Absentstar - I Nine - Needtobreathe

Musicians Gallery

The line-up of bands performing at Amos' Southend caught my attention, so for the first time in many years I ventured down to the club to photograph some of the hottest up and coming rock bands performing in America today. My research proved to be accurate as all three of these bands performed with smoothness and professionalism - with each of them being unique and somehow familiar. What's amazing is that these three bands are touring the East coast this month together. So everywhere they go, the crowd will be blessed with a wonderful show. Something which in my opinion, and experience, is not common.

Absentstar's history goes back to 1999, when Lead singer Derek Ingersoll, guitarist Andy Dixon and drummer Heath Hamilton relocated from Indiana to Chicago, where the three figured they stood a better chance of finding an audience for their music. In addition to an expanded audience in the big city of Chicago also hooked them up with guitarist-keyboardist Marshall Hanbury and bassist Noel Arnim, completing the band’s makeup in 2005. The band recently completed a wonderful new 12 song album titled Sea Trials. The guys have hit the road to share their music with the rest of America.

I Nine - As many of you know, one of my photographic passions is to capture little known, or "undiscovered" talent as they traverse their path to discover and impart their imprint on American music. This allows me to hear first hand the raw talent of these musicians before it is altered by the marketing machines, but primarily it allows a glimpse into the heart and soul of the extreme effort exerted by these young people as they work to make their mark in American music culture. A group of young talent whom I think may be the next musical name you will become familiar with is I Nine. These young people hail from the southern town of Orangeburg, South Carolina, not far from us here in Charlotte.

As with many bands there's a long and winding road that has led to their current state - which by the way includes a debut album titled, Heavy Weighs The King. The members of I Nine have been playing together for about three years, though as lead singer Carmen Keigans says, they also grew up together and have known each other since they were kids. The band comprises, in addition to Carmen; Bryan Gibson (lead guitar, cello); Matt Heath (bass); Brian Whitman (guitar). Hopefully you will get a chance to see these guys play at a venue near you soon. If not, watch for their performance on CBS' The Early Show on April 26th.

The headliner for the nights show was a group called Needtobreathe. When the lead singer of Absentstar asked the audience who they were all there to see, it was with one voice that they yelled "Needtobreathe"! It wasn't long before I understood why. Having signed with Atlantic records and cutting their debut album Daylight in 2006, this band was known to most of the people in the audience. They have just released their second album, The Heat, and are back on the road playing for audiences across the country. The band has a real southern sound flair with the expected melodies imbedded within. This makes their music easy to listen to and captivating at the same time.

As I said at the outset of this page, its not often you'll get to see a trio of bands in one billing that performs at the caliber these three do. If you like rock music you'll love the night you spend with these three.

Cheers,

Monty Chandler