You Are I Am

With the September 23rd release of You Are I Am’s CBS Records "the human EP" - the band demonstrates an unerring ability to create a unique imprint that’s both classic and contemporary. Its five songs -- “Really With You” “What A Pity” “The Ride” Here Comes The Rainbow” and “Gravity” – are driven by singer/songwriter Mark Renk’s passion and a desire to infuse the band’s music with a truly compelling emotional bond. Renk also plays both piano and acoustic guitar, while the other members -- drummer Jesper Kristensen, bass player Mik Heimburger, guitarist Thomas Hjorth and guest guitarist iZLER -- add their own creative expression to these riveting arrangements.



“I believe that we’re all part of a greater humanity,” Renk says of the group’s songs. “We’re not trying to use our music to make any particular political statement, however we do strongly believe in one love and equality. I think it’s a shame (what a pity) that we only have this one opportunity to enjoy and experience our time on the planet, and somehow manage to waste and overlook it by treating each other so badly. So, if our songs can put the listener in a reflective mood and offer some sort of positive message along the way, then all the better.”



If the You Are I Am’s new music is any indication, You Are I Am may accomplish that purpose. The material resonates with an emotional intimacy and passionate embrace that recalls the honesty and heartfelt conviction of Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson as well as the searing, anthemic urgency of modern stadium rockers like U2, Radiohead and Coldplay. “I like to think my songwriting is actually intuitive,” he suggests. “My brain understands how to put together the chords and the melodies, but I really think that I’m more of a conduit. I actually get the sense that these songs already exist, and that they somehow just pass through me so I that can expose them to the world.”



It’s not surprising then that the Album came together quickly. Co-Produced by John Goodmanson, (well known for his production work with Death Cab For Cutie and Nada Surf) and Mark Renk (production credits including Helmet, Gavin Rossdale, P.O.D.) The 11 song LP was recorded over fourteen days at NRG studios and Renk’s own Velvet Buddha studios. Drums, bass and piano were recorded live in three days at NRG, followed by guitars, keyboards, strings and vocals over the remaining eight at Velvet Buddha. Rock and roll baby!!!



The music reflects Renk’s earliest influences. “I was always drawn to this essential British Rock sensibility,” he recalls. “I loved bands like the Beatles and Pink Floyd instead of what was popular when i was a kid. "When I was growing up I learned a lot about classical music but somehow I always gravitated towards my older brother’s Beach Boys and Led Zeppelin albums.”



In fact, music has always been Renk’s lifelong obsession. He began playing piano at the age of 4 ½ and remarkably, wrote his first song at the age of ten. “Music seems to be the only thing I’ve ever been drawn to,” he insists. “When I was a kid, my parents had to turn on the radio at night to help me to fall asleep. I remember being in church and suddenly I’d be humming a song out of nowhere. My mother would literally have to cover up my mouth!”



After high school, Renk was able to pursue his passion by touring successfully with various bands, eventually ending up in Toronto, honing both his music and his performing skills. After a couple of years, he returned to his hometown of Los Angeles where he continued to play in a succession of different groups. All the while, Renk began acquiring an enviable reputation in West Coast music circles for his proficiency as a coach, writer, producer and arranger. Through word of mouth, many accomplished artists began seeking his services, a list that came to include rock artists such as Chris Daughtry, One Republic, Helmet, Flyleaf, Mandy Moore, Gavin Rossdale, Augustana, Kara DioGuardi, Pussy Cat Dolls, Seether, Three Days Grace, P.O.D., Matchbook Romance, Bullet for my Valentine, Evanescence, Paris Hilton and Billy Bush to name a few!



It was while gigging with a former group called the crumb bros. that a friend brought their album to the attention of Matt Pinfield of MTV fame, then the vice president of A&R for Columbia Records. Although the company expressed interest in signing them to their roster, internal scheduling problems within the band ultimately scuttled the agreement.



Undeterred, Renk put out the call for other musicians with similar musical leanings and before long, You Are I Am was born. Fortunately, good fortune was not far behind. When his manager, Joey Simmrin, casually played some of You Are I Am’s material for the CBS Records brass, the reaction was instantaneously enthusiastic… so much so that one of the executives’ wives had to plead with him to play it in his car because that was all she was hearing around the house. Renk and You Are I Am were onstage at a CBS showcase 2 hours after their signing, performing their songs for CBS executives, show producers and music supervisors.



“Being signed to CBS Records is an amazing opportunity,” Renk effuses. “There’s no other medium like television when it comes to reaching the masses. To think that our music will be able to reach so many people in one fell swoop, is an incredible dream come true.”



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