Chelsea in Orbit

I recently had the chance to interview and photograph this up and coming band. Read on!


Just as the Chelsea area of London birthed innovation and art, audacious South Jersey trio, Chelsea in Orbit, soulfully embodies this concept. There is little doubt that Chelsea in Orbit is fluent in the language of British rock, easily translating the sonic syntax of classic '80s bands into an amalgamation all their own. Their music is not, however, to be confused with the outpouring of the ubiquitous neo-'80s bands seen today. Instead, they set out do something extraordinary: make great songs. Seemingly undaunted by the prospect of "making it big," and never ostentatious, all three members let the music do the real talking.


The songs crafted by Chelsea in Orbit are, undoubtedly, crafted with patience. Never taking themselves too seriously - Juan Parejo (vocals), Gregg Biesiada (lead guitar) and Rick Eddy (drums) - all would rather tell the tales of their strange and comical encounters through three years of touring, than to sit and list their myriad accomplishments.

After winning Origivation Magazine's awards for "Band of the Year" and "Best Modern Rock Band," Chelsea in Orbit already had three albums behind them. This remarkable acknowledgment led to the placement of their song, "Perfect Kiss" in the short, indie film "Life Coach." All major feats for which you are unlikely to hear any of the guys mention unless under strict questioning. In fact, when asked why they enjoyed performing at the prestigious Dewey Beach Music conference, Juan answered earnestly: "We got to eat a lot of pancakes."

There is more to Chelsea in Orbit than just great music made by musicians with whom you'd love to hang around; the music is bold, the instrumentation is no-nonsense and the vocals can only be described as chill-inducing. Juan's fierce voice is replete with strong characteristics that are seldom heard anywhere else. Encroaching upon the release of their fourth album, the intricate yet jolting musicianship is clearly showcased. And it doesn't stop there.

When acclaimed producer Jamie Myerson (Amy Cook, Duncan Sheik, Dido, AM), took the band under his veteran wing, the music truly began to take a life of its own as he engendered the album's perfect atmospheric touches.

"Working with others, it never sounded quite right, never sounded quite like us until now," Rick explained. If their current endeavor is any indication as to what Chelsea in Orbit really is, people will certainly be listening.

"The songs are stronger," Juan added. Gregg explained that working with Myerson on their album was "natural, like hanging out."

Natural, for sure. Chelsea in Orbit's sound doesn't overpower, instead, it suggests and pulls you in; allowing the listener to circumnavigate around a taste of their many influences, but always keeping their own style in the aural forefront.

"I just hope there's an audience out there that understands the passion of our work and feels as good about it as we do," Rick said, one of his less zany retorts made. But just when things become too mushy, a cellular phone goes off, blaring Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon." Gregg answers, looks around and swoops in with a saving quip:

"There's a niche for what we're doing - it could be six people - but there's a niche."

Check out some of CIO's music on their Myspace
OR
Download a free mp3 of the epic
Truth and the Fire

What's a hiatus between friends?

I apologize for the ridiculously long hiatus, but I swear I've been working on new material. Oh, and I swear I'm going to start updating this thing weekly, if not daily. (Reminder to self: Must get WordPress!) It is my duty to bring you good music, god damnit!

I decided to get my creative juices flowing by writing this squib, of sorts. Read it and weep.



Something extremely disheartening has been taking place in the world in the past two decades or so. In fact, it appears to be a disease that has been running rampant with no sign of any real vector and its point of entrance is somewhat blurred. Somehow, in some way, 99% of the population has been enculturated to embrace music borne from absolute ineptitude. What is it about people falling for unoriginal music?

I tend to liken this phenomena to an obviously plastic-surgery altered woman in a short, slutty dress. Someone is going to go for her because she's right there, she's cheap and she's available. I lend no credence to the thought of human beings having an open mind anymore. It's not that hard to go on and look for something better. It's really not. But people are going to fall for the most acquirable simply because it's easy. And you'll fall for it, all right.

Since the advent of Fruity Loops, YouTube - hell, since the advent of Color-By-Numbers, the humanities bar has been lowered to near ground level. If you create a "track" using Fruity Loops and upload it to Myspace or Virb, you're suddenly playing The Knitting Factory at ten bucks a pop. There's no real talent being exuded in toggling with music software that you have ripped off the internet, or was given to you by your best friend on a CD-RW covered with illegible phrases squiggled on with a compact disc-safe magic marker.

Speaking of magic, there isn't any in mainstream music. My notion that people will fall for anything has been proven true over and over again. So, these so called artists keep doing what they're doing. Honestly, did you know that there are other female artists out there besides Natasha Bedingfield? Well, did ya? And why are Nickelback (Picklesmack) songs still being played on the radio?

Why do chart-toppers lack panache?

Perhaps the really good, intelligent, ingenious and substantial stuff is best left for those who know what to do with it. In Bjork's "Alarm Call," she says: "I want to go on a mountain-top with a radio and good batteries and play a joyous tune and free the human race from suffering."

Now ask yourself. Which tune would you play and would others probably choose to play the same?





(Oh, and caveat lector: This little squib is really not applicable to more than most of the people who will read this. And believe me, I'm really not judgmental. Just really serious about the music I listen to).