DISHWALLA Wraps Production on Forthcoming Album Set for Release on March 15, 2005

DISHWALLA Wraps Production on Forthcoming Album Set for Release on March 15, 2005

Rock Band Completes Studio Sessions With Diverse Trio of Legendary Producers Bill Szymzcyk, Sylvia Massy Shivy and Ryan Greene

LOS ANGELES, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Barbara rock band DISHWALLA has wrapped production on their forthcoming self-titled album, which is scheduled for release on March 15, 2005. The 12-song disc marks the band's fifth album, and first recording for new independent label The Orphanage Entertainment Group, headed by music industry veteran Leo Rossi, and will be distributed by Fontana Distribution.

The fivesome -- singer/songwriter J.R. Richards, guitarist Rodney Cravens, bassist Scot Alexander, keyboardist Jim Wood and drummer Pete Maloney, teamed up with a diverse trio of rock producers, zigzagging across California and Arizona for the intense recording sessions. The collection of songs is about life, love, loss and survival. On the decision to work with three producers on the project, Richards comments, "We love touring and wanted to try and capture the raw energy of our live shows and just rock on this record. Handing over the reins to Bill, Sylvia and Ryan, inspired and challenged us everyday we were in the studio, and I believe helped create a really fresh and exciting sound."

The connection with legendary producer Bill Szymzcyk (The Eagles' HOTEL CALIFORNIA, BB King's THE THRILL IS GONE and The Who's FACE DANCES, among many more multi-platinum records) began during the band's 2002 tour in support of their third CD OPALINE. A fan since their debut CD (PET YOUR FRIENDS), the North Carolina-based Szymzcyk decided to drive two hours to check out their date in Nashville, and was blown away by the group's live performance. That led to his producing four tracks on the new record, "Collide," "Surrender The Crown," "Creeps In The Stone" and "Above The Wreckage," recorded at O'Henry Studios in Burbank, California.

On working with Szymzcyk, Richards comments, "His track record speaks for itself; his landmark records literally define rock n' roll. Working with him in the studio has been amazing, and his ability to capture the intensity of our live performance onto the record is incredible."

Cravens adds, "For Bill Szymzcyk to pour his love and attention into the music we wrote in our garage, has been an unforgettable experience." Szymzcyk comments, "DISHWALLA is a band of five incredible players. After seeing them live, I really wanted to produce a project with them. Once we got into the studio, everybody really dug in and I think we came up with a great piece of art. They were a complete joy and pleasure to produce."

Rock maven Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, System of a Down and Zed) took over the reins for three additional tracks including "Ease The Moment," "Bleeding Out" and "Winter Sun." Working out of Massy's RadioStar Studios in Northern California's scenic town of Weed, the band was pushed to a new level, with Richards commenting, "Sylvia's raw energy and forget the details approach just pushed us to rock, out of the box." Cravens added, "Sylvia's cool mystique and style allowed us to achieve some tambours we hadn't achieved ourselves. On 'Winter Sun,' for example, she stripped it back and gave it a mood-based twist that is just a great groove."

Shivy stated, "DISHWALLA is a band of professionals who craft their songs with true sincerity. They are willing to take chances with their music and are not afraid of change, keeping their sound fresh and exciting. I really enjoyed working with them." She adds, "I feel we captured a real emotion in J.R.'s voice that I have not heard in another vocalist. It was real and genuine, from the heart. He's one of the finest singers in pop music today."

Ryan Greene (NOFX, Lag Wagon, Megadeth) also put his indelible mark on this record with four definitive tracks recorded at his studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, including "Life For Sale," "Coral Sky," "Forty Stories" and "Far Away."

On working with the cutting-edge producer known for his success in punk rock, Richards said, "His go for it attitude and wild abandon approach to the songs definitely raised the bar for us a band, and I believe created an exciting and modern sound."

Greene commented, "My approach to producing is to try and enhance what already exists. The conviction of this band is huge, and creatively I believe we've only seen the tip of what they can do. There is just so much talent and they truly transport you on a journey with each of the songs. Each band member really stepped up to a new level of playing on this record."

DISHWALLA broke onto the music scene a few years back with their debut PET YOUR FRIENDS (A&M Records), a mix of pop savvy and soulful rock grind. Fueled by the smash hit single "Counting Blue Cars," the album became a pop chart staple, earning the band a Billboard award for "Rock Song of the Year." The band toured constantly for their 1998 sophomore disc AND YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT LIFE'S ABOUT (A&M/Interscope Records) -- including a performance at Woodstock '98 -- and contributed to three soundtracks including the "American Pie" track "Find Your Way Back Home." Their third record OPALINE, was released in April, 2002 (Immergent Records) and spawned the rock radio hit "Somewhere In The Middle," as well as a two-year nationwide headlining tour in support of the record. In August, 2003, the band released their first live record, GREETINGS ... FROM THE FLOW STATE, which was recorded during the two-year OPALINE tour.

The forthcoming self-titled disc is scheduled for release on March 15 through The Orphanage Entertainment Group. Established in May, 2004, O.E.G. is a full-service, independent label with the mission of artists helping artists and creating a home for established and new developing artists to flourish. The San Pedro-based O.E.G. is a new and profitable model for a music entertainment company.

Source: DISHWALLA

CONTACT: Traci Harper of Harper Public Relations, +1-310-360-9798, harperpr@aol.com, or traci@harperpr.com, for DISHWALLA

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