Do you like your southern twang inspired by the grime of the New York City streets? So do we. My Cousin, The Emperor is the latest endeavor from prolific Brooklyn-based via North Carolina singer-songwriter Jason Reischel. The quartet will self-release their debut album "A Long Way From Home” on October 20th, 2009.
Following two national tours and two albums as a solo artist, Reischel has re-imagined his sound, bringing together a taut ensemble of fine young musicians. Previously known as The Populists, over the past year, My Cousin, The Emperor has brought their self-described brand of “irony-free parlor music” to venues all over NYC.
Says Reischel about the album, “These are songs that I wanted to have a southern sound, but that I wrote mainly living in New York City. We were attempting to create a new genre: Country R&B.”
Joining Jason in My Cousin, The Emperor is Terry Quire, who started playing guitar when he was 11 years old in his hometown of Reading, PA. Influenced as much by classic rock as jazz, Quire is now recovering from his time as an undergrad music composition major at New York University.
Chris Gogan (Bass) was inspired to a love of music after hearing Wham!'s 80's megahit "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." In fourth grade, he took up the bass because it was the only rock and roll instrument in the orchestra. A composer, arranger, and songwriter Chris believes music is one of the greatest modes of communication ever devised, second only to Twitter - twitter.com/chrisgogan.
Alex Wyatt (Drums) grew up in idyllic Littleton, CO. His parents both musicians, Alex was exposed to music of all kinds from an early age. He began playing percussion as a child, and moved to drumset at the age of 12, and at 14 he was hooked enough to want to do it for a living. Wyatt is also a resident percussion teacher at the Westchester School of Music.
This fall, while recording their full-length, the band explored a fresh, electrified approach. Armed with this distinctly raw new style, yet retaining the plaintive, down-home sound that has been the hallmark of Reischel’s solo work, My Cousin, The Emperor have clarified their voice.
“The album is called ‘A Long Way From Home’ because that is how I feel right now, adds Reischel. “I'm in a very different place in my life then when I lived in North Carolina. These songs combine for me that feeling of nostalgia from my boyhood, but also let me know that I've come a long way on my journey, and that I still have plenty more to see. It's an American record. It reminds me of America.”
My Cousin, The Emperor release their debut album "A Long Way From Home” on October 20th, 2009.
"Jason Reischel was humble before us, but clearly a gifted writer."
- Ben Krieger, Jezebel Music
"Catchy, bluesy, heart-felt songs belted simply over a guitar, Jason Reischel is the perfect soundtrack for the late, lazy days of summer. Reischel's upbringing in the mountains of North Carolina shine through in his country influenced style. Music lovers everywhere should rejoice because of this promising individual and the music he brings into the world.”
- The Deli Magazine
http://myspace.com/mycousintheemperor
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