Biography
The debut, self-titled EP from THE BLACK STRING THEORY delivers arena-sized and emotion-driven alternative-rock with a compelling sense of urgency and a discernible dark edge. Drawing upon influence from acts including Keane, Muse, Editors, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Depeche Mode and Matthew Good, THE BLACK STRING THEORY infuse piano, rhythmic guitars, drum loops and keys, providing the perfect platform for the band’s distinctive and emotive lead vocal.
The four-song EP was produced and recorded by the band’s vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter SCOTT VAN DORT, while mixing was handled by GRAMMY Award winning engineer, Chris Testa (Jimmy Eat World, The Subways, Motion City Soundtrack, Switchfoot, Mat Kearney). Mastered by Tim Young (Editors, Massive Attack, The Clash, Bat For Lashes) at Metropolis Studios in London UK, the EP was made available Worldwide on April 10, 2010.
THE BLACK STRING THEORY was first conceived in July 2009, inspired by what van Dort views as a quest for self-liberation and a life of authenticity. Van Dort says “You can look in offices anywhere around the world and you’ll find most people have a shadow life of some sort. I’ve spent years working corporate 9-5 jobs, while writing music and playing in bands, so I know what it's like to lead a double-life. I realized it was time to give rise to that side of me if I was ever going to live authentically.”
After the release of the EP, van Dort found the perfect accompanist in drummer and co-writer Mann Baldanza, who had enjoyed success with the band, Lustra amongst others. Having spent years performing in traditional rock bands, the two set out to with a desire to create something both liberating and unconventional. With van Dort alternating between vocals/keyboards and vocals/guitar, Baldanza providing the driving force on drums and a lap-top triggering layers of keyboards and bass lines, THE BLACK STRING THEORY is a unique act that sets out to alter the perception of what a rock band should be; musically, physically and philosophically. Collectively, van Dort and Baldanza have amassed years of live and touring experience throughout Western Europe, Canada, Australia and the U.S.
The lyrics revolve around love, loss, the trials and tribulations of post-adolescence, liberation and the yearning to find one’s place and one’s self in the world. Noted by fans and critics alike is a dark and ominous edge that touches all four tracks. Van Dort explains “Most songwriters would agree that songwriting is a way of communicating and expression, but for me it’s also an outlet for my subconscious; revealing elements that are not expressed fully in my daily life”. He then elaborates, “I often think of a Depeche Mode interview where Dave Gahan said their music somehow appealed to the oddball, the person who is looking for something a little bit different and I feel like THE BLACK STRING THEORY speaks to those people too”.
THE BLACK STRING THEORY is a welcome addition to a ‘Brit-Rock’ inspired scene currently enjoying resurgence in the States. The recent U.S. success of UK outfits (Arctic Monkeys, Muse, Florence and The Machine etc.) have influenced American versions of the genre, however THE BLACK STRING THEORY is not another tribute band, nor imitator, as they too have foreign credentials. Before moving to Los Angeles, Swiss born Baldanza had lived in Italy, Switzerland and the UK while Australian-born van Dort has called Australia, Holland, the UK and Canada home. Van Dort notes; “There’s definitely a nomadic side to us. I’ve always been on a quest to find myself, find my home and trying to outrun ‘normal life’. At the same time, I spent years trying to find my own voice and my own sound. We both know we have finally something that feels honest and something we can call our own”.
Grab hold - the journey has only just begun…
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