The Sour Notes
Based in Austin, Texas, The Sour Notes are a six-piece indie pop band consisting of members Jared Boulanger (singer/songwriter/guitar/bass), Chris Page (guitar/piano/synthesizer),Taylor Steinberg (drums/percussion), Kelly Dewitt (vocals/organ/synthesizer), Erin Mikulenka (vocals/organ/synthesizer) and Amarah Ulghani (bass).
The Sour Notes formed initially as the moniker for singer/songwriter Jared Boulanger's solo recording project while living in Houston, Texas. Upon finishing what would later be his debut album, “The Meat of the Fruit,” in 2008 Boulanger then asked longtime friend and multi-instrumentalist Chris Page to join him in creating a performing band in Austin. There, they met drummer Travis Hackett and bassist Brandi Dipietro through mutual friends and recorded their first collaborative effort, second album “Received in Bitterness.”
After a brief East Coast tour in support of the album in early 2009, the band recorded 7-inch single, “Never Mix, Never Worry” which displayed a new direction for The Sour Notes' characteristically evolving sound. Later that year, The Sour Notes released their third album “It's Not Gonna Be Pretty,” (recorded in the laundry room, mixed by Steve Christensen, mastered at The Lodge NYC) to much critical acclaim and in January 2010 toured in support. By April 2010, due to the band’s demanding schedule and rate of productivity, it’s lineup had almost completely changed, yet they remain consistent in their vision, and have taken this opportunity to expand their sound far beyond it had been before to newer and greater levels. The Sour Notes are touring again in May 2010 and they are currently working on their fourth album “Write What You Know” expected to be released in December 2010.
Band Buzz
Casual Victim Pile - Hometown SXSW showcasing sampler
"Somewhere between Fountains of Wayne's Teflon hooks and the Shins' minor-key reveries, The Sour Notes emote anything but the same ol' song and dance, especially here in cow town."
- RAOUL HERNANDEZ
Skope Magazine: The Sour Notes, It’s Not Gonna Be Pretty
Just reading the title of their band made me chuckle, but as I popped the CD into my walkman (yes, I still own one, and it’s a more than 10-year-old Sony), I was pleasantly surprised by their sound.
- Skope Magazine
The Austinist loves The Sour Notes
Sample the songs here, particularly "Doers & Sayers" -- a brash and catchy indie pop tune that stands out as a particular favorite of ours. The Sour Notes sound something like We Are Scientists with a bit of Death Cab for Cutie added for softness. We're really looking forward to seeing their growth in 2010.
- Paige Maguire
Pasta Primavera recommends The Sour Notes
This Thursday a stellar (and eclectic) line-up makes its way into the Metro Gallery here in Baltimore. The Sour Notes, a young band from Austin, caught my ear early last year with their echoey pop LP Received In Bitterness.
- Pasta Primavera
