Local Musician Off and Running With Seeking Homers New Album, Not So Far Away

Seeking Homer's new album shows CNY influence.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 6, 2004 --Seeking Homer is ready to roll with their new studio album, Not So Far Away, which was just released by Dirty Boot Music, a growing independent music label based in Philadelphia. Even though the four-piece, Seeking Homer may hail from New York City, the bands singer/songwriter/guitarist, Tommy Connors, will always call Syracuse home.

It only takes one listen to the bands fourth studio album, Not So Far Away (available at www.awarestore.com & www.seekinghomer.com), to hear the influences Central New York has within Seeking Homers music. Intertwined between Seeking Homers signature vocal harmonies and atmospheric amalgams of musical elements that make up the albums 10 tracks, you can catch several glimpses of Connors life growing up in the Syracuse area.

In the song, Any Moment Now", I was the explorer of Palomino Path..." - Connors reflects on growing up as a little kid in Liverpool. I was the 6-year old who ran the neighborhood from behind the handlebars of my Big Wheels. I used to drive my parents nuts" Connors recalls. The song also refers to a time when Connors was sick and successfully battled a rare form of pediatric cancer. The only way I would go to Boston for treatments, without kicking and screaming, was sitting on my fathers lap -- all 5 hours". Even Syracuses trademarks, such as lake effect snow, Indian summer skies are referred to in the course of this album.

We really wanted to work hard and write the best album we could. For a band that is always referred to as a 'great live band- we took statements like that to mean we had something to prove in the studio" adds Dave Oberacker, the bands other singer/songwriter/guitarist. Through the help of producer Andy Happel and Dizzyland Studios in Rochester, NH, Seeking Homer should feel strong about their most recent effort.

How many albums can you listen to and not hit the skip button? We wanted the album to be seen as one piece of music, rather than 10 songs. When you sit down to watch a movie, do you just forward along to certain scenes?" asks drummer Michael Seda. Seeking Homer took the approach many of their favorite artists like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Rush & U2 -- that is to make the best album they can possibly make. Well keep messing around with new song until it gives us goose bumps -- then we know were on to something" add bassist James Dunlop.

The album crosses and blends many musical flavors such as traditional Irish music, reggae, and country-western, with pop-rock in a way that has become Seeking Homers signature sound. Seeking Homer wanted to do it all" recalls the bands producer Andy Happel. We recorded bagpipes, horns, a classical string section -- even loose change falling on the floor."

In The Man in the Subway Station", subway sounds were actually recorded by Connors on the platform of the 42nd street subway station in New York City.

Dont Wake Me" is a powerful song that is in reference to the days surrounding September 11, 2001. After that day, we had to take some time off. We all needed time to grieve. We lost a few friends and fans that day -- people who were very important to the band" said Connors. After a short hiatus, the band decided they had to go back out on the road -- for their sake. The first stop - Syracuse. Connors remembers the show as being very special. For it was the first time he had seen his own family since the events of 9/11.

On the morning of 9/11, my parents were worried sick about my sister and I because they knew we were somewhere in the City that day. It took me until almost 10pm that night to reach them. I cant imagine how they must have felt that whole day -- not knowing."

Amid the many musical elements, song styles and orchestrations throughout Not So Far Away, it is the notion of hope that permeates and shines through on each and every tune. If you are looking for an album to hear rants about tumultuous childhood upbringings, corrupt politicians, the joys of drug or alcohol abuse, or even an f-word - Not So Far Away is not for you. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
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