#john luzzi

http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/lotuscrush

Promo blurb from the artist's page at Pledge Music v

Music connects everyone. It’s the ultimate bridge, bringing people together regardless of background and experiences. In fact, a conversation about favorite artists actually served as the genesis for Lotus Crush.

In 2006, Scotland-born Terry McDermott was fronting Driveblind who just dropped their self-titled major label debut. Invited to support multi-platinum alternative rock luminaries Candlebox on tour, he forged an instant bond with Candlebox’s six-stringer Peter Klett and drummer Scott Mercado, sharing a love for Pink Floyd, The Verve, and other British heavyweights. After Driveblind disbanded, Terry settled in New Orleans and, on a whim in 2010, reached out to Peter about doing a project together. Peter called bandmate Scott after rounding out the group with John Luzzi [MIGGS]. The musicians now known as Lotus Crush recorded their first effort, 2011’s Half Light Morning. Unforgettable gigs at SXSW followed and the group began to build a significant fan base of its own.

However, their “day jobs” called. As Peter and Scott returned to Candlebox, Terry got a call to join Season 3 of NBC’s The Voice, eventually becoming a runner-up on the show. Still, Lotus Crush loomed in the back of their collective consciousness.

“We were on the cusp of something special,” explains Terry. “It was a real evolution for me. We didn’t have a label or any support the first time around, so it wasn’t able to sustain itself. It just wasn’t the right time back then.”

The “right time” happened to be in 2014. CaviGold Records contacted the band about performing a special reunion one-off at the iconic Robert Lang Studios—the site of classic albums from Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and more. That same night the label offered Lotus Crush a deal.

“They believed in what we do,” the singer affirms. “It validated all of the blood, sweat, and tears we put into this, and we got the chance to do things the right way.”

The band holed up in Robert Lang Studios with producer Todd Burman and began crafting what would become their sophomore effort. A marked evolution occurred this time around, as everything expanded sonically.

“We like a lot of layers and colors,” says Peter. “The melodies are quality, and this band has something for everybody across the board. We can explore anything we want. We had a true vision of where we wanted to go for this record.”

“We were working out who we were on the first album,” adds Terry. “We had years to reflect on who what Lotus Crush is and can be in between. The passage of time brought another dynamic to this. It feels like a new band. It’s like a rock ‘n’ roll record by an indie rock band.”

The first single “Hearts and Minds” builds from a melodic clean guitar into an unshakable refrain punctuated by Terry’s dynamic vocals. In between the hook, Pete lets out an impressive guitar lead.

“There’s a new element of freedom here,” exclaims the vocalist. “I wanted to write songs that encompass my view of the world we live in. It can be a fairly oppressive place, and it’s a difficult landscape for a kid to grow up in or a man and woman to live in. We’re pushed and pulled in all different directions by media, politics, and an ever bleaker-looking future. There’s a perpetual conveyer belt of elements trying to get into our heads for attention. It’s a battle for our hearts and minds. That’s what the song is about.”

Ultimately, Lotus Crush create the same kind of music that brought them together in the first place. “This has been a labor of love and art,” Terry leaves off. “I hope it gives everyone an experience when they listen to it.”

So you think that you're in control, we know you do

You can stare down the rabbit hole, we're staring back at you

We brought you freedom but hold the chain, we keep our sights on you

Get off restrictions to calm our rage

Slowly we will get through

And hey, you! there! hiding in your holes

Your hearts and your minds are mine

And hey, you, there!  Hey you, there!

<Bridge>

We are the razor upon the vein

We watch you sleep at night

Denounce your soul and we'll pay your cage

While you live a quiet life

We are the fear that keeps you sane

The dark is true, do what we say and mind your place

Or we're going to get you too! 

And hey, you there, watching from your hole

Your hearts and your minds are mine

And hey, you there, hiding in your holes

Repeat

Hey you there!  Hey you there!

<Bridge>

Repeat Chorus

Listen to the song!!  https://www.yahoo.com/music/fans-of-the-voice-season-3-aka-the-best-season-104674036381.html

Limited edition vinyl - with everyone's signature! Also get an VIP pass to a show and possibly a spot in a music video... check it out:

a fellow McHobbit, whose Youtube channel is McBlackbird Singing recently posted some lovely videos of a gig Miggs did with Terry McDermott in Nashville.  THANK YOU!!