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Parachute  Mixing full-throttle rock with dollops of blue-eyed soul, vintage R&B and melodic pop radio anthems in-the-making, Parachute has arrived. Will has been playing with drummer Johnny Stubblefield, bassist Alex Hargrave and saxophone/keyboardist Kit French since they were high school classmates in Charlottesville almost five years ago. Will met Nate while attending University of Virginia together, and the guitarist joined the band two years ago. "I remember seeing them at Starr Hill, which is the big venue in town, and they came on to the 'Mortal Kombat' theme," he remembers. "I never would've imagined myself playing with them, let alone becoming a member of the band." With a diverse selection of influences ranging from old-school legends like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Paul Simon and Journey to newer acts like U2, Coldplay, Weezer, Ben Folds, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Jay-Z, Kanye West, The Fray and the Arcade Fire, the group began to attract a rabid local following under the name Sparky's Flaw. "It's a cool music scene," says Will about Charlottesville. "There are so many different types of bands. There's just such an incredibly eclectic group of people there." With an eye towards creating music for the radio, Parachute is unapologetic about aiming for popular appeal. "If no one's going to listen, why even play?" asks Will. "For us, melody is king." For those who question the group's motives in licensing a song for commercial use, Will comments, "It's simply a new paradigm," he insists. "Everybody's doing what they can to get their music out there. We considered it an opportunity. We're not going to give our songs to just anybody. Nivea approached us with the spot, showed it to us, and we felt it was tasteful." As part of the campaign, the band played before more than one million people New Year's Eve at Times Square in bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures at the Nivea Countdown Stage on 46th Street. "I could barely hold on to my drumsticks," laughs Johnny. "The guys were struggling with their fingertips, but it was so worth it." In fact, the band prides itself on its live show, having toured with the likes of Jon McLaughlin, O.A.R., Switchfoot, Duffy and Matt Nathanson. Parachute's fan base is starting to swell on their Facebook and MySpace pages, while the distance they've traveled, how far they've come and still have to go, is beginning to register. "I feel really blessed being around these guys," says bassist Alex. "It all started out loading our equipment in the back of two pick-up trucks, playing to family and friends. This has definitely been a very surreal and humbling experience for all of us. We've had a lot of help along the way, and we appreciate everyone for what they've done for us." Make no mistake about it. Parachute is headed for a happy landing. www.myspace.com/weareparachute |
Coming Soon! |
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