EYE(S)
Spring Grove, Illinois, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2004 | SELF
Music
Press
Check out www.feedbacklocal.com ! eYE(S) was featured in Feedback Magazine's "Live" section in the Aug. 2009 issue; the Midwest's best all-ages music scene publication! THANKS FEEDBACK; YOU ROCK!!! The write-up is below. PEACE & LOVE.
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eYE(S)
Evie Amelio
When I watch new bands and artists perform, often times I have only one specific word that come to mind. Both times I have heard eYE(S) play live, the words unity and unique both come to mind and they have become one of my favorite local acts. The 3 piece Folk Rock act is made up of Nik LiChard (Founder, Songwriter, Vox, Guitar, Keys, Percussion, Producer), Valerie Vazquez (Trumpet, Piano, Vox, Songwriter), Victoria Vazquez (Clarinet, Vox, Bass Clarinet, Songwriter). All members are in their mid 20s and have been playing their instruments for a number of years. They have been together as a group for about 2 years now and they bring positive messages of peace, love, kindness, and unity to the stage with each performance. The instruments they play are not unique, however, the combination of them together is. Nik plays the guitar and Victoria and Valarie play the Clarinet and the Trumpet.
The flavor of their songs varies between American Folk to songs with a Mediterranean flavor such as “Gypsy Jam” which is one of my favorites! For some of the songs, one of the women may put down their instrument to sing or to add in other flare to their music such as finger cymbals. Now I am personally a sucker for harmony (especially when it’s IN TUNE) and this group has harmony in one form or another in every song they play no matter if it is harmony between instruments, vocals, or a mix of both. Both Valerie and Victoria have been taking lessons and playing their instruments since their school days and Nik is a self taught guitarist who has been playing for years. All are accomplished musicians who know their instruments. Songs are well thought out and written and although they blend well together, each instrument also stands out. As audiences watch them play, you can see people swaying, dancing or clapping along. Their music leaves the crowd in a light hearted and good mood. I encourage you to catch a show of theirs and listen to and see the world through the positive views of eYE(S). - Feedback Magazine
Discography
Self-released eYE(S) albums:
-The Basement Love Trip (2004)
-The Afishel Basement Love Trip (2005)
-Celebrate (2005)
-You Are Important (2005)
-Old Millenium's Enigmatic Nazi/Nazarene (2005)
-A Golden Year (2007)
-A Mandolin Broke My Heart (2008)
-Monolith of Mercy (2009)
-Open Your...(2009 Sampler)
-Horizon EP (2010)
COMPILATIONS:
-Quickstar Productions Presents Chill-Out: Midwest Edition Vol. 1
-eYE(S) Presents The LOVEvolution Vol. 1
Photos
Bio
Founded by Nicholas LiChard in early 2004, EYE(S) is the experimental band/idea/movement/artist that was conceived in order to showcase the local artistic talent (found around the IL/WI area of the USA) to the world via the Internet and live shows.
Constantly evolving and experimenting with different combinations of artists, instruments, genres, and mediums; EYE(S) is always creating new and exciting art "projects" in the hopes of bringing Love, Peace, Hope, Joy, Unity, and interesting tales associated with the Human Life Experience to share with all of the world.
After playing bass guitar for years in a few local bands, EYE(S) initially started off as a solo project for Nik LiChard. He started writing and recording songs on his guitars and an 8 track recorder. Soon he was experimenting w/ electronica and ambient noise recordings and releasing them on his self-produced EYE(S) albums. Friends and local musicians took notice and wanted to collaborate with him and he began recruiting other talented local people to work with...just to see what happened when these souls got together in a room and started playing music.
After a few years of experimentation, Nik meet Valerie Vazquez at a local "jam" party where he was playing guitar. She was wailing on the trumpet and he really liked her sound. She complimented his playing beautifully. Later that night he suggested she come over and record with him. The next Sunday, Valerie came to Nik's, and brought her twin sister, Victoria, with her. Victoria played clarinet in High School and wanted to be a part of the music scene with her sister. That afternoon, they finished a song of Nik's called "No Stopping Us Now" and a new sound was born!
Since that time EYE(S) has evolved into a jammy, experimental folk rock electronica band that is in constant demand by the public and other local artists! eYE(S) has written folky love songs, heart-felt ballads, groovy dance jams, experimental Mediterranean electronic/acoustic tunes, seething political hits, and songs with an underlining spiritual and Loving message of peace meant to invoke emotions to all those within earshot.
Some notable EYE(S) endeavors include: performing live at Milwaukee's "The Rave," producing its own successful festival (Riverfest 2010), playing Live on-air (WLUW 88.7 FM), and collaborating and sharing the stage with other local artists and bands such as: The Scottie K Project/Elliot Root, Richard Cranium, Donoma, NoOneSoulder, Rob Scallon, The Hustlers, Apple Matter, Steev Szafranski, Ashley & Uncle Zesty's Old Time Bootknockers, Mark Hobbs, Jenn Marie, John Hegner, Pat Odell, Chris Slone, Amy Yore, Justin Cramer, The Northwoods, The Bella Birds, and countless others.
Each and every year since Nicholas LiChard's humble beginnings in 2004, EYE(S) continues to grow larger, touch more hearts, and gain more fans and respect from people within the music community as well as the regular community...thanks to EYE(S)' charitable nature playing benefit shows and donating their proceeds to a variety of worthy causes!
Everyone that is currently in, has been a part of, or is a fan of, EYE(S) can't wait to "SEE" what tomorrow will bring to this unique and incredibly passionate act.
KEEP YOUR EYE(S) OPEN
because....
Open Hearts + Open Minds = Opened EYE(S)
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What we DO and what we SING, does it mean anything?
It MAY to YOU.
It DOES to ME.
We ARE for LOVE.
For UNITY.
We SEE oppression; we WILL them FREE.
If only for a day or THREE.
Please O’ G-D let them SEE,
They’ll ALWAYS BE
INFINITY.
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WE NEED YOU
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Feel safe inside REALITY.
It’s all a DREAM,
Probably.
Time to LIVE defiantly.
It’s up to YOU, it’s up to ME.
Humanity needs to be constantly saved.
LIBERATIONS of HEARTS, of MINDS;
The WAY.
RIGHT MINDFULNESS must be made.
REJECT the temptations of the power that’s paid.
LOVE today, LOVE ALWAYS,
LOVE each other's HUMANITY.
There is no truth in cruelty.
REALIZE WE ARE ALL ONE BEING.
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EYE(S) on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eyeslovevolution
email: eyeslovevolution@gmail.com
Links
