The last few years have seen a lot of changes for Jason Brody. Hired gun, solo artist, leader of The Death of Jason Brody, the talented singer/guitarist/songwriter has played many roles as he’s navigated the New York City musical landscape. On the heels of TDoJB’s successes (critically acclaimed EP, packed shows, etc.), and with new recordings, deeper musical experimentation, and the entrance of a promising new collaborator in the picture, the solo artist and all its associations have been burned up and killed off. And now, from the ashes, stands AT SEA. AT SEA incorporates its former iteration’s rock-band template, and yes, the old comparisons to Jeff Buckley, Doves, Greg Dulli, even Coldplay, may still be there. But in the spirit of change—and FUN!—the new configuration is less married to old-guard rock-band stylings and chooses to make more use of electronic elements and other influences (a la Stars, Death Cab for Cutie, Silversun Pickups, MGMT). (pull)AT SEA is unafraid to explore new territory in all directions, creating both walls of sound and quiet ballads, and performs in various configurations, from intimate one-man unplugged shows to full–band-with-special-guests extravaganzas.(/pull) “In the end, it’s about taking the listener on a ride,” says Jason. “That speechless, awestruck thrill ride that you go on when a piece of music seems to hone in on that point in your chest and just plays right into it—you know, when you feel connected to it. When it speaks to you. That’s when it’s most fun, for us and for the listener.” The spirit of change and openness in AT SEA was in part inspired by the addition of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Burns, an accomplished musician and songwriter in his own right. Andrew joins longstanding bandmates Geoff Council (bass/vocals) and Jeff Olson (drums/percussion) along with Brody on lead vocals, guitar, and various programming and other odds and ends. The changed lineup brings with it a greater sense of collaboration and play, with everyone chiming in on the development of new songs and sounds. AT SEA builds on a rich legacy that includes stellar reviews and mentions in publications like The Big Takeover, The Deli, Keyboard magazine, and The New York Times.
As TDoJB, the band has played at NYC institutions the Mercury Lounge, Pianos, The Annex, Sin-e, etc., has done shows at the Viper Room in Los Angeles along with other West Coast venues, and has toured up and down the East Coast. AT SEA will continue and expand on this story. AT SEA’s 2009 to-do list is already getting crowded, and they plan on keeping it that way. A return to the local club circuit is imminent, new songs are in progress, and late-spring West Coast engagements are booked. Additionally, AT SEA are developing their own label and production arm, SOAP MEDIA, which will release all future AT SEA material and will function as the hub for the band’s artistic ambitions. The band plans to release a new EP this summer. And of course new online marketing initiatives, including this brand-new website, are all systems go.