Sweden, the unofficial headquarters of epic-creative-pop, seems an inevitable launching pad for Versant. Led by Carah Faye, former front-woman of the Grammy-nominated Shiny Toy Guns, and produced by fellow band-mate Daniel Johansson, Versant synthesizes the melodicism of a true pop siren with up-to-the-minute textures that can ignite both dance floors and dirty rock clubs. “Versant is a summation of dreams,” says Carah Faye. “It’s music we believe ‘belongs’ but is rarely understood, much less brought to reality.” 
background while you watch free satellite tv
using the free to air satellite tv
receiver from the hd satellite service
at InternetLion.com!
Lyrically, Faye draws from real-life experiences and reveals their difficult, but ultimately transcendent, lessons: “I will wait for the truth to find me/ But I will never leave it to you” (“Out of Touch”). The band has a goal of encouragement and inspiration through their music as well as hoping to “help people to heal or be inspired to reach for more.” Johansson and Faye met in the most organic of ways—on the road. Johansson worked as a front of house engineer for Shiny Toy Guns as well as for fellow Swedes The Sounds, who tapped him to produce the title track of their 2009 release, Crossing the Rubicon. Similarly, Johansson met drummer Richard Ankers on the road with Anker’s previous band Melody Club. Along with Ankers, bassist Nicholas Oja, who Johansson met while living in LA in 2005, and Grettve, who had been a childhood friend, they became the three obvious choices for Johansson and Faye to invite on the envisioned journey. Unsurprisingly, they draw artistic inspiration from a diverse playlist. “Mew, Kent, Coldplay, The Cardigans and Michael Jackson have been in rotation in 2009—anybody with an individual sound who likes espresso and walks on the beach,” Carah laughs. Versant is in the process of putting the final touches on their self-released EP, due out June, 2010. Reaction to demos posted on their MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/versantmusic) has been unanimous: Although only debuting, Versant exceeds high expectations, and introduces loyal fans to a bristling new musical collaboration.
Interview with Versant:
Where exactly is the band headquartered – California or Sweden?
We are currently stationed in Sweden. Eventually we would like to be working out of LA. Right now it makes the most sense to keep the majority of us close to home, and close to where our current resources are.
When is your album going to be released?
We are hoping for a June release. It was pushed back while we worked on finding the perfect person to mix it, but with that person finally locked down, I think it’s a safe date.
Do you think Shiny Toy Guns fans will embrace this music, or are you looking to attract a different audience all together?
I guess it all depends on what their reasons for liking STG were. Overall I would assume that they would. The fans of STG will ALWAYS be very very dear to me. I can only hope they appreciate Versant.
Do you fear being compared to Shiny Toy Guns?
No, I welcome it. Comparison is inevitable in this situation. At the end of the day, I wasn’t trying to create another STG, so comparisons can’t go farther than the fact that I used to be in that band. We simply made music that was what we personally enjoyed.
How exactly does the songwriting happen with an ocean between you guys?
An obvious problem. The easiest solution was for me to live in Sweden while we wrote this album. So I have been, and it’s been wonderful.
Daniel and I bounce everything we do off of each other, and I don’t see how we could complete anything we do if we were separated by an ocean.
Has Versant found a label to release through, or is the plan to do as much DIY as possible?
We definitely made the decision to DIY our first release. We’d like to go as far as we can go for now. Then begin the search.
What can fans expect after the album is dropped?
Shows!! Right after the completion of the EP we’re jumping into rehearsals and getting ready for as many shows as we can handle.
Will you be debuting your CD in the USA?
Well, it’s an digital release. That said, everyone would have access to it at the same time.
Do you plan on previewing/releasing any more songs before the ep/album is released?
No. Being that the EP is already short in songs we’ll save the remaining songs for the actual release. But, never say never.
What has been the most exciting part of this band so far? Any crazy stories you want to share thus far?
Nothing too crazy yet. The craziest part of everything “Versant” so far is basically what had to happen in order for us to even become a thought. Now, we are much more than a thought and on our way to fulfilling what we’ve been planning for awhile now.
Make sure to check them out at:
http://www.sonicbids.com/versantmusic
http://www.myspace.com/versantmusic
http://www.versantmusic.com
