Birds Over Arkansas
Milford, Connecticut, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | INDIE
Music
Press
Named Catapult as one of the 16 best "Under The Radar" songs of 2014. - Aspen Public Radio
"The music of Birds Over Arkansas is, as a rule perhaps, absolutely stunning. They describe it as Americana, but all genres and terminologies aside – it’s just beautiful, in every way; an incredible creation of music from a superbly talented trio...The musical simplicity of it was baffling, as it really hits hard, both emotionally, and just in generally how damn good it is." - Stereo Stickman
"My jaw is literally on the floor in awe of just how beautiful this song becomes through its inspired attitude and perspective in both the lyrics and music of its second part…it’s a song as spectacular as one could ever hope to write." - Sleeping bag Studios
"This is a band that is consistent as well as talented, creative and eclectic. The level of creativity and musicianship on this track is once again utterly exceptional...Top class musicianship, clever lyrics and an intriguingly complex yet surprisingly accessible tune." - Jamsphere
"Forgotten Lights is a tender and intricate song from Birds Over Arkansas, a track that touches equally upon the folk, progressive, and singer-songwriting styles. The vocals take listeners on a journey, while on-point drums, guitar, and bass unite to make a fitting backdrop upon which these lyrics can soar." - Neufutur
"This is another band that doesn’t want to compromise on their sound or be forced into a specific genre of music, and we will all benefit from these talented individuals following their own whims as they create their full length follow up to their 2014 EP Behind the Lights. This is definitely a band you will be hearing more about, so get there early and check them out." - No Country For New Nashville
"Something magical happens when musicians learn to let go of trying to please the mainstream and just write music that feels good to them. Any real music fan can tell immediately when a song sounds forced into a genre. Our latest discovery Birds Over Arkansas finally found this freedom and has been on the fast track to stardom ever since." - Indie Band Guru
Independent music label Big Fuss Records names BOA as one of their Artists to Watch for 2016 - Big Fuss Records
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Americana. Quirky. Upbeat. Harmonic. These are just a few words that come to mind when listening to Birds Over Arkansas - Americana Prog Rockers whose influences span from Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel, and Frank Zappa to Americana artists such as The Avett Brothers, Ryan Adams, and Iron & Wine. Their music infuses technical progressive rock styles with singer/songwriter sensibilities, while still maintaining accessibility for the listener.
Formed in 2011, the band consists of Scott Haskitt (guitar, lead vocals), Laura Hartshorn (keyboards/vocals), and John Mondick (guitar/mandolin/vocals). The BOA lineup was completed in 2014 with the addition of drummer Ryan Berg (Strand of Oaks, Project/Object) and bassist Chico Huff (James Taylor, Carly Simon, David Crosby, Solas). They are an East Coast group who prove that great playing, sounds, songs and people are all you need for truly great music.
Their 2014 album “Behind the Lights” is an eclectic mix of heartfelt lyrics, infectious melodies, and complex rhythmic structures. “During the writing process, we realized we had these fun, often kind of quirky, unorthodox ideas, and we would just edit and massage them down until they sounded like everything else. It was really frustrating, sort of killing our own creativity. So we started to shine a light on the quirky bits until they started to make sense in their own way.” Notable guest musicians David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel) lends his ambient electric guitar style to The String, and Carter Gravatt (Carbon Leaf) adds soaring lead guitar lines to Comet.
It’s no surprise, given the band’s tenacity and individuality that “Catapult” -- an addictive little number -- is now in rotation on airwaves across the United States, as well as Aspen Public Radio naming the song as one of the 16 best "Under The Radar" songs of 2014, alongside such notable artists as Jackson Browne and Willie Nelson.
BOA is currently recording their full length follow up album, and the band continues to spark creativity with compelling songs that are the antithesis of today’s manufactured pop music.
BOA’s latest single, "Forgotten Lights", is about helplessly watching a loved one slip away into dementia. “Forgotten Lights” will be featured on Big Fuss Records Artists To Watch 2016 compilation, and is winning high praise from fans and critics.
Band Members
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