Experimental pop rockers SONIC MEDICINE have newer music in the works, with a handful of single's out and about already. The just wants to build themselves upwards with a lot more content and more else to follow them. See what their frontman vocalist David Cinnamon discusses on all of this below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
The band started in 2013 when I linked up with Jim Dejoie (saxophone) through the recommendation of a mutual sound engineer and friend, “Greedy” Greg Williamson.
The concept behind Sonic Medicine expanded quickly, as the music begged for an epic approach. The idea of expanding the ensemble to include a lower bass instrument and higher strings on top of the electric guitar, baritone sax, and live drums, was a vision that both Jim and I shared. Alicia Dejoie came onboard for the electric violin. We then found a wonderful duo on bass guitar and drums in Bowie McLean and Andy Pease for a few years. After cancer took Andy’s life we had to strive to survive as a band. Losing Andy was terrible and we miss him tremendously.
We were fortunate to have Thane Mitchell join us on drums. We’ve benefited from the talent of two other musicians: live support from Jason Lightfoot (electric guitar and electric bass) and studio support from Billy Stover (synth bass and auxiliary keyboard). The music has become so potent and real in the time we’ve put into the music since this began and it’s always evolving.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
I’m a luthier. The band’s name comes from the symbol I designed and installed onto the headstock of a guitar I built. I call the symbol the “caduceus clef.” It’s made from the combination of the treble clef symbol, the bass clef symbol (turned sideways), and the caduceus medical symbol. It is meant to be a symbol or sign for Sonic Medicine. This music feels very raw, honest, and cathartic – the name and symbol felt fitting.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We’re based out of Seattle, Washington. Our scene is alive and kicking, as it has been for many decades! I work as a live sound engineer so I interact with everyone who plays and rely on those connections in many ways!
I could recommend a lot of local bands! There are so many talented friends of mine that play music! I feel so blessed to know so many good musicians and performing acts!
Some of my favorites right now are: Kathy Moore Super Power Trio, Mark Pickerel, Johnny Nails, Final Body, Purple Strange, Secret Caves, The Bouquets, Mandolin Hooper, Githyanki, MTR Project, Buzzfactor, Chong the Nomad, and Katrina Kope.
4. How would you describe your style?
Experimental pop/rock.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
“Reflection’s Ink” is the fourth single from our debut album, Manic State. Listeners can expect cathartic, genre-melding music that’s conceptually bound. The whole discography will be one cohesive work. We hope that our music is as therapeutic for the listener as it is for us to create and perform!
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Always! We’re currently releasing each track from Manic State as singles. We’re preparing to record more beyond that as well. Lots of plans for more music!
7. What about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Our next show is at Jules Maes in Seattle on Saturday, July 30th. We’re especially excited about this one because Andy Stoller (Heart, Tracey Chapman, and more) will be joining us on bass. Check our website at www.sonicmedicine.com for tour updates!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We hope to build and grow and continue to challenge ourselves sonically. We’re also looking forward to getting more shows on the books!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Sonic Medicine is on all digital music sites! CD and vinyl coming soon!
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
In life, sometimes people may feel separated from each other, alone, and tested individually. In the past two years, because of the pandemic, this may feel like a more universal condition. Ultimately there remains a fundamental and powerful truth: we are all connected. Everyone and everything affects everything else. We find this truth beautiful, inspiring, and worthy of sonic exaltation.
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