Mourning September
In a world where most bands are content to affix the prefix “post” and the suffix “core” to whatever style is popular that week, music fans are often left overwhelmed with style while searching for the minutest morsel of substance. They seem anxious to attach themselves to anything and everything remotely trendy, whatever hairstyle, t-shirt or catch phrase will propel them into their own fifteen minutes of fame. Enter into this world Mourning September, a band determined to relate themselves and their music to the world the most honest way they can. No pretension, no gimmicks, just good music played by a great band.
Based in Tulsa, OK Mourning September cut their teeth by playing too many shows to count around their area, opening for bands such as Bowling for Soup, Blindside, Anberlin and Juliana Theory. “We felt so privileged to be embraced by the fans regionally,” states David. “It was a great place for us to learn to be a band in a very growing, positive scene. Since we were able to perform with amazing artists, it really challenged us in our live performances. The crowds in our local area are amazing, and have been a huge support since the beginning.”
The guys had all been in other groups when they discovered their mutual love for the same bands. What started as a side project quickly grew into a serious band with the drive and creativity to quickly gain a name for themselves. But what name to give this new venture? Tony explains the name, “I was going through a rough time personally in September of 2001, and combined with all the events that were going on in the world, it was a pretty hard month. We had to come up with a name for our first show, and we really liked the sound of Mourning September. After that day, the name just stuck.”
This amazing work ethic caught the eye of many labels, but the band finally landed with Floodgate Records. Set to drop August 10, 2004, their debut album, optimistically titled “A Man Can Change His Stars” is 10 tracks of pure sonic bliss. Recorded over four weeks time in producer James Wisner’s (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever) Orlando, Florida studio, the album is simply the sound of American Rock and Roll circa 2004.
"There are some really great moments on this record," says Wisner "There was just a vibe to the music, and I really like the tone of Tony’s voice. We all did some really good, hard work to make it special and it shows."
“Working with James was amazing,” says Tony. “I have noting but praise for how this record turned out. James just really knew how to bring out the best in us, and we feel so lucky to have Jon be a part of the process as well.” Jon Bunch, the lead singer for Further Seems Forever, lends his vocals to 2 songs on the project.
With topics ranging from relationships to everyday life to death, the album is a rumination of life at the start of the new millennium. “It was all material that was really close to all our hearts,” Tony continues, “I think that the during the time we spent with James in Florida, everything was just really close to the surface….we were really feeling what we were writing and I think it shows.”
“We were totally blown away by the album,” says Floodgate President Tim Taber. “It sounds amazing. This might be the best sounding record we've ever put out. James and the band did an incredible job and I can't wait for the masses to hear this album."
And now the band takes of the world. With a constant touring schedule that will put them in front of new audiences nightly, Mourning September proves with all the determination and talent they can muster, that a man can change his stars. |
