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STS9 Releases Unexpected, Fully Improvised Album 'Wave Spell' January 24, 2018 11:51

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Photo by Jordan Kirkloand: Live & Listen
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Veteran instrumental jam band STS9 has unexpectedly released a new, full-length record via BandCamp. The release, titled Wave Spell: 9.17.2017, features nine songs that were recorded at the band’s new studio. The description suggests that the new material was improvised during a single studio session on September 17, 2017. The albums first single, "Wave Spell," was debuted during the band's three-night New Year's run at The Warfield in San Francisco. 
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You can purchase the album here via BandCamp. STS9 announced their new partnership with BandCamp just two weeks ago. For $9.99 a month, the band is offering its fans access to a variety of musical content. As the group explained via Twitter, “In addition to all upcoming live sets, we will be releasing lots of improv jams, exclusive cuts, throwback shows from the vault + even taking special requests from YOU!”
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The band released the following statement regarding the new album:
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We’ve always dreamed of having our own studio, an “autonomous zone” where we could be free to let the music happen. Over the years we’ve had many different practice spaces. From basements to barns to makeshift rooms red-tagged by the city. 

In February of 2017 we moved into a new studio that truly feels like home. The ability to record ourselves live, to make it feel and sound like we’re on stage in the magic, has been a dream come true. 

It’s inspired us to be more prolific, to record everything and share more of our experience with our closest fans… 

Wave Spell is STS9 in its rawest form. Where we don’t talk about what we want to play, we just try and tap in to the moment and let the music happen. It’s a conversation where we speak solely with our instruments. A time where we’re completely free to explore. 

This series is dedicated to our belief that music is one of the most powerful forces in nature. It casts its spell through waveforms carrying sound and light, moving energy and frequencies through our mind, body and soul. 

Thank you for inspiring our Wave Spell. Can’t wait to see where it takes us… 

-STS9

Listen to the album's first single "Wave Spell" here":


STS9 Announces 'Get Loud' 2017 Spring Tour Dates February 7, 2017 16:02

Veteran electronic rock band STS9 has revealed the details on its 23-show 'Get Loud' spring tour.  This run will begin out west with a two-night stand at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas (March 31st - April 1st) before making its way across Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Michigan.  The tour hits the east coast on April 18th at Stage AE in Pittsburgh and continues with an array of appearances down the coast and into the southeast and Texas, before concluding with a two night stand at The Joy Theatre in New Orleans (April 29th & 30th).  The April 30th show in New Orleans will feature an "Axe The Cables" set.   See below for a full list of tour dates.

Presale tickets go on sale tomorrow February 8th @ 9 AM PST and can be purchased by clicking here.

STS9 'Get Loud' 2017 Spring Tour Dates:

3/31 :: Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/1 :: Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/3 :: Park City, UT @ Park City Live
4/4 :: Park City, UT @ Park City Live
4/6 :: Stateline, NV @ Harrah's Lake Tahoe
4/7 :: Stateline, NV @ Harrah's Lake Tahoe
4/8 :: San Diego, CA @ The Observatory
4/9 :: Phoenix, AZ @ Phoenix Lights Festival
4/12 :: Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
4/13 :: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
4/14 :: Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theatre
4/15 :: Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe Live
4/18 :: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
4/19 :: New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
4/20 :: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
4/21 :: Richmond, VA @ The National
4/22 :: Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
4/25 :: Chattanooga, TN @ Track 29
4/26 :: Oxford, MS @ The Lyric Oxford
4/27 :: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
4/28 :: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
4/29 :: New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater
4/30 :: New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater (Axe The Cables)

Watch STS9's official tour announcement video here:

 


Watch STS9's Entire 20th Anniversary Red Rocks Show September 10, 2016 13:31

 

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Live electronic veterans STS9 kicked off its annual weekend run at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Friday night, and the band couldn't be coming in on a more positive note.  Friday night marked STS9's 20th performance at the famed venue, and they come in fresh off of releasing their latest album, The Universe Inside.  The show featured a numbered of debuts from the album, including the two opening songs "Supercluster" and "Out Of This World."  An additional highlight came in the form of a guest appearance from vocalist Maureen Murphy on a cover of The Isley Brothers' "Between The Sheets," a song known by many thanks to Notorious B.I.G. and his use of samples on "Big Poppa." Murphy would ultimately return for an encore performance of the STS9 classic "Better Day," which featured Alana Rocklin on stand up bass and was followed by the debut of "Light Years."  Fortunately, YouTube user J Mar has shared his footage from the show, and a full setlist courtesy of Church of STS9 can be found below.  STS9 returns to the Red Rocks stage on Saturday night for what is sure to be a historic two-night run.

Watch STS9's entire 20th anniversary show at Red Rocks here:

Setlist: STS9 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO - 09.09.16

Set 1: Supercluster(*#)> Out of this World(*%)> Frequencies 2>3, To The World, March, Gobnugget>> Between the Sheets($&)>> Reemergence>> Between the Sheets, Vibyl(@), New Dawn, New Day

Set 2: Simulator> Grow, The Rabble>> Call Jam>> The Rabble, Elsewhere(*), Sun, Moon and Stars($*), Blu Mood> MOD>> Modular Improv>> MOD, World Go Round

Encore: Better Day($!), Light Years(*)

  • Show Notes:
  • * = first time played
  • # = band wearing space helmets
  • % = HB technical difficulties throughout song
  • $ = w/ Maureen Murphy on vocals
  • & = Isley Brothers Cover
  • @ = extended jam of Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message”
  • ? = Modular Jam
  • ! = Alana on Stand Up Bass

STS9 Will Play Oak Mountain Amphitheatre With GRiZ: Friday 10/29 August 30, 2016 11:10

Veteran jamtronic act STS9 has announced it's return to the Birmingham area, and this particular show will lead them to an even bigger stage.  The band will play it's first headlining show at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham on Friday, October 29th with support from producer GRiZ, another rising star in the jam scene.  Tickets will start at only $20 through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend (through 9/5 at 11:59PM CT).  Head over to STS9's official tour page for further details.

STS9 is an instrumental band whose sound is based heavily on instrumental rock and electronic music, funk, jazz, drum and bass, psychedelia, and hip hop, originating in Georgia, USA. Self-described as "post-rock dance music," the band mixes standard live rock instrumentation with electronics, favoring group rhythm over individual solos.

STS9 has released 11 albums, two remixed albums (Artifact: Perspectives & the Peaceblaster: Make it Right Remixes), and multiple live DVDs (Live as Time Changes, Axe The Cables, and various live performances) on their own label 1320 Records.  STS9 has toured the US nationally and internationally, ranking among Pollstar Magazine’s list of top-grossing touring acts, with a heavy presence in the music festival circuit.

Grant Kwiecinski, also known by his stage name GRiZ, is an American DJ and electronic producer from Michigan.  He is known for playing the saxophone along with producing funk, electro-soul, and self-described future-funk.

Listen to STS9's new single "Get Loud" via Spotify here:
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STS9 Announces Halloween Show at The Georgia Theatre August 22, 2016 11:30

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Electronic rock veterans STS9 have revealed their 2016 Halloween plans, which will lead the band back to the famed Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA on Monday, October 31st.  The show was first announced earlier this morning via the Georgia Theatre's Facebook page, which states that tickets go on sale this Friday, August 26th at 10:00 AM EST.  Following what is sure to be a huge weekend at the annual Suwannee Hulaween festival, Tribe fans can be confident that this will make for another epic night with STS9 in Athens.  

STS9 recently revealed the title of their new album, The Universe Inside, along with three tracks, "Supercluster," "Get Loud," and "Give and Take," which can be streamed via Spotify below.  The Universe Inside will be the follow up to the 2009 release Ad Explorata and is scheduled for release on September 2nd (according to an Amazon.com listing).

Listen to the sampler from STS9's new album here:

Watch STS9 perform "Better Day" > "By The Morning Sun" with Maureen Murphy (vocals) in Athens in March of 2015 here:

Video by Seth Jacobs: Heady Flair


STS9 Announces New Album; Releases First Single "Get Loud" August 3, 2016 11:05

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

STS9 teased the details on it's latest album on Tuesday, providing the simple message of "soon we launch our newest message into space."  The veteran jamtronic five-piece revealed their new albums title, The Universe Inside, along with their first single, "Get Loud," which can be streamed via Spotify below.  The Universe Inside will be the follow up to the 2009 release Ad Explorata and is scheduled for release on September 2nd (according to an Amazon.com listing).  

STS9 is an instrumental band whose sound is based heavily on instrumental rock and electronic music, funk, jazz, drum and bass, psychedelia, and hip hop, originating in Georgia, USA. Self-described as "post-rock dance music," the band mixes standard live rock instrumentation with electronics, favoring group rhythm over individual solos.

STS9 has released 11 albums, two remixed albums (Artifact: Perspectives & the Peaceblaster: Make it Right Remixes), and multiple live DVDs (Live as Time Changes, Axe The Cables, and various live performances) on their own label 1320 Records.  STS9 has toured the US nationally and internationally, ranking among Pollstar Magazine’s list of top-grossing touring acts, with a heavy presence in the music festival circuit.

Listen to STS9's new single "Get Loud" via Spotify here:

The Universe Inside Tracklist

1. Supercluster
2. Out of This World
3. Get Loud
4. Light Years
5. Totem
6. World Go Round
7. Give & Take
8. Elsewhere
9. Sun Moon & Stars
10. New Dawn, New Day
11. Worry No More
12. Common Descent
13. The Universe Inside


STS9 Announces Special Two-Night Run in Atlanta/Alpharetta March 21, 2016 11:35

STS9 has announced a special two-night run in Atlanta/Alpharetta this summer. The Georgia natives will play The Tabernacle on Friday August 26th, followed by three sets at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta on Saturday, August 27th. Saturday night will include an opening set of "Axe the Cables".

Tickets go on sale this Thursday at 10am ET exclusively through STS9 fan club ticketing, including 2-day passes, and VIP & GA single day tickets to the Saturday show starting at $19.99.  Tickets for the Friday show are only available as part of a 2-day pass with the Saturday show.  Many more details to follow in the next 48 hours.

If you're traveling to Atlanta, STS9 has compiled the best lodging rates to make your planning easy: http://sts9.com/tour-dates-tickets/


STS9 Lights Up Birmingham's Iron City November 19, 2015 11:35

Words and Photos by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Five-piece, instrumental jam outfit STS9 continued their 2015 Autumn Tour last night, taking the stage at Birmingham's Iron City, one of the Southeasts premier intimate venues.  In the midst of a red hot run through the southeast, expectations were high as the hype surrounding STS9 2.0 has only built stronger throughout 2015.  The Sector 9 faithful arrived with force, creating the energy and perfect atmosphere for what was to come.

Set 1 kicked off in super funky fashion with "Call Jam > Tap In," before an explosive take on "Kabuki," an old school favorite which sent the evening into full stride. The heavier, electronic side of STS9 was showcased with "Grizzly," building an energy which would never let down.  Guitarist Hunter Brown was firing on all cylinders during "Frequencies 2 > 3" before "Totem" seemed to have the whole room marching in place. A seamless transition into "Hubble" gave Birmingham it's first taste from Interplanetary Escape Vehicle, the groups first studio release from 1998.  

Hunter Brown (guitar) of STS9

Another beautiful segue made way for "Orbital."  Alana Rocklin (bass) and Zach Velmer (drums) carried the tempo and led some lengthy jamming before a segue back into "Hubble."  The raucous Birmingham crowd was given a moment to catch their breath before the set's final jam, "Nautilus > Aimlessly."  The rejuvenated creativity that we have seen with STS9 2.0 shined during "Nautilus," and Rocklin carried the jam perfectly into "Aimlessly."  The hype surrounding this tour was validated to say the least, and you knew that the second set would be big.

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and STS9 was back for what quickly became the best set I have seen from this band.  I'm far from an expert, and I have not followed STS9 as closely as many others, but this one was special.  The band picked up rigth where they left off with "Really Wut?," which includes a vocal sample during the intro reminiscent of something from Queen (at least that's how it felt at the time).  Another perfect segue made way for the "Four Year Puma," another gem from Interplanetary Escape Vehicle that builds and builds until it sends the crowd into an absolute frenzy.  Puma has always been a personal favorite of mine, and they built it beautifully on this night.  

STS9 @ Iron City Bham - 11.18.15

Another famliar vocal sample opened things up for the spacey "Scheme Reprise," one of the band's more electronic tunes from the 2011 release, When The Dust Settles. The room erupted once again as the intro to "King Pharaoh's Tomb" hit; another heavy hitting old school Sector 9 jam.  "Breathe In" was next, and I could talk about this song for days.  One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard from any band, "Breath In" is an absolute journey, giving you a taste of just about everything STS9 has to offer.  Another heavy hitter came in "When The Dust Settles," which I figured to be the set closer.  I was wrong, and the number one song I came to hear, "Ramone & Emiglio," was tacked on, just for safe measure.  Honestly, this seemed to good to be true, and I could not have drawn up a much more enticing STS9 set.  David Phipps' piano-led outro towards the end of R&E always gets me, and it was perfect on Wednesday night in Birmingham.  

It seemed as if there were only a few viable options for an encore for this show, "Baraka" being one of them.  One of the band's prettiest, most peaceful melodies was a perfect choice to wind down an absolute rager of a show.  Once again, I'm no expert, but any night with STS9 that ends with "Baraka" is a great night.  It had been over a year since seeing this band, with my last show being October 25th, 2014 in Asheville, NC.  That show was cut short due to some unfortunate circumstances in the crowd, and I was eager to shake that strange feeling that has lingered for quite some time.  This was a truly inspiring performance from a band that never ceases to blow my mind.  The chemistry that STS9 has found with Alana Rocklin is truly special.  Their creativity and attention to detail seem to be at an all time high, and it's a great feeling to see such consistent positivity surrounding this band once again.  Those headed to New Orleans, Austin, and Dallas are in for a treat, as there is no question that this tour will end in epic fashoin. 

Setlist: STS9 @ Iron City Bham - Birmingham, AL - 11.18.15

SET I:  Call Jam > Tap In, Kabuki, Grizzly, Frequencies 2 > 3, Totem > Hubble > Orbital > Hubble, Nautilus > Aimlessly

SET II:  Really Wut?* > Four Year Puma, Scheme Reprise, King Pharaoh's Tomb , Breathe In, When The Dust Settles, Ramone & Emiglio

ENCORE:  Baraka

* - Modular jam

David Phipps (piano) of STS9

STS9 @ Iron City Bham - 11.18.15

David Phipps and Hunter Brown

Alana Rocklin

 Hunter Brown

STS9 @ Iron City Bham - 11.18.15

STS9 @ Iron City Bham - 11.18.15


STS9 Releases 2015 Autumn Tour Dates July 24, 2015 11:26

Photo via BitTorrentBlog

STS9 has officially released their highly anticipated Autumn 2015 Tour Dates.  The tour kicks off on Thursday, October 22nd at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN.  A total of 22 dates are included on the tour, spanning across the Midwest, East Coast, Southeast, and out to Texas.   Fan Club On Sale begins next Wed 7/29 at 10am local time for each city, exclusively at www.STS9Store.com.  See below for the complete tour list, and stay tuned to STS9's Official Website and Facebook page for all future updates!

STS9 Autumn 2015 Tour Dates

October 22 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
October 23 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
October 24 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
October 25 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
October 28 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
October 29 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
October 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
October 31 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
November 01 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Hulaween
November 05 – New York, NY – Best Buy Theater
November 06 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
November 07 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
November 08 – Richmond, VA – The National
November 11 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
November 12 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
November 13 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
November 14 – Nashville, TN – War Memorial Auditorium
November 15 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
November 18 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Music Hall
November 19 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater
November 20 – Austin, TX – Austin Music Hall
November 21 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

STS9 Official Website

STS9 on Facebook