(Press Release) The Reach, a New York based alternative band, will become pioneers this week as they embark on a revolutionary experiment: to involve the entire internet community in the recording process. Craig Miller (guitars, vocals) and Tommy Watts (drums) have recorded two albums with The Reach, but fortheir newest recording, Watts and Miller have something very different in mind.As The Reach continues preparations for their third album, every song fragment, demo, unfinished lyric, and studio outtake will be published online via weekly blog and podcast entries posted on the Internet. Additionally, Watts and Miller plan to invite public suggestion, allowing anyone to participate in the creation of the final album. “We’re trying to turn the process of making an album into a more interactive experience,” says Miller. “Most bands wait years after a record comes out to release all the little demos, song snippets, and outtakes that lead up to the final product. We’re going to post all that stuff immediately, as it happens, and invite listeners to not only hear the record being made but to participate in the whole process.”
After listening to each podcast, listeners will be invited to discuss what they’ve heard on The Reach’sblog/web forum and to post any comments or suggestions they have for the direction of the song. “If you think we need a French horn solo in the bridge of Song 12, let us know.” Says Miller, “If you’ve got an idea for some lyrics, post it to the blog. We just might use it.” Although Miller and Watts reserve the right to use only those ideas they like, they are excited to see what kinds of innovative suggestions listeners might donate.
The first podcast will be posted on August 1, 2005. Subscription information and links to the blog/forum are available at www.thereachnyc.com/podcast.html
History Formed in 1994 in Dallas, TX, The Reach began as an alternative rock trio playing throughout the Southwest, and drawing comparisons to R.E.M. and The Cure among others. The highlight of this period was the recording of their debut album, Closer, with veteran Dallas, TX producer Keith Rust. The albums lush yet intense blend of guitars and drums paired with Miller’s unique yet familiar vocal style garnered the band a devoted regional following and substantial airplay. Unfortunately, the band was forced to quit playing live when Miller moved to Atlanta in 1998.
However, encouraged by the popularity of their music from fans on the Internet, guitarist/vocalist Craig Miller and drummer Tommy Watts reconvened in 2003 to record their critically acclaimed album: LIFT. “Amplifier Magazine” hailed Miller as “a top rate vocalist” while “Music Connection Magazine” gave LIFT 7 out of 10 stars and praised the band’s“prodigious musicianship.” The Reach is currently writing material for a third album, with a tentative release planned for winter of 2005.
