Four Minutes Til Midnight started like most bands do, in a garage between a couple of friends wanting to express themselves through music. The project which initially started with vocalist Eli Taylor and bassist Jonathan Green began to blossom in 2004 when the two moved to Hollywood California to attend the Musicians Institute. There they met guitarist Kenta Hayashi and drummer Joshua Vore. After playing only one show Jonathan Green left the band and was replaced by Andre Davis. Throughout the next few years Four Minutes Til Midnight began stepping into the southern California music scene playing venues such as: The House of Blues (Los Angeles and San Diego), the Viper Room, the Key Club, the Roxy, the Knitting Factory, B.B. King's, the Troubadour, 4th&B and Canes. In 2006 Four Minutes Til Midnight released their first album "Oak Tree" followed by a 20 day tour of Japan. After returning from Japan the band relocated to San Diego to escape the smog and stress of L.A. In 2008 bassist Andre Davis was replaced U-Kay (Yu-suke Ikegaya). Most recently the band released their second album "Find my way", a 10 song roller-coaster ride ranging from falsetto funk to blues rock. The release of the album was followed by a 2 month long tour of the U.S. as well as a 3 month tour of Japan. The band is currently back playing in the United States as well as writing and rehearsing for a new album. The four musicians reside in a "man cave" in Sonora Ca
What is Four Minutes Til Midnight (FMTM)? FMTM is a funk, rock-blues and jam band gaining momentum in the Southern California and Japan music scene. Their strength is that they have two American and two Japanese in the band. Because of that mix of different culture and music background,a great chemistry happens. FMTM creates such unique and exotic sound. Why the name Four Minutes Til Midnight? 1156 were the last four digits of Eli’s home phone. That was the only place where they were able to play music freely, and FMTM was born.
2004
Eli Taylor (vocals), Kenta Hayashi (guitar),Josh Vore (drums) and Jonathan Green(passed away in September 2009) met while attending the Musician Institute in Hollywood, California and in March 2004 formed FMTM.
2005
Andre Davis joined after John left in May 2005. FMTM has played in venues such as: The House of Blues, The Viper Room, Key Club, Roxy, Knitting Factory, B B King, and the Troubadour. FMTM was accepted amazingly well in Hollywood and started creating their fan base in Los Angeles.
2006
FMTM won The Battle of the Bands in LA (at Club Good Hurt sponsored by Fallow Industry). The final battle was on December 7th. Their fist album, “Oak Tree” was released in 2006 also. They sold 10000 CDs (including Japan and American market). FMTM did their first Japan tour. They played 11 shows all over Japan including Tokyo, Yokohama, Yokosuka, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto. FMTM performed a few times for TV shows in North Hollywood.
2007
FMTM relocated to San Diego in order to escape LA smog and traffic. They gained fans dramatically. FMTM has played at famous clubs and music venues in San Diego such as The House Of Blues, 4th & B, Canes and Winstons.
2008
Yusuke Ikegaya (bass) joined FMTM after Andre in May 2008. FMTM was accepted amazingly well in San Diego. They have had the pleasure to open for-Ozomatli, Greyboy Allstars, Common Sense and The Expendables-just to name a few. The most popular radio station in San Diego, FM_94.9, started playing FMTM's songs.
2009
“Find My Way” is the band's new release CD, launched in June 2009. They sold 4000 CDs already. “Find My Way” is a 10 track CD, filled with sound that only FMTM can deliver, from tracks that make you reminisce about love, to tracks that will make you get up off your seat and groove! FMTM also successfully finished their second Japan tour. They played 64 shows within 87 days this time, gained so many fans, and shocked Japanese music scene big time. FMTM played at the biggest world live band festival Emergenza ( Battle of the Bands) and placed semi final.
2010
After FMTM came back from Japan, they toured in the U.S. FMTM is creating their third album now. FMTM signed with a Japanese label and released their Japanese album in June. FMTM went to Japan on tour again for 3 months (45 shows). FMTM charted 1st place for a Japanese major radio station USEN. They play FMTM's songs 30 times a day now. FMTM’s goal is to connect with each individual; from the first time listener to the die--hard fan, through the love and art that is their music.
2011
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Eli Taylor (Vocal) 1982.5.20 Kenta Hayashi (Guitar) 1984.5.20 U-Kay (Bass) 1985.12.9 Josh Vore (Drums) 1983.8.12
Black Party Politicsis the modern band in Technicolor. Pulling inspiration from regions of the musical spectrum as far as the flamboyant neon pink of Little Richard and T-Rex, the deep blues of Muddy Waters and Tom Waits, the earthy funky-nasty browns of James Jamerson and Cachao, and the pristine pearlescent whites of Beethoven, the band converges all the colors and hues of its respective influences into a dense unmistakable and inescapable Black. With their different influences, cathartic live performances, and uncompromising politics of self-expression Black Party Politics has managed to create a singular music experience bordering on the cinematic. From the article Party Up in LA'Raw by works of AC: When beautiful, elegant melodies meet the hardcore crotch-grabbing middle finger of rock and roll you get Black Party Politics. This is a band that gives you something so wonderful yet it makes you want to kick someone in the face. Playing the devil's music, Black Party Politics represents the individual way we choose to negotiate our lives, What is okay for a person to say, think, or believe ? Who sets our moral guidance? It's the freedom of expression self-identity. In other words, it's whatever you want it to be. Black Party Politics is for your individual emotions and psyche. For those reasons, LA'Raw Fucks with BPP. Black Party Politics has been a project in the making for approximately four years. It began with two high school friends, Miles and Eddie. Eddie, an exceptional vocalist, has training in opera and other forms of vocal performance. His clarity of voice instantly strikes you as something that requires more than just a few hours of practice singing along to "American Idol" on a Wii. It's undoubtedly a voice that has been crafted and molded over time. He fuses a soulful sound into the hard sounds of the music. Miles was a baseball player before he picked up the guitar, simply because he wanted to learn. Since then, he has fallen in love with his instrument and music, to the extent that he is currently working on finishing his composition degree at Pasadena City College, and has aspirations of furthering his education in music. The next addition to the band was Bonnie. While the official story of how she came to meet Eddie and Miles is only allowed to be told in a Bonnie first-person narrative,she began jamming with the boys when they crossed paths at Cal State LA. Bonnie, a classically trained pianist, never played and form of rock until she linked up with Eddie and Miles. Fast forward to present day, and she's a badass rocker chick who rocks out like a sexy Jerry Lee Lewis. You haven't seen anyone rock a keyboard until you've seen Bonnie jamming on stage playing the keys upside down without missing a note. Like I said BADASS! Though a great trio was formed, they were not complete until Chris was integrated into the band. Chris was a Co-worker of Eddie and Miles, who became the missing piece to the band. A ten plus year vet on drums, Chris has studied all forms of percussion. He's currently the only person I know that can rock out on tympani, or show four different ways to make a funky groove on a triangle. Currently, the band is working on completing their album and booking show all over Los Angele, including a steady appearance at Boogie Den. Something that I quickly picked up on when talking with BBP is individually ( as well as collectively ) they are extremely smart and perceptive. This intelligence comes through in their music to the listener. While their music makes a statement, their intent is not to become a Rage Against the Machine type of political band. So who do i recommend BPP to ??? Well, if you have an appreciation for good music, enjoy an intellectual conversation from time to time , and on occasion stick your middle finger out to assholes that don't put their blinkers on before making a left turn... I recommend you to get some Black Party Politics in your life.
Eddie (vocals)
Eddie once sang on stage with Seal.
Eddie’s favorite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
Eddie is a nascent capolista.
At the age of 8, Eddie interviewed Little Richard while he was having his hair permed at his mother’s most frequented salon.
Upon hearing the theme song from the motion picture version of Mortal Kombat, Eddie instantaneously becomes an 8 year old again. Kicking wildly about like Lou Kang suffering an epileptic seizure, Eddie once hit his 10 year old sister while listening to the song………at the age of 20.
Eddie was an original member of the Jackson 5, The Fantastic Four, and The Gang Bang 12.
Bonnie (keys)
Bonnie originally came to LA as a goalkeeper for the Cal State LA soccer team.
Bonnie has been a vegetarian for 13 years.
Bonnie is half German, and tends to speak it after a few margaritas.
Bonnie once tried in vain to protect Eddie from police brutality by screaming “Stop, he’s gay!” while he was held at gunpoint.
Bonnie loves game nights, especially playing Scrabble.
Bonnie attends Musicians Institute in LA.
Bonnie owns a boa constrictor named Zoe.
Bonnie’s musical inspirations are : Beethoven, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and Amanda Palmer.
Chris (drums)
Chris is working on his fun facts.
Miles (guitar)
As a toddler, Miles was stung in the mouth by a bumble bee that he picked up and placed on his tongue.
Miles can wiggle his ears.
Miles performed a routine to Missy Elliot’s “I can’t stand the rain” with a Hip Hop dance troupe at the L.A. Fair.
In middle school, Miles was ordered to complete a total of more than than 250 hours of detention. (a school record)
Miles can identify police cars from great distances.
Miles has had facial hair since the age of 13.
Miles secretly loves the song “pour some sugar on me” by Def Leppard.
Miles, since early childhood, has had a reoccurring dream about riding a roller coaster with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Debut Album "Hive Mind" (recorded and mixed at Mas Music Productions in Los Angeles) due out early 2011.
Deftones is American rock from Sacramento California, formed in 1988 consisting of Chino Moreno(lead vocals and guitar), Stephen Carpenter(guitar), Chi Cheng bass, Frank Delgado (keyboards and turntables, and Abe Cunningham (drums and percussion). They have released six albums to date, with two Platinum Adrenaline, White Pony and two Gold certifications Around the Fur Deftones, with their most recent Diamond Eyes in spring of 2010.
Deftones were working on their upcoming sixth studio album Eros, writing songs since Fall 2007. Chino Moreno described the album as weird, unorthodox, featuring a lot of atmosphere and sound scaping, and having a "fuck you, I hope you die!" style aggression. Recording started on April 14, 2008; the album was initially to be released early in 2009, but was delayed. On November 4, 2008, bassist Cheng was seriously injured in a car accident in Santa Clara, California. As a result of the injuries sustained in the crash, Cheng has remained in a minimally conscious state since that time. Following the accident, Cheng's bandmates and mother, Jeanne, began using the Deftones blog to post updates on Cheng's condition. On December 9, 2008, it was announced that Chi had been moved into the care of an unnamed hospital that "specializes in the care and management of traumatic and non-trauma related brain injuries". In late January 2009, the band released a new statement, stating that "our fallen comrade has not yet made significant progress", and that friend of the band Sergio Vega(formerly of Quicksand would be taking over as bassist in Cheng's absence, as he had done temporarily in 1998. On April 5, the band played their first show without Cheng (since 1998) at the Bamboozle Left Festival in Irvine, California. In May 2009, it was revealed that Chi Cheng is no longer in intensive care.
On June 23, 2009, Deftones announced on their official website that "Eros" will be delayed indefinitely, saying that as we neared completion on Eros, we realized that this record doesn't best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians. And although those songs will see the light of day at some point, we collectively made the decision that we needed to take a new approach, and with Chi's condition heavy on our minds while doing so. We needed to return to the studio to do what we felt was right artistically. They also said "The decision to hold off on releasing Eros has no connection with Chi's condition or anything associated. This was, and is, purely a creative decision by the band to write, record, and deliver an amazing product. Deftones played some European dates in mid-2009, with shows in Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Brian "Head" Welch and his long-time friend Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, along with members of Sevendust, Slipknot, and other miscellaneous rock bands recently recorded and released an instrumental song for Chi, with the benefits going towards Chi and his family. The song is titled "A Song for Chi". On October 2009, as stated on the Deftones official website, the band toured with Slipknot on select dates touring parts of Canada as well as some US cities through the month of November. They were also selected to be part of the Smokeout festival in California supporting Cypress Hill as well as others. To aid in the fund-raising for Chi and the Cheng family, the band announced two benefit shows in Los Angeles for November 19 and 20. On the 19th, the show was opened by P.O.D. and Cypress Hill. The Deftones set itself contained many guest appearances by friends and peers of the band including Tommy Lee, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan of Linkin Park and members of Cypress Hill,Incubus, and Team Sleep. Vocalist Rodleen Getsic also joined Deftones to reprise her performance on "Knife Party. The second night's performance included a second appearance by Puciato and contributions from members Mike Muir and ex-Suicidal Tendencies members (and current Metallica bassist) Rob Trujillo and Rocky George, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom, and System of a Down members Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan, and Shavo Odadjian. The website www.oneloveforchi.com was launched by Deftones fan Gina Blackmore about four months after Cheng's accident. The site is a platform for updates and information on Cheng's condition, as well as serving as an auction site for items donated by friends of the band. All proceeds raised by the One Love for Chi website are donated to his family in order to provide him the best possible medical care. Items auctioned on the site have included rare and autographed pieces from the likes of Sevendust, Alice in Chains, Nikki Sixx, and Chris Cornell as well as others. Deftones released their sixth album, Diamond Eyes on May 4, 2010. The release of it was pushed forward from the initially reported May 18 release date, most likely due to the entire album having been leaked onto the Internet in March 2010. On February 23, 2010, the album's first single Rocket Skates" was available for free download at www.gunsrazorsknives.com. The album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz. Former bassist, Sergio Vega, plays bass on the album, substituting for ailing bassist Chi Cheng. Deftones have been confirmed to play Download Festival in 2010 in an announcement made via the official Download Festival website on January, 25th 2010. They are also confirmed to play Rock on the Range 2010 (May 22 and 23) and Vive Latino 2010 (April 24). They also played a one-off London show on May 12. Deftones released the official music video for the album's first single, on March 10. On March 15, Deftones debuted their first radio-ready single Diamond Eyes. Both "Diamond Eyes" and "Rocket Skates" received very positive reviews from fans and critics alike, many making comparisons of the two singles' style and sound to that of material from their album Around the Fur, Deftones released the official music video for the album's second single, Diamond Eyes, on April 13. Deftones are mapping out more US headlining tour dates prior to their joint outing with Mastodon and Alice in Chains this fall on the BLACKDIAMONDSKYE tour; The band’s newly announced dates will begin in on the West Coast in California in August and will take the band across the Midwest through the Southeast. The tour kicks off in Ventura, CA on August 6 and wraps up in Cleveland on September 14. Teaming up with bands Mastodon and Alice in Chains, Deftones will be going on tour fall 2010 in the United States and Canada. The tour is called a portmanteau of the three bands' latest albums Diamond Eyes, and Crack the Skye. There is currently a petition on Australian website Dripping Acid Airwaves to bring Deftones and the Blackdiamondskye tour to Australia and NZ. The site also features the 'Put On Your Goggles' mash-up promo video for the tour which has received extensive play on YouTube. Big Day Out 2011- Deftones have been confirmed as a headlining act in this year's installment of the Big Day Out Festival in Australia and New Zealand beginning in Auckland on Jan. 21, 2011 In early September 2010, Deftones announced an UK tour, which is their first tour in the UK since 2007. On October 28, 2010, Deftones released the official video for "You've Seen The Butcher" filmed by Jodeb Films. Diamond Eyes was named the iTunes 2010 Rock Album of the Year.
The full-length Platt Brothers show -- call it a talent show based on their childhood tales -- in the heart of North Park. Expect to see these guys competing on "America's Got Talent" this summer.
By UT STAFF WRITER KELI DAILEY
There are few things as limitless and surprisingly underused as the imagination. (Maybe wind power. Ooh! The sun…) And when the Platt Brothers feed their megawatt imaginations into their eponymous show at North Park’s Sunset Temple, the result is clean, curse-free energy. And you will laugh your bleep off.
The low-budget and ecstatic production is powered by brothers Cy, Cheetah, and Boone. For more than an hour, the hyper kinetic trio of twenty somethings offers up short bursts of song parodies; impossible tumbling routines where they become human wheels; realistic sound effects using only their voices a la that "Police Academy" guy; and dance mashups that veer from hip-hop to hula to “The Nutcracker” ballet. It’s like watching imaginative kids during unstructured play. And it works, because the skits are largely connected to the Platts’ family fables. They grew up outside Ukiah, Calif., without a TV, and with four other siblings to trick with fake treasure maps, and to save from drowning, we're told. Expect origin stories/songs about their unusual names, too (e.g. Cheetah was born Benjamin, but at age 6 he chose the African cat’s moniker because -- he sings with a voice like a brass instrument -- “his hair’s real long like a tail.”) Yeah, it's silly. But so is the FOX Sunday night lineup ("Animation Domination"). Look, anyone who’s been simmering in a cubicle will appreciate the over-the-top catharsis one gets when grown men pantomime an absurd fight that climaxes with Cy getting popped with an imaginary 7-foot-long rubber band. And anyone who’s driven to North Park will take courage from Boone’s “Braveheart”-esque speech about the hood’s “fairly redundant clubs” and lack of free parking. (Here, the other brothers become a human bagpipe and play "Amazing Grace.") Boone, the baby brother, has breezy comic timing and – this is a compliment – can play lovably fey better than Justin Timberlake. The Platt family mythology is the real heart of the show -- the photos projected on screens during interludes validate their charmed childhood. But that means the non-narrative parts of the Platt Brothers’ show -- the mashup dance at the end in particular -- leave the characters we’ve warmed to suspended mid-development. But by that end you’re not counting time like a school kid ticking off days on the calendar. It’s more like the wacky school assembly you never want to end.
Reader Reviews
THE PLATT BROTHERS ARE NUMBER ! By michele05
FOR FUN FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ITS OFF TO THE PLATT BROTHERS SHOW .PERFECT 10!HATS OFF TO THEM,THAT IS WHAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SHOULD BE .
Live spontaneous shows are fun! Live spontaneous shows sprinkled with greatness are uber fun! The Platt Brothers have arrived! By AnonymousLA
I got a sample of something pretty sweet on the evening of March 20th at The Platt Brother's Show! The Sunset Temple, a modest SD theatre/music venue, is where I saw our new heroes. The Platt Brothers who are a nifty blend of clean cut guys dancing, flipping, and singing these wonderfully up-tempo stories of their childhood which really appeals to anyone's inner kid at heart. They are seriously the best (and funniest) thing since sliced bread! One thing is certain: Anyone who can write songs about the blues of filling a wheel barrow up with rocks, and in the same show pretend to be a dinosaur, is irrefutably cool in my book. (Seriously, I just checked.) There's nothing quite like the sound of a full house, with rushes of laughter and occasional appreciative hoots as the backdrop to their music/show. The Platt Brothers are not just pretty boys; they sing, they dance, they do crazy flips, and are funny as hell! They show how someone can take such nerdy/silly/play elements and create something cool out of them. Hey, anyone who can bring dorky back gets another special mention in my book. I left the show feeling rejuvenated. The show ended at a cool 10:30 at night, perfect for a end-of-the-week performance that allows a working stiff some hype, laughter, and be able to get home to sleep all in one blow! My satisfying night watching the Platt Brothers' Show makes me sure that the next time I see them I may not be in proper proximity to greet them because by that time, I won't be the only one wanting a piece of them. You know these guys literally poured sweat, blood, and tears into this show. Can we please get some nods from the academy? I heard the food is fantastic (even better than the emmys). Yeah, I said it. If you have a chance, please do yourself a favor and check out The Platt Brothers' Show the next time you're in town. It's a family friendly show with a great story. It's something you've got to see for yourself-you won't regret it.
The musical journey for Jet West started in spring 2009 when singer-guitarist Chris Warner and singer Scott Floquet (Pyschoactive) partnered up to play house parties and charity events. As of 2010, the band also includes bassist Deren Schneider (the Tigersharks) and drummer Derek Potter.
Warner describes an early misfire for the band. “We played a show at one of our local favorite spots in OB, Winstons, in full snowboard gear to try something new. This was the worst idea ever as we all almost passed out from heat stroke. Our fans like to drink and buy us shots, so wearing three layers of snowboarding gear and jumping all around the stage was the worst decision we ever made.”
The band released a three-song demo CD in 2009. Their full-length debut Dropping In was released in September 2010. “The album title came to mind based on where our band is currently in the music industry,” says Warner. “We understand that we are just 'dropping in' with our debut album, just as we love to drop down waves from San Diego to Mexico. The cover art by Trevor Dawson is based on the notion that sometimes you want to Jet West and head somewhere closer to where the sun sets. In our album cover art, we portray this in an island setting.”
Their first music video, for their Dropping In song “Sunday,” was filmed in 1080p in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach.
Jet West - BIO Living in Southern California has proven to be the secret recipe for Jet West. Their music is inspired by the tan girls, good waves, and great weather of So Cal and they aim to share that through every song. Jet West dedicates themselves to every fan and every band at every show which truly represents their true passion for live music itself. Their aspiration is to play music for their family, friends and fans with energy and focus aimed at each and every person in the crowd. They just might have what it is your looking for. You know, that sound that makes you want to take that long drive, love someone, drop in on an overhead wave or even just to kick it on a porch. Whatever it is you do, or wherever you are from, they know.
Christopher Dale is a locally based artist whose forte is creating music that immediately catches the ear and lingers in the mind. This talent has garnered him success as a jingle writer for a number of companies, and it has also served him well in his more purely artistic endeavors. Dale's third solo CD, Songs I Know the Words To, is a smorgasbord for the power pop lover. This almost purely acoustic production is packed to the brim with melodic hooks, memorable melodies, and catchy rhythms that allow him to deliver his whimsical lyrics. His voice and persona are instantly likeable and leave a lasting impression. He keeps things generally lighthearted, though there are layers of emotion and meaning in most of the songs. It sounds as if the songs were initially written for acoustic guitar and voice, and they would work just fine if performed that simply. Nevertheless, Dale recruited some top local musicians to flesh out the arrangements and the result is a powerful and varied mix that sounds fresh from start to finish. Mandolin, world percussion, ukulele, piano, organ, and even a string arrangement make appearances at various points, giving this album a compelling sonic depth. Expertly arranged vocal harmonies are the icing on the cake, giving the music the final edge it needs to put smiles on faces. The album opener is "Hilary," a bouncy Brit-pop styled tune that takes its cue from early Beatles and Monkees hits. From this point on, listeners are on notice that they are about to be treated to some really catchy songwriting. The rest of the album does not disappoint. The mandolin fills that run throughout "Addicted" create a distinctly REM flavor, helped along by Dale's Michael Stipe-like vocal delivery on this song. One particularly memorable number is "Don't Say Happy Birthday," a humorous reflection on the aging process. Its sardonic lyrics, set to such peppy and energetic music, tell a tale that is all to familiar to most of us. Things get introspective and melancholy with "Oh No," a plaintive ballad in waltz time whose sincere plea for forgiveness is very affecting. A huge "Mrs. Robinson" style intro heralds the arrival of "I Don't Know," which easily slips into a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young-influenced rave up. The massive wall of acoustic guitars and the vocal harmonies make such a comparison inevitable, and it's a very effective homage. As has often been said, they just don't make music like this anymore! After a couple more excellent tunes, the upbeat "New Jersey" and the somber "When You Go," Dale wraps things up with a stripped-down ukulele-driven cover of the Ramones' classic "I Wanna Be Sedated." It's a cute punctuation mark for a collection of excellent songs impeccably performed and superbly recorded.
