The Canary Promise is a fairly new band on the Richmond scene, but their sound both hearkens back and looks forward. It looks back 20 years to grunge before it was a dirty word, and its melodic verses and groove based choruses look forward to as yet un-chartered musical paths.
After several permutations, The Canary Promise's genesis was in December 2008, though singer/guitarist/songwriter Jeff Hartman states they only fully realized themselves as a band fairly recently. Founded by two old friends who reconnected through Facebook but played guitar together as early as the fifth grade (Hartman and lead guitarist Kyle Athey), the quartet first presented itself to Richmond in April, 2010. More recently, the rhythm section has undergone a transformation with the additions Travis Hyatt on drums and bassist Clay Hewitson.
Lyricist-singer-songwriter- guitarist-writer-bandleader Hartman is something of a mystery. A one-time record store clerk whose musical tastes are as disparate as Thelonious Monk, Frank Zappa, and Kyuss, he wanted to put together something that returned to rock basics while also forging new harmonic mutations for their growing audience to ponder.
Per Hartman: "We noticed when we looked at the songs collectively that they were primarily riff-based - a quality sorely lacking in rock today."
Audiences are already responding to the band's first single "It's a Free Market, (baby)" - available exclusively as a digital download on the band's website.
"It's about selling the end of a relationship to someone who was fine with ending it anyway," said Hartman. "Trading love for financial success, and maybe realizing that wasn't all there is to life." That song, and B-Side "The Drought" can be previewed and purchased directly from the band on their website, www.TheCanaryPromise.com .
Another early favorite is "(Broken) Tricycle" which has a catchy chanted one-line chorus over staccato guitars. Lead guitarist Athey adds distinctive but thematic solo work over Hartman's framework and the results are quite catchy.
Overall, this is a band with clever songs, energy, and lots of...promise. Keep an eye out for them on the Richmond scene.
Jeff Hartman
Singer, song writer, guitarist
A co-founder of The Canary Promise, Jeff is a born musician who has been dedicated to his art since gradeschool. A long, diverse list of writers and artists from eras spanning classic rock to grunge, pop, psychadelic, and heavy metal have helped shape his musical predilections that are born to life through powerfully expressive lyrics and rhythm. With uniquely peculiar views on life, death, and everything in between, Jeff brings a fresh voice and distinct spirit to the music world.
Musical Influences: Billy Corgan, Frank Zappa, Dean Ween, Joshua Homme, David Gilmour, Jack White
Fun fact: Jeff graduated from Virginia Commwealth University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Advertising
Kyle Athey
Guitarist
An aspiring riff-ripping guitarist since childhood, Kyle joined The Canary Promise in the winter of 2010 after reconnecting with Jeff via the social networking site, Facebook. Combining soulful, blues-inspired harmonies with overdriven, effects-laden riffs, he compliments the group's distinct voice with a searing, emotional lead presence. Echos of licks long gone carried upon a new wind are part of his trademark tone.
Musical Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Principato, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Jerry C
Fun fact: Once toured North America competing in video game tournaments for a living.
Clay Hewitson
Bass
Back in Virginia after making his mark in film editing & production in New York/New Jersey, Clay joined the band and immediately impressed with not only his technical ability, but also his higher level understanding of music and strong work ethic. He brings a flare to his instrument that's not always seen in our style of music that is tasteful and powerful.
Musical Influences:
Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, Roger Waters, William Murderface, John Paul Jones, John McVie
Fun fact: His favorite day of the week is green.
Travis Hyatt
Percussion
Travis is as dedicated and focused a musician as you'll ever find, with both passion for what he plays and the patience to get it right. The combination of power, intensity, and accuracy he plays with is undeniable, as is the impression he leaves on his audience. Traces of his influences and upbringing flavor his playing, creating an end product all his own.
Musical Influences: Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Queens of the Stone Age, PIXIES
Fun fact: Moved frequently throughout his childhood, only recently settling in Virginia.
