith, "From a Basement on the Hill" and Aimee Mann "The Forgotten Arm."
Worst band on the radio right now? I really don't like Nickelback.
Who is your biggest musical guilty pleasure? I don't know. There's really nothing that I'm so embarrassed that I don't tell people. I guess I don't think Kelly Clarkson is that bad.
If you could share the stage with any band or artist, who would it be and why? One of my favorite bands growing up was the Smashing Pumpkins. Now that they're working on a new album, that would be nice to open for them, just because you'd be playing for a huge audience and just the whole nostalgia thing.
What songs do you like to cover? I play the Beatles' "Blackbird" (and) "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young. Once in a while, I do an Elliot Smith song. There's also a Bright Eyes song.
Plug one other local band: There's this band called Monroe from Shrewsbury. It's just one guy, and he gets other people to play other instruments and sing. I think he's got a real unique style. I like his music a lot.
Who would win in a fight: Sufjan Stevens or Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes? Hopefully neither of them would have to fight, but Conor would probably be drunk so he would probably win.
What do you need to work on as an artist? I'm trying to get a band together. I've got a bass player I've been working with ... I'd really like to find a drummer.
Shoutouts: There are two bands from Chapel Hill , N.C. that are coming up. They're on tour right now. They're playing on Oct. 7 with me at Sparky & Clark's ? The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers and David Karsten Daniels who just signed to Fat Cat Records.
FLIPSIDE STAFF
Catch Austin May about 7 p.m. Saturday at Sparky & Clark's, 284 W. Market St., York.
To hear May's track, "Home to Me," make sure to subscribe to the FlipSide podcast at http://www.flipsidepa.com/goingout.
For more info on May, visit him on the Web at www.austinmay.com.
- Jason Cox