Ghost Opal is an original band that I am building in the Charlotte, NC area. I have been writing songs and developing ideas for a project of my own for many years. With most musical situations in my past, I was pulled into other bands that were already formed and set, leaving no room for my writings or ideas beyond my drumming contributions, which is fine, but has left me with quite alot to say and play, with no vehicle to express my art. Another struggle has been finding fellow musicians that can span the gamut of musical styles and dynamics that I have in mind. I am a student of many different musical spectrums and I have no desire for this band to be pigeonholed to one generalized area.
Simply put, I am forming a band that makes music that cannot be easily sorted, categorized, or referenced. Simple yet complicated. Many styles but nothing in particular. I want the music we make to be unrestricted by generic barriers. Powerful, moving, and meaningful ideas and stories with music that is both compelling and entertaining. Everything from Hard Rock, Progressive Metal, and Alternative, to Fusion and Funk, with musings of Electronic, Trance, EDM, and even Classical and Shoe Gaze.
The Point is simply to make great music and let the songs live their own lives. I do want a strong electronic presence to help create atmosphere and speak to the times we are living in and a very real sense of the loss of humanity, while still showing that there is still beauty, despite the decay. I want real musicians on real instruments to represent humanity and it’s fragile beauty. To start, I am looking for a primary guitarist, an artist on the keys and sound design/programming, a bass player, and a primary vocalist as we go. I am looking for as many contributing voices as we can find in all positions as vocal harmonies will be needed. Main vocals will not be overly wordy to maximize the impact of the music and the message. Currently, I am talking with several musicians but aside from myself, I have not locked in any one position yet. I appreciate your patience and understanding in this time. Despite how many awesome musicians there are, it is critical to assemble the right crew to do what I have in mind. Here is what I am currently looking for. Auditions/creation workshop sessions will be happening soon!
– Primary Guitarist : Great leads, even better rhythm, ear for tone and flexible in styles in dynamics. Able to improvise with ease and make musical magic off the cuff. Ability to create compelling and dynamic music from the simplest ideas to vastly complex. Knows when not to play and when to really let it rip. Comfortable going from ultra heavy to clean and quiet at a moments notice. Some of my favorites are Pete Loeffler (Chevelle), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), Bruce Soord (Pineapple Thief), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Billy Howerdel (A Perfect Circle/Ashes Divide), and Devin Townsend (Devin Townsend Project).
– Keys / Soundscape Design : Likely the most critical role in the band. Not really looking for a “piano” player. Someone adept at using pads and synths to give texture and atmosphere to the music. Creativity to use sound effects, pads, and synths to create soundscapes for the music to exist in and immerse the audience. Programming / Tech savvy preferable. Some of my favorites are Richard Barbieri (Porcupine Tree), Steve Kitch (Pineapple Thief), and Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails).
– Bass : I need a bass player that can go from being a low end superstar to just holding root notes or dropping out completely at a moments notice. Excellent tone, great improv ability, and a creative approach to make every moment magic. Knowing when to drop out, come in, and when to unleash is critical. Ability to lock in with drums and or play counter melodies or x/y with the guitar to really fill out the melody section. Ability to make complex feel/time signatures feel good/dance-able. Groove and vibe are key to this band. Some of my favorites are Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Jon Sykes (Pineapple Thief), Chris Bruce (Seal), Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), and Paz Lenchantin (A Perfect Circle).
While I am looking for a Primary Vocalist, I am more concerned with getting the band assembled to get demos together and begin the work of being a band. I have no doubts that after some initial demos, people will get what I am creating and finding the right vocalist should become much easier afterwards. Please share this with anyone that you know that may be interested in such a project. I will post any relevant developments at the bottom of this page as we go. Stay tuned!
* PSA : I fully intend to make this band a full time professional operation, including recording albums, playing shows often (including clubs, festivals, and events), so if you are limited in your timeframe or scope of interest, please keep that in mind. I am not expecting anyone to give up their day job for a startup band, but be advised, my goal is to make this a thriving band that works full time and pays out accordingly. Just so we are on the same page and not wasting anyone’s time down the road. Cheers.