WATERPLANET

At first listen, you’d expect a loud crash somewhere within the minute, but stick around and you’ll find mellow and soothing folk in homage to an entire decade: somewhere around the 60’s. Three-piece Waterplanet paints landscapes with one broad brush. It’s a somewhat familiar sound, but the smooth vocals and cleansing strings delivered by Millie Landrum, James Hesser, and recently added Gregtape, keep it interesting. From ‘Go Go Go’ and its nod to Violent Femmes to the Latin guitar twist and mixed lyrics of ‘Get Lost’ and the psychedelic chants in between, they’re setting your sights on Baltimore for the next gig. Check out their new entry to NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series below!-Justin Bieggar - The Deli Magazine

"Seeing WATERPLANET live was like diving into an octopus's garden and coming out through the Yellow Submarine!... These two have something." - Toni Koch, A&R, Warrior Girl Music/Songs Alive

Wifi PR Group's insight:

Baltimore’s Waterplanet is a dynamic duo of indie rockers who bring a touch of folk and power pop to their distinct sound. Their track “Love Song” will be featured on WiFi PR Group’s Indie Anthems Vol. 5 compilation, set to debut in spring 2014.



Waterplanet is comprised of partners Millie Landrum-Hesser and James Hesser, who share vocals, guitar, and percussion. Millie adds keyboards. Part-time guitarist, Greg Stinson, appears on recent recordings and frequently plays with the band live.



Millie and James each came at music in their own way. As a child, Millie studied classical piano for 12 years and sang in choruses. Her father and sister, both singers, inspired her music-filled childhood. As a teenager, she began writing songs, fiction, and poetry. In her early 20s Millie began playing synthesizer. She frequented live shows, mostly rock, punk, and art bands, seeing hundreds before performing in one, and eventually taught herself percussion and guitar.



James began writing songs as an extension of his visual art in his teens, but didn’t play or sing until his late teens/early 20s. He started jamming with his musically inclined co-workers before beginning to seriously craft his own songs. He also taught himself guitar and percussion, and saw many shows. All of these experiences fueled his passion for songwriting.



Waterplanet draws influences from a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, Beck, Psychedelic Furs, Pink Floyd’s early albums, Tom Waits, Dead Can Dance, Karen Carpenter, Social Distortion, Beethoven and Bach. Waterplanet is compared to bands such as Velvet Underground, Violent Femmes, B52s, REM, Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, Pink Floyd and Apples in Stereo.



The group has released a number of recordings, including several singles, demos and albums. Their album Undercurrent was produced by John Chriest, founding bassist of Baltimore post-punk legends Lungfish. This was due in part to Millie’s association with Chriest. They had played together in the bands The Melvyn and Van Go’s Ear before Lungfish formed. Waterplanet’s track “Heedless/Headless” was selected for Buzzlighter 8, Natural Anthems, a compilation featuring such national acts as Fiery Furnaces, Mary Lou Lord, Ambulance Ltd. and Kaki King.



Waterplanet has opened for national and international acts, including Swedish indie pop band Nervous Nellie at the Delancey in New York City in September 2013. They also opened for L.A. alternative band Spindrift (formerly of Brian Jonestown Massacre) at Baltimore’s Metro Gallery in 2009.



In 2014, Waterplanet plans to finish their album, unveil a new website, and release a video for their track, “Love Song.” They are also pursuing label representation, booking and licensing opportunities.



The video release for “Love Song” will coincide with the track’s inclusion on WiFi PR Group’s compilation Indie Anthems Vol. 5, which is a collection of international talent spanning several genres. The digital mixtape will debut at Coachella in April 2014. WiFi PR will hand out 3,500 download cards for the album to festival attendees, and 1,500 more copies will be available through the Indie Anthems Bandcamp website.



You can purchase more of Waterplanet’s music from CD Baby. Check out the video for their song “Heedless/Headless” on their YouTube profile.




About Waterplanet Music:

“Love Song” Single (2013)

“Lemmings” Single (2013)

“Frankenstein” Single (2012)

“GoGoGo” Single (2012)

“Hive” Single (Alex Strama remix)

“Heedless/Headless” Single (Buzzlighter 8: Natural Anthems Compilation)

Here We Go

2-Headed Monster Demo

Smokescreen EP

Buzz Demo

Under the Rug Demo

Undercurrent

Waterplanet

Loopy Laura Demo



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterplanetband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/waterplanetband

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/waterplanetband



Media Contact:

Alisa St. Rock

WiFi PR Group

800.614.6473 Ext.1

wifiprgroup@gmail.com

www.wifiprgroup.com



About WiFi PR Group

WiFi PR Group, www.wifiprgroup.com, based in Los Angeles, CA, is an innovative marketing force in the interconnecting worlds of Philanthropy, Business and Entertainment. Specializing in digital publicity and branding, WiFi PR works closely with its clients to create business to business and business to consumer campaigns. - WI-FI PR Group

Your song is wow! ...The style [reminds me of] Patti Smith['s] debuts, the Violent Femmes and some the Velvet Underground... Great! Continue this way!
- Ernest Casio Perso, Varese, Italy

Though creatively distinct, [WATERPLANET's] music taps the stylistic vein of artists like Sonic Youth and the Velvet Underground. This is definitely...music that would be warmly welcomed by...college radio.

Seldom do I have the pleasure of reviewing an album of such brilliant unconventionality. To classify Waterplanet as simply another indie/experimental outfit would be a great injustice... [The Here We Go!] compositions prove to be much more than extemporaneous explorations of discord. With driving percussive undertones, songs like 'Heedless/Headless' freewheel in pop-sensible lo-fidelity. Though every song is worthy of mention, ...my favorite song on the album is the hypnotic "Let it Drop". With its monotonous, dreary harmonies and atypical, avant-garde progression, this song radiates with unconventional intrigue. All in all, I was very impressed by [Here We Go!]. - Ryan Hoffer, A&R

Though creatively distinct, [WATERPLANET's] music taps the stylistic vein of artists like Sonic Youth and the Velvet Underground. This is definitely...music that would be warmly welcomed by...college radio.

Seldom do I have the pleasure of reviewing an album of such brilliant unconventionality. To classify Waterplanet as simply another indie/experimental outfit would be a great injustice... [The Here We Go!] compositions prove to be much more than extemporaneous explorations of discord. With driving percussive undertones, songs like 'Heedless/Headless' freewheel in pop-sensible lo-fidelity. Though every song is worthy of mention, ...my favorite song on the album is the hypnotic "Let it Drop". With its monotonous, dreary harmonies and atypical, avant-garde progression, this song radiates with unconventional intrigue. All in all, I was very impressed by [Here We Go!]. - Ryan Hoffer, A&R

WATERPLANET
Creating a Psychedelic Escape

By Sarah Jones

By creating a worldly escape and luring its listeners to places unknown, WATERPLANET is catching ears. Some may think the sound is extinct, others may find it passé, but to Millie and James Hesser, the married duo who make up the group, psychedelic music is alive and well.

With its roots in folk and punk, the Hessers dub their music as “primitive psychedelic”, music that mixes together the sounds of acoustic guitar, percussion and voice simultaneously.

Why psychedelic? It was more of what they were writing at the time WATERPLANET was formed, resulting from the early influences of Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult and the Beatles.

“Since there is no bass you have to adapt artistically to create a fuller sound, which in turn makes you more creative,” explains James. “The trick is trying to make it come off live, that’s the hardest part.”

Their web site compares the sound to groups like B-52s, REM and early T Rex, among others. Millie and co-founder Rick Schaub created WATERPLANET in 1994. A year later James Hesser was invited into the band as a percussionist. “It went from a duo to a trio to a duo again,” said James. The couple was married in April of 1999.

“I used to sing [in a lower key] because the songs I listened to when I was young were all sung by males,” says Millie. “Now I’m trying to sing the songs higher as Jim sings lower, to make the sound fuller.”

When it comes to the group, Millie and James do everything on their own, including the designing, recording, and publicizing, which can create some time restraints considering they both have jobs outside of the band...
A new release is expected out this coming year, with hopes of professional recording to help cut back their workload.

WATERPLANET plays at the Mojo Room and Lounge in Baltimore about twice a month. To find out more about the band, visit www.waterplanetarium.com.

January 2004 issue

- Towson University

WATERPLANET
Creating a Psychedelic Escape

By Sarah Jones

By creating a worldly escape and luring its listeners to places unknown, WATERPLANET is catching ears. Some may think the sound is extinct, others may find it passé, but to Millie and James Hesser, the married duo who make up the group, psychedelic music is alive and well.

With its roots in folk and punk, the Hessers dub their music as “primitive psychedelic”, music that mixes together the sounds of acoustic guitar, percussion and voice simultaneously.

Why psychedelic? It was more of what they were writing at the time WATERPLANET was formed, resulting from the early influences of Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult and the Beatles.

“Since there is no bass you have to adapt artistically to create a fuller sound, which in turn makes you more creative,” explains James. “The trick is trying to make it come off live, that’s the hardest part.”

Their web site compares the sound to groups like B-52s, REM and early T Rex, among others. Millie and co-founder Rick Schaub created WATERPLANET in 1994. A year later James Hesser was invited into the band as a percussionist. “It went from a duo to a trio to a duo again,” said James. The couple was married in April of 1999.

“I used to sing [in a lower key] because the songs I listened to when I was young were all sung by males,” says Millie. “Now I’m trying to sing the songs higher as Jim sings lower, to make the sound fuller.”

When it comes to the group, Millie and James do everything on their own, including the designing, recording, and publicizing, which can create some time restraints considering they both have jobs outside of the band...
A new release is expected out this coming year, with hopes of professional recording to help cut back their workload.

WATERPLANET plays at the Mojo Room and Lounge in Baltimore about twice a month. To find out more about the band, visit www.waterplanetarium.com.

January 2004 issue

- Towson University

Dashingly done with shades of the Velvets with a dash of Hole. Great atmosphere. - Josh, The Living Dolls

Dashingly done with shades of the Velvets with a dash of Hole. Great atmosphere. - Josh, The Living Dolls

[The] song ["Heedless/Headless"] reminds me so much of The Vaselines. The wonderful melody. The primitivism. The boy/girl vocals.... And there is nothing wrong with any of that. I checked it out on a lark, because I wanted them to add [our band] Hop On Pop to their station. And boy am I glad that I did -- whether they add us or not! - Todd, Hop on Pop band

Take some elements of Belly, Pixies & The Doors, mix & serve. An original creation.

This is a stunning release that becomes more appealing with each listen. ["Heedless/Headless"] fills the gap left by Belly's demise, and ["Smokescreen"] may remind you of The Pixies. One of the best aspects of Here We Go! is the lyrics, which challenge listeners, either to look for Waterplanet's message, or come to their own interpretations. Sometimes unconventional, this is an expressive set of hook-laden tunes. An appealing and creative piece of work, that I only wish were a little longer - maybe next time?! Follow the buzz to Waterplanet. 4+ stars. - Steve Saulsbury

Take some elements of Belly, Pixies & The Doors, mix & serve. An original creation.

This is a stunning release that becomes more appealing with each listen. ["Heedless/Headless"] fills the gap left by Belly's demise, and ["Smokescreen"] may remind you of The Pixies. One of the best aspects of Here We Go! is the lyrics, which challenge listeners, either to look for Waterplanet's message, or come to their own interpretations. Sometimes unconventional, this is an expressive set of hook-laden tunes. An appealing and creative piece of work, that I only wish were a little longer - maybe next time?! Follow the buzz to Waterplanet. 4+ stars. - Steve Saulsbury

Waterplanet make really cool lofi acoustic songs with ace soft expressive vocals... ["Venus Supreme"] has got hints of sunshine '60s but with an added spicey mischievous edge... [L]et them spread more magic!

["Heedless/Headless" is] A lo-fi rockin' acoustic mix of Buddy Holly, The Violent Femmes and The Jesus and Mary Chain doin' an unplugged set. All mixed together with a sweet, ultra catchy tune. - Steve Ison, Birmingham, UK

Excellent acoustic new wavey - strange slightly sinister cabaret/torchy psychedelicy.... The total minimalism of this really works and keeps it very intimate.

- Cabaret Noir

Waterplanet make really cool lofi acoustic songs with ace soft expressive vocals... ["Venus Supreme"] has got hints of sunshine '60s but with an added spicey mischievous edge... [L]et them spread more magic!

["Heedless/Headless" is] A lo-fi rockin' acoustic mix of Buddy Holly, The Violent Femmes and The Jesus and Mary Chain doin' an unplugged set. All mixed together with a sweet, ultra catchy tune. - Steve Ison, Birmingham, UK

1) At the top of the chart is undoubtedly "HENRY" which is pure genius, the kind of song I would have loved to write myself

2) HEEDLESS/HEADLESS I like experimental music, but I can't resist...catchy pop songs, I really can't help it. [My friend had me listen to] it...quite original.

3) HIVE Another hit of genius; looks like you divided your cd in 2 parts, the first more easy listening,..."Sunny side up" kind of stuff and the second ...a "dark side", more experimental. Well, I love the second part the best.

4) LET IT DROP Nice guitar playing and guitar breaks. I love guitar breaks.

5) GET LOST Interesting, but being put between masterpieces such as "Henry" and "Hive" leaves it a little in the dark

6) SHE WON'T COME DOWN Nice to hear

7) SMOKESCREEN [The Syd] Barret-ish feel...should make me love it...

In the end a good album. Maybe a little bit too short. Left me a bit hungry for more.... In fact [I] listened to it again. ...[G]ood taste in using double vocals and small noises. I love that homemade air that lingers in your cd. - Giacomo Premoli, Varese, Italy

1) At the top of the chart is undoubtedly "HENRY" which is pure genius, the kind of song I would have loved to write myself

2) HEEDLESS/HEADLESS I like experimental music, but I can't resist...catchy pop songs, I really can't help it. [My friend had me listen to] it...quite original.

3) HIVE Another hit of genius; looks like you divided your cd in 2 parts, the first more easy listening,..."Sunny side up" kind of stuff and the second ...a "dark side", more experimental. Well, I love the second part the best.

4) LET IT DROP Nice guitar playing and guitar breaks. I love guitar breaks.

5) GET LOST Interesting, but being put between masterpieces such as "Henry" and "Hive" leaves it a little in the dark

6) SHE WON'T COME DOWN Nice to hear

7) SMOKESCREEN [The Syd] Barret-ish feel...should make me love it...

In the end a good album. Maybe a little bit too short. Left me a bit hungry for more.... In fact [I] listened to it again. ...[G]ood taste in using double vocals and small noises. I love that homemade air that lingers in your cd. - Giacomo Premoli, Varese, Italy

Thanks to Divide and Conquer for reviewing our new album Ghost-Hypnotic! Some odd moments here, but good insights too! Yes, there is a spiritual or mystical element in many of the songs, but that is only one of many themes we address on Ghost-Hypnotic. For the record, "Racers" is not about religion, it's about the rabid pursuit of success at all costs. "Sea Shanty" has spiritual overtones that some, including our reviewer may interpret as religious. However, it is intended more as a general meditation on impermanence and the lure of the sea. Let us know what you think! - Divide and Conquer