NEW YORK (Lava Records) - New York's prestigious arts and entertainment weekly the Village Voice best sum up Antigone Rising in one sentence: "These babes bring back classic rock with passion, chops, swagger and moxie." We couldn't agree more. The Tri-State area, all-female quintet are pleased to announce the release of their highly-anticipated major label debut From the Ground Up which will be available beginning May 11, 2005 exclusively at Starbucks.
The disc will kick off Starbucks proprietary CD series entitled "Hear Music(tm) Debut" which will be sold exclusively in over 4,400 Starbucks Company-operated stores in the United States as well as on www.starbucks.com/hearmusic. Antigone Rising was selected as the inaugural band featured in Starbucks Hear Music's new "Hear Music(tm) Debut" CD series created specifically to introduce new and developing artists.
From the Ground Up was recorded live earlier this year in New York City at legendary Sony Studios. The album, produced by Grammy Award winning producer Neil Dorfsman (Dire Straits, Sting, Paul McCartney,) features a total of 14 magnificent tracks including the album's infectious first single "Don't Look Back." The song was co-penned by Antigone Rising and chart-topping, solo artist/matchbox twenty front-man, Rob Thomas. The track's gorgeous, three-part harmonies, along with lead singer Cassidy's storytelling abilities, captivate the listener upon first listen. "The band is amazing," said Rob Thomas. "Cassidy is a born star. Antigone Rising is a band you will be listening to for a long time."
In addition to Rob Thomas, Antigone Rising's biggest fans include actor/musician Little Steven and multi-platinum recording artist Sheryl Crow. "Antigone Rising is nothing but trouble," said Soprano's star and E-Street band drummer Little Steven. "The girls are a little too talented, their melodies a little too memorable, their performance a little too exciting. And, don't even think about calling them sexy (because they are); and they don't care what you think!" And, according to Sheryl Crow, indisputably one of the biggest female superstars today, "[Antigone Rising] is a band that has a lot of heart, soul and talent."
Highlights from Antigone Rising's From the Ground Up include the melancholy, piano-laced track "Open Hearts and Doors" which beautifully captures the essence of love lost, and the heart-string pulling "Michael," which was penned by Kristen Henderson in regards to the tragic passing of a close friend. Other notable tracks on the album include the theatrical, up-tempo crowd-pleaser "Rosita," featuring Spanish guitar licks courtesy of Cathy Henderson and "What" which was written on tour after the girls were nearly run off the road by a drunk driver. Last but not least, singer Cassidy's vocal prowess can best be heard on "Longshot," the acoustic-guitar treasure which was written by the singer in celebration of a night of passion.
Antigone Rising was founded in the late 90's by sibling guitarists Cathy and Kristen Henderson. The band also features powerhouse vocalist Cassidy, Dena Tauriello on drums and Jen Zielenbach on bass. The five-piece ensemble's blend of 70s-era rock n'roll has taken them from playing small clubs up and down the eastern seaboard, to opening up for Aerosmith, Joan Jett and former Black Crowes' Rich Robinson. For more up-to-date information log onto: www.antigonerising.com.
