Highwater Rising

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Few bands can create such an appealing and overwhelmingly unique sound, while still staying true to their musical vision. Highwater Rising is one of those rare few, and they have generated a huge buzz in the industry in just a few months.



Described by KCRW host Chris Douridas (New Ground) as epic scale modern rock thats both melodic and bracing, Highwater Risings music is truly their own. I listen to mainly soul and blues, says frontman Aidan Hawken. I dont listen to a lot of whats on the radio today, citing such historic influences as Curtis Mayfield and Bob Marley. However, critics still compare the bands sound to current artists like Coldplay and U2 and more recent classic artists like Peter Gabriel , all musicians with something to say.



Introduced by Hawkens sister, Hawken and guitarist JJ Wiesler formed HWR in San Francisco in 1997. Once keyboardist Jason Borger joined, the bands sound really began to take shape. I have a few records that always take me back to a place where incredible memories are stored. That's the power of song. I hope we make music that inspires our fans as much as my heroes (U2, Daniel Lanois) have inspired me with theirs, says Borger.



Such aspirations may not be far from the truth. Twelve labels are already buzzing about. This comes as no surprise considering all the exposure they have received in recent months. Wasted Days and Lie Awake are currently being spun on KCRW. Chosen Best of 2002 alongside Coldplay, Beck, and Ryan Adams, HWR was recently featured on a 30 minute live interview and performance on Douridas hit show NEW GROUND. KOSO has jumped in adding Life in Three Parts and Coming Undone to the growing mix of songs off their 2003 release that can be heard on major radio. Television and film has also taken to their music. MTVs The Real World, FOXs Boston Public, Comedy Centrals Trigger Happy TV, and upcoming film release ALIEN HUNTER have licensed the bands songs.



The band can be seen live rocking such places as San Franciscos famous Fillmore and Great American Music Hall. In March of 2003, HWR released their 2nd record The In Between co-produced by A-list producer Eric Valentine (of Smash Mouth/Third Eye Blind/Queens of the Stone Age fame). When asked about their recording process Wiesler states, I have never gotten over my fascination with bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. These bands made records when record making was truly indulgent and albums ruled, not singles. We take mood rather than music as our inspiration. Mood is the essence of our music, of all music.



Hawken adds, My hope, what I am trying to do is make soul music, and I think we do make soul music."



Indeed, Highwater Rising is clearly a band on the rise.



highwaterrising.com