Deep Ella started as an acoustic act in the second half of the 1990's. The band's founder, Jeff Crowder, could barely play the guitar and without a single song written decided on the name, Deep Ella. He had just graduated from high school, and was hanging around with a motley crew of skate boarders, musicians, gang members and drug addicts. With this combination of friends, it wasn't hard to have a lot to say. Songs seemed to come easy, and the local music scene provided ample inspiration. A few years past and Jeff's guitar playing improved. He made some progress as a local singer/songwriter and gained the attention of critics and fans. He decided to move on from a solo act and start a band. Jeff's friend and former roommate, Justin Furstenfeld (of the band Blue October), introduced him to Kathy, a bass player. It didn't take long to fill the other spots, and in 2001, Deep Ella was finally a band. With meaningful lyrics and organic melodies as the backbone of the project, Deep Ella released the record “Last Year’s New Thing,” in 2002. The critics said LYNT (Last Year’s New Thing) was characterized by a mix of diverse songs with a range of styles that embody the wavering passion of a progressive youth. For the next three years, Deep Ella continued to play and mold its sound, playing every show offered and promoting the old fashion way, one fan at a time. Drawing together the experience of this local success, and playing consistent gigs helped the band build a loyal fan base. Being nominated as the best Alt Rock band in town by "The Houston Press" in 2003, 2004 and 2006 set the stage for them to release a small EP called "The Marian Year". These were good times for the band.
In 2005, Jeff had a breakup that would change him and the band forever. After several months of solitude and the almost deliberate destruction of the band, Jeff came out of hiding with a new vision and purpose. Time alone had changed everything and the days of being young were over. Song after song began to take shape, and Deep Ella spent the better part of 2006 in the studio, working on their sophomore, full-length album “Empty Seas and Memories.” This time around, Deep Ella perfected an intricate mix of lusty vocals, aggressive guitar work and eclectic rhythms. “Empty Seas and Memories” was released in the summer of 2007 to a sold-out crowd at the local Houston venue "The Warehouse Live". The momentum of “Empty Seas” was immediate and Deep Ella was packing clubs all over town. The band was even dubbed the Best Pop/Rock act by The Houston Chronicle in their 2008, Ultimate Houston series. In support of “Empty Seas,” Deep Ella was able to explore regionally sharing the stage with national acts like Blue October, Hoobastank, Civil Twilight, Alpha Rev and the Paper Tongues. In 2008 Deep Ella released another small EP called "Fault Lines".
In 2009, they decided it was time for another album. This time, the band had some funding and could actually afford to partner with some amazing music industry professionals. Producer and bassist, Matt Noveskey, and Producer/Engineer, Chuck Alkazian, joined the team to create Deep Ella's much anticipated third album, 2010's “You.me.and the Spider.” This album is the culmination of a colorful new vision for Deep Ella. It incorporates the cohesive voice of “Empty Seas,” while including a unique sound with delicate layers that are familiar and comforting but not a replication. Strategically placed violin parts, evolved electronic elements and a fresh percussive personality make “You.me.and the Spider” the best work Deep Ella has ever done.
Currently, Deep Ella is supporting this record and plans on a tour in 2011. “You.me.and the Spider" showcases the versatility of the band from dace/pop songs like “How To Get Free” and “You Lied”, to solid rock songs that burst into incendiary anthems like “Over Now” and “No One”. Deep Ella lets you past the velvet ropes everyone else uses to keep others at arm’s length. Sharing every experience with the crowd, as if it where their own. “Everything in Life” has such depth and sincerity lyrically, it's hard not to fall into a trance while listening to the poetry. Musicianship in the band is vital and appreciation for each other is prevalent. Vibrant string arrangements, courtesy of violinist Eric Rodriquez, enhance the emotive quality of songs like “Summer Love” and “After All.” The single “You Lied” carries a sense of heartfelt restlessness that is a trademark of the band. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist, Jason Light, and drummer, Fonz Lovelace, gives each song a solid foundation that makes you move. Fantastic production fills every track with nice corners and pleasant surprises that emerge elegantly every time you listen. The album is delivered with such passion and precision, that it's hard not to fall in love with. Always striving to be better, Deep Ella is looking toward a bright future; one that they hope you will be a part of.
“You.me.and the Spider” was released on July, 2010 and can be purchased on most iStores including iTunes, Amazon and others.
“Deep Ella has carved out its own brand of sticky melodies that has people listening”, Mourice Bobb, Houston Chronicle
“With the loose, laid-back, bluesy feel that its name implies, local band Deep Ella succeeds by employing simple hooks and sweet, airy vocals that don’t just speak of emotions but act as conduits for them”, Ray Hafner, Houston Press
“Comprised of spectacular guitar riffs, strong lyrics and beautiful harmonies. The melodic lines are moving and beautiful. Everyone should witness a live show from Deep Ella at least once because its honestly one of the few “true” bands left”, Erica Neiswender, The University Star (San Marcos)
“Even a surface listen tips you off that Deep Ella concerns themselves more with actual content than window-dressing”, Jess Thames, Sound Awake
“Local band Deep Ella has been doing something right in the past year. Being the first to sell out The Sidecar Pub, the band currently has a fan base larger than ever expected in such a short amount of time. The band has its foot in the door of something interesting. Combining a wide array of musical genres, the result of the conglomeration of harmonies and melodies is breathtaking.”, Shiley Carter, Houston Daily Cougar
Deep Ella is currently working with A & R Select in West Hollywood, Ca. for publishing, licensing, a record deal and/or placement opportunites. For additional information, you can contact them at:
323-924-5897
www.arselect.com
To listen to and/or purchase any of Deep Ellas music, please log onto any of the following websites:
www.deepella.com
www.facebook.com/pages/deep-ella/46610595907?ref=ts
www.myspace.com/deepella
www.reverbnation.com/deepella
www.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/deep-ella/id260930642
