Sterling Witt

EVOR Magazine
"Witt breaks the mold with his impressive sound and catchy vibe. His latest release “Sterling Loves U” delivers music that has a deep seeded Alternative-Rock roots with a side of zany Folkish flair. Let me go on record and say there isn’t a “one man band” band out there right now that can go toe to toe with Sterling Witt in so far as vibe and pure musical mojo. Right now after hearing his music – Witt is the ultimate acoustic artist out there right now. I don’t say stuff like that often. This CD has no weaknesses!"

NeuFutur Magazine
"I feel that the work presented on Sterling Loves U is absolutely stellar."

The Greatful Web
"This CD will simply make you feel more upbeat and positive about the world we live in mainly because he speaks the truth about it, and will confirm all your thoughts a feelings. TURNS OUT YOU ARE NOT CRAZY AFTER ALL – STERLING WITT SAID SO. At the end of the day Sterling Witt is a real jolt to the senses."

Rock & Roll View
"All 12 tracks will genuinely rock your world, shake the tree and lift your spirits unlike most music you hear on the radio these days."

INDIE SHARK
"The Bottom Line If you are looking for upbeat, psychedelic music to push you even further into the abyss of love - look no further you found Sterling Witt - and I might add he loves U."

All Whats Rock
"This latest album Sterling Loves U is invigorating. Invigorating in the sense that it will lift your spirits, and give you a sense of hope that real music is not officially pronounced dead yet. The overall sound quality is somewhat lacking but I like the live jagged edge feel it gives off – almost as if your watching a band play live. This CD is in fact a solid release with many solid grooves with a guitar driven sound and entertaining vibe. At the d end of the day Sterling Witt stands for everything good in music and Rock."

Indie Music Digest
"This latest release from Witt is a rock solid musical statement from start to finish. It's strength – the strong song for song consistency and impressive songwriting touch that keeps coming at you. There’s not a weak song on this entire catalog period! The musicianship is first rate, the songs are short and sweet musical experiences and Witt is an infectious artists who is a master at satirical humor through music. Let me go on record by saying this is one of the best CD's to slide across my desk this year. Sterling Witt is comparable to the Violent Femmes on Steroids. Each song possesses a unique personality, flair, and signature groove - vintage Witt. The music is rock solid, grooving and will get you jumping. What am I trying to say? Sterling Witt rocks the house that’s what!"

Music Emissions - Scotland UK
This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

I see Sterling Witt as a real diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by we will no doubt hear more from him. He is a multi-million dollar record contract waiting to happen. I wouldn't be surprised to hear him on Prime Time Radio someday or even in a featured in a major film or TV Series. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it is but Sterling Witt has whatever "it" may be.

Vents Magazine
"I give him an “A” for effort and an A+ for execution. Witt has proven himself with this release. He’s an amazing talent – any way you look at him. HE blew me away! I must admit “Sterling Loves U” sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the CD was over. This usually indicates he is something special about the artist or band in question. Thus deserving praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level.

SKOPE Entertainment
"Witt who hails from the mid-west could even be classed as a 3 genera band: Alternative Rock, Acoustic, Psychedelic Satire, and a dash of Punk. Witt has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Corporate Rock. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “Every Single Second, “Be Free” and “Built by Design” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical craftsmanship and addictive melody that transcends pigeonholing. The music is also commercially viable mainly because Witt's amazing wit and ability to put every day feelings into words. He also does this via a jagged edge sound that holds the attentions span of the listener adequately."
- Press

"Sterling Witt- A man who plays his guitar upside-down and backwards. Sounds difficult, but it's also beautiful" -KCUR 89.3FM - 89.3 FM

Under the shade of trees whose height reflect decades beyond his age, Sterling Witt carries the demeanor of a man who has experienced enough of life to understand that a moment is built to pass. Legs folded clumsily, his posture is straight and face reflects that quite, solemn understanding of one who has been forced to walk through the fires of criticism, yet can crack the moment with a smile, and a soft chuckle.

With a mannered voice, Sterling Witt could be described as the tall, quiet bohemian who floats about a room and waits for his time to listen, rather than speak. That does not mean, however, that his voice is too soft to be heard. It merely means, the listener cannot expect Witt to repeat himself.
"Sometimes, words are not the best vehicle to explain something," he clarifies.
So, Sterling shares his voice in a variety of media, from full-length albums to paintings, video, sculptures and individually-wrapped drawings available for purchase from "artomat" dispensers.

The Beginnings
Spending his youth in the country, miles away from the nearest town of 400, Sterling Witt lived a sheltered life of naivety, claiming his strongest visual influences being comics and the art of Sam Keith, creator of The Maxx. "The music I was exposed to was whatever was on the radio. In my house, we pretty much listened to country. And when I didn't hear country, it was Neil Diamond."
At 15, Sterling Witt found himself obsessed with drawing and painting. After his brother's return from the army, Sterling began stealing from his sibling's tape collection, groups like Primus, Queen, Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne. Witt heard the stylings of Krist Novoselic from Nirvana, he picked up the bass, and gave farewells to any of the careers which his family and friends may have thought he would pursue.

"I think some people have a choice, but I have never had one. This is what I have to be doing, as comfortable or uncomfortable as it may be. It's who I am," Witt tells of his artistic urges.

Inspiration and The Art
When asked about his journey, Witt replies, "I'm very comfortable with what I create and who I am, but it took a while to get there. Music and Artwork have always held a close relationship to my emotions. Sharing that with people is not easy at times. When I was younger, I was more shy and naive. It was hard for me to open that door. As I've gotten older, I have analyzed people and myself to understand how criticism works and why people are that way."

Sterling likes for his inspiration to come naturally. He speaks of his art being a spontaneous creation. Rather than planning out a piece, he allows the work and inspiration to come to him. Then, he will take the ideas and give them their proper place, trying not to constrict the creativity with too much thought.

"I try to let (pieces) make themselves and not to get in the way too much. Then, when things start to come together, I will move them around a little bit and see the big picture. It is more exciting to create when I don't know what I am making. Once you know exactly what's going on, things get boring. The process is very elusive and I'm always searching for that special moment when (art) occurs. Then, it is like the snap of a finger, so easy."

Over the past ten years, Sterling Witt has not only been building his portfolio, but showing his art in a variety of galleries and shows from New York, to Kansas City, Colorado, and Los Angeles (where he had lived for nearly five years, before moving back to K.C. in December of 2006). Some of Witt's better known works include his wide array of "face" and "foot paintings". Though his art shows gave him a reasonable amount of success and recognition, that was not quite what he was after; so, the inevitable artist continues to create.

The Music
Since releasing his first e.p. in 2000, Sterling Witt has gone on to release three full length albums: Learning How to Breathe, Self-Portrait, and Sea Things. With each album has come a distinct change as he has grown and created his voice. Two of these three albums are available for purchase through his website, but the tracks shown from Learning How to Breathe, seem to be all that hint of his earliest full length. On each album, Witt has written and produced all the tracks alone, but that hasn't necessarily been his greater vision.

"In the past, I was my own worst enemy. Most of my life, I was pretty reclusive and didn't go out to find musicians to work with. It was easier, emotionally, to do it myself," Witt nervously chuckles. "I'm becoming a different person. There is a certain energy created when people collaborate. You can create something bigger than you can achieve on your own. That's a joy of being in a band, and why I'm wanting to work with other artists now."

So, with a new perspective, Sterling is looking forward to leaving behind him the d - Red Rocket

Under the shade of trees whose height reflect decades beyond his age, Sterling Witt carries the demeanor of a man who has experienced enough of life to understand that a moment is built to pass. Legs folded clumsily, his posture is straight and face reflects that quite, solemn understanding of one who has been forced to walk through the fires of criticism, yet can crack the moment with a smile, and a soft chuckle.

With a mannered voice, Sterling Witt could be described as the tall, quiet bohemian who floats about a room and waits for his time to listen, rather than speak. That does not mean, however, that his voice is too soft to be heard. It merely means, the listener cannot expect Witt to repeat himself.
"Sometimes, words are not the best vehicle to explain something," he clarifies.
So, Sterling shares his voice in a variety of media, from full-length albums to paintings, video, sculptures and individually-wrapped drawings available for purchase from "artomat" dispensers.

The Beginnings
Spending his youth in the country, miles away from the nearest town of 400, Sterling Witt lived a sheltered life of naivety, claiming his strongest visual influences being comics and the art of Sam Keith, creator of The Maxx. "The music I was exposed to was whatever was on the radio. In my house, we pretty much listened to country. And when I didn't hear country, it was Neil Diamond."
At 15, Sterling Witt found himself obsessed with drawing and painting. After his brother's return from the army, Sterling began stealing from his sibling's tape collection, groups like Primus, Queen, Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne. Witt heard the stylings of Krist Novoselic from Nirvana, he picked up the bass, and gave farewells to any of the careers which his family and friends may have thought he would pursue.

"I think some people have a choice, but I have never had one. This is what I have to be doing, as comfortable or uncomfortable as it may be. It's who I am," Witt tells of his artistic urges.

Inspiration and The Art
When asked about his journey, Witt replies, "I'm very comfortable with what I create and who I am, but it took a while to get there. Music and Artwork have always held a close relationship to my emotions. Sharing that with people is not easy at times. When I was younger, I was more shy and naive. It was hard for me to open that door. As I've gotten older, I have analyzed people and myself to understand how criticism works and why people are that way."

Sterling likes for his inspiration to come naturally. He speaks of his art being a spontaneous creation. Rather than planning out a piece, he allows the work and inspiration to come to him. Then, he will take the ideas and give them their proper place, trying not to constrict the creativity with too much thought.

"I try to let (pieces) make themselves and not to get in the way too much. Then, when things start to come together, I will move them around a little bit and see the big picture. It is more exciting to create when I don't know what I am making. Once you know exactly what's going on, things get boring. The process is very elusive and I'm always searching for that special moment when (art) occurs. Then, it is like the snap of a finger, so easy."

Over the past ten years, Sterling Witt has not only been building his portfolio, but showing his art in a variety of galleries and shows from New York, to Kansas City, Colorado, and Los Angeles (where he had lived for nearly five years, before moving back to K.C. in December of 2006). Some of Witt's better known works include his wide array of "face" and "foot paintings". Though his art shows gave him a reasonable amount of success and recognition, that was not quite what he was after; so, the inevitable artist continues to create.

The Music
Since releasing his first e.p. in 2000, Sterling Witt has gone on to release three full length albums: Learning How to Breathe, Self-Portrait, and Sea Things. With each album has come a distinct change as he has grown and created his voice. Two of these three albums are available for purchase through his website, but the tracks shown from Learning How to Breathe, seem to be all that hint of his earliest full length. On each album, Witt has written and produced all the tracks alone, but that hasn't necessarily been his greater vision.

"In the past, I was my own worst enemy. Most of my life, I was pretty reclusive and didn't go out to find musicians to work with. It was easier, emotionally, to do it myself," Witt nervously chuckles. "I'm becoming a different person. There is a certain energy created when people collaborate. You can create something bigger than you can achieve on your own. That's a joy of being in a band, and why I'm wanting to work with other artists now."

So, with a new perspective, Sterling is looking forward to leaving behind him the d - Red Rocket

“I sing Perfect Girl to my huskies in the morning” -Melissa S, Gulfport FL

“Sterling Witt Tells it like it is, He is a hero in my book” Rick Goodden, Kansas City MO

“I couldn’t be happier!! :) I listen to Sterling Loves U and I looooove it. Sterling Witt is so talented!!” -Kelly P, Buhler Reno KS

“Sterling Witt has tons of talent, great stage presence and it’s obvious the kind of resoluteness breaking through takes”
-Lisa B, Kansas City MO

“I totally enjoyed the Pledgers Masquerade party! The people that attended were truly fans and people that have a real interest in Sterling Witt’s work. Watching him close up, as he sang on the wonderful hay ride, I felt the passion he has for his music and his messages were heartfelt too. I Sure hope I have an opportunity to listen to Sterling again in person, but for now, the Sterling Loves U CD will act as a terrific surrogate for the artist in person! Much success is headed Sterling’s way.” – Linda O, Russell KS

“Loved the CD. Good work. Would love to have Sterling Witt play at the Blitzstein Museum of Art ”
-Harry Blitzstein, Los Angeles CA

“Sterling Witt blend’s just the right amount of chaos and order so as to leave the listener feeling both comforted and disturbed at the same time. His voice is immediately recognizable and his writing style generation-less. Mr. Witt is truly a multidimensional sonic artist and any lover of music would be wise to make room on their iPod in order to keep Sterling Loves U in permanent rotation.” -Paul Friend, Kiev Ukraine

“I listen and I love it!” -Olga G, Liberty MO

"Sterling Witt is the best thing since sliced bread. In fact the best thing since sliced bread-buttered with cheddar cheese and toasted :) He is a very talented young man!" Beth K, Pleasant Hill MO

“I love it!!! Its great! Everyone loves it! and the T-shirt fits!”-Erica S, Overland Park

I LOVE my Love shirt! I want another one! – Tandy M, Gilbert AZ - Pledge Music

"Echoing Beck, E, Cobain, and Dylan with-out aping them, DIY artist projects personality on original songs whose in-the-bedroom production achieves an off-hand tone, which complements the loose performances. His material is neo folk/rock, but suggests he can take it in other directions. Some of us feel that Contradicting Suicide is the stand out track. This artist is for alternative tastes, and savvy indie labels will want to give a listen to the clever Witt." - Music Connection 6/2005

A Q&A with Sterling Witt

Sterling Witt’s latest recording, “Shadows & Secrets,” is his sixth full-length recording since his inaugural self-titled EP in 2000. Like its predecessors, “Secrets” reveals the works of a songwriter who ignores boundaries without straying into chaos or abstractions. It also illustrates Witt’s ability (with the help of producer Steve Phillips of the Elders) to create some outside-the-box arrangements of folk and rock songs. Saturday night, Witt will perform a variety of songs from his hefty repertoire at the Westport Coffee House Theatre. He recently answered a few questions about his music and his influences.

Give us an idea of how you started in music and writing songs.

I was born and raised in the rural countryside of Cass County. I went to school in Harrisonville. I grew up on a farm and spent much of my youth playing by the edge of the Grand River. When I was 15 I picked up the bass guitar and taught myself how to play a right-handed instrument upside-down, left handed. The crafting of lyrics, singing and playing a six-string guitar soon followed. Right from the start I was obsessed with songwriting. I have this overwhelming urge to explore my abilities and push myself to the edge. I’m always looking for my breaking point to see just how far I can go.

Who has had a profound influence on your music?

Nirvana. As a teenager that band had a huge impact on me. Although I don’t listen to them much anymore, I believe they are responsible for many of my moralistic views about what music should and should not be.

Whose songwriting do you admire?

Tom Waits. Often I feel he explores the land of the unknown. I admire that in any artist. For me that is what being an artist is about: pushing yourself to the next level.

What will Saturday’s show be like?

It will be a solo show, with the exception of a duet with Nicolette Paige. Imagine being invited into my living room. It will be a very intimate performance showcasing songs from all of my albums. I have a live performance art/music video planned that will require volunteers from the audience. It’s going to be an experimental blast.

Timothy Finn The Star
- Kansas City Star

Kansas City Star Top 10 Events April 12th 2007

MARTINA MCBRIDE: 7:30 p.m.; Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee. (816-931-3330)

KANSAS CITY BLUES JAM: 8 p.m.; Blayney's, 415 Westport. (816-561-3747)

THE BURDEN BROTHERS: 9 p.m.; Hurricane, 4048 Broadway. (816-753-0884)

HIT THE LIGHTS: 7:30 p.m.; Grand Emporium, 3832 Main. (816-531-1504)

STERLING WITT WITH PAUL FRIEND: 7 p.m.; El Torreon, 3105 E. Gillham. (816-561-8349)

"I DO, I DO": 6 p.m.; New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, Overland Park. (913-649-7469)

"CROWNS": 7:30 p.m.; Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18th. (816-235-6222)

COMEDYCITY: Competitive improv. 7:30 p.m.; ComedyCity, 300 Charlotte. (816-842-2744)

MUTEMATH: 7 p.m.; Granada, 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence. (785-842-1390)

DEAD SEA SCROLLS: 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Union Station, Pershing and Main. (816-460-2020)

http://www.kansascity.com/232/story/66869.html - Kansas City Star

October 27, 2009
Local album review: Sterling Witt
Sterling Witt

Ink

by Trevan McGee

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Rating

Sterling Witt

Shadows & Secrets

Bright Orange Records





Kansas City-based singer/songwriter/journeyman Sterling Witt returns with Shadows & Secrets, a 10-song scattershot album that demonstrates Witt’s songwriting range and low-fi, casual production.

The album opens with “Desensitized,” which, with its driving, simple bass line, sonic outbursts and Witt’s throaty vocals, sounds like a Seattle grunge band fronted by Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos.

It’s an effective call to action that is immediately followed by the superior “Unconditional Love,” a track that demonstrates Witt’s emotional range as he sings bitterly about a relationship that is, on a good day, toxic. It’s raw and powerful and showcases Witt’s strengths, namely his ability to craft accessible songs that are emotionally focused and direct.

Witt also has a knack for using low-fi production to his advantage. It often gives his songs an intimate touch.

He tries a few different styles with mixed results. “Broken Heart,” his dreamy, sweet, folk-tinged love song, runs about a minute too long. “Cellophane Girl” is another track about a failing relationship that sounds as if it were quickly crafted and even more quickly recorded, especially when Witt begins to ramble midway. “Hypochondria” begins as a simple folk number before becoming an extended, dramatic jam session. Strong elements are present in all these offerings, but their shortcomings keep them from being remarkable.

There are a few moments of brilliance. The dramatic change in “Your Not Around” (sic) is sudden and well-done. The album’s closer, “Physical Therapy,” is a sweet instrumental that suggests Witt has more range and depth than the previous songs.

The only real throwaway is “What Would You Say,” which asks a series or rhetorical questions with answers. For example: “What would you say if you didn’t have a voice? (nothing).”

In all, Shadows & Secrets is a solid, if unexceptional album that displays the developing talents of a prolific musician and artist. Witt seems just as interested in exploring his creative range as he is in writing engaging, entertaining music. He needs to decide whether he’s a jaded folk rocker, an acoustic crooner or a free-form instrumentalist. Even the act of not having a formula becomes formulaic after awhile. - Ink magazine

Sterling Witt - Sea Things


Kansas City-based artist and musician Sterling Witt headed out to sea with this release, a-drifting and writing material that captures the riptides and eddies and undertow of love's myriad, ever changing states. Recorded in Los Angeles and released in 2006, Sea Things is a treasure chest of songwriting and emoting from Witt. His distinctive voice jumps into the ear, evoking modern indie rock-folk demigods such as Cobain and Beck; yet Witt's vernacular and phrasing speaks to an individuality and marks each song with his imprint. The music leaps and rushes into the gut like a tide that smacks onto the beachhead with power, grace, effortless chaos, and beauty.

"Like Love" erupts with a repeated crash of cymbals and guitar strumming as if clearing out space in the room to say something. Then, Witt whirls his words with a refreshing, exciting, aching declaration. "In My Head" reels and romps from the sheer force of Witt's rapid vocal delivery. The guitar and rhythm create the heady feeling of a ride in a herky-jerky jalopy that careens forward from momentum until the whole shebang ceases with the final line. You will never know who I am.

http://www.presentmagazine.com/full_content.php?article_id=346&full=yes&pbr=1 - Present Magazine 02/07

Sterling Witt - Sea Things


Kansas City-based artist and musician Sterling Witt headed out to sea with this release, a-drifting and writing material that captures the riptides and eddies and undertow of love's myriad, ever changing states. Recorded in Los Angeles and released in 2006, Sea Things is a treasure chest of songwriting and emoting from Witt. His distinctive voice jumps into the ear, evoking modern indie rock-folk demigods such as Cobain and Beck; yet Witt's vernacular and phrasing speaks to an individuality and marks each song with his imprint. The music leaps and rushes into the gut like a tide that smacks onto the beachhead with power, grace, effortless chaos, and beauty.

"Like Love" erupts with a repeated crash of cymbals and guitar strumming as if clearing out space in the room to say something. Then, Witt whirls his words with a refreshing, exciting, aching declaration. "In My Head" reels and romps from the sheer force of Witt's rapid vocal delivery. The guitar and rhythm create the heady feeling of a ride in a herky-jerky jalopy that careens forward from momentum until the whole shebang ceases with the final line. You will never know who I am.

http://www.presentmagazine.com/full_content.php?article_id=346&full=yes&pbr=1 - Present Magazine 02/07

Sterling Witt is a Kansas City-based artist and musician that wandered West to the sea, creating art and music and video for songs such as "Unconditional Love." With wavy blond hair, blue eyes, mustache, and wisps of hair on his chin, Witt brings to mind a feisty, fair-haired Mercutio from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet combined with a dash of modern rock troubadour's penchant for angst. Whatever. The guy can sing and play his guts out. This video shows off Witt's more demonstrative style of performance (on camera at least). Check out YouTube for plenty of other footage from live shows and this rendition of "In My Head." The artwork and objects displayed show the influences for his 2006 release, Sea Things.

http://www.presentmagazine.com/full_content.php?article_id=347&full=yes&pbr=1 - Present Magazine 02/07

Sterling Witt is a Kansas City-based artist and musician that wandered West to the sea, creating art and music and video for songs such as "Unconditional Love." With wavy blond hair, blue eyes, mustache, and wisps of hair on his chin, Witt brings to mind a feisty, fair-haired Mercutio from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet combined with a dash of modern rock troubadour's penchant for angst. Whatever. The guy can sing and play his guts out. This video shows off Witt's more demonstrative style of performance (on camera at least). Check out YouTube for plenty of other footage from live shows and this rendition of "In My Head." The artwork and objects displayed show the influences for his 2006 release, Sea Things.

http://www.presentmagazine.com/full_content.php?article_id=347&full=yes&pbr=1 - Present Magazine 02/07