Eclectic Rock? Progressive Art Rock? Electronica-Induced Power Pop?
Attempts to categorize Madison-based The Dorothy Heralds seem
intriguing at best. For, if you've seen this ensemble live, you know
that the experience is one that defies conventional expectation. The
Dorothy Heralds mesh Matt Nelson's quirky, experimental electric
guitar parts with Kevin Lozada's keyboard lines that stretch anywhere
from ambient and subtle to intensely melodic and driving. Put these
parts on top of the pounce-like, athletic bass leanings of Gary Chin,
and an intricate instrumental bed unfolds. Vocalist Katy Rykken
rounds out the sound with her rich mezzo-soprano voice that flows
easily from airy and ethereal to brassy and bold. Each with a diverse
array of influences and experiences, members of The Dorothy Heralds
come together to create lilting melodies that thread together their
unique package of sound.
Gary Chin is responsible for the Dorothy brainchild, vowing in 1999 to start a project all his own--one over which he had creative license and the arena to experiment and make new. He sold his vision to
long-time friend Kevin Lozada, and the two set out to form a band.
The pair ran across Katy Rykken, an eager, bright-eyed UW sophomore,
and after an audition, she was on board. After several line-up
changes over the course of 2 years, the band found their niche with
guitarist Matt Nelson, whose creative approach to guitar playing was
the final touch the band needed.
The band's first full-length album, Projections, was recorded at DNA
Studios in Madison in 2003. For this album, the band practiced
genre-jumping, covering everything from progressive rock to funk to
noise to ambient folk. Since that time, the band has focused its
sound, moving in the vein of Massive Attack meets Zero 7. Throw in a
splash of Bjork, a touch of Peter Gabriel, and a hint of Blondie, and
you have The Dorothy Heralds. In the mix is also a touch of world
music--Latin beats mixed intricately with drum and bass.
Working on their sophomore album, the band continues to develop and
hone their sound, skills, and fanbase, playing out as often as
possible and supporting the local music scene along the way.
If you like the songs above, there's even more amazing stuff on Projections. You can purchase Projections on:
The Dorothy Heralds Reviews
"There is simply no other band that sounds quite like The Dorothy Heralds." - Rick's Cafe
"They work wonders in ways that nearly defy explanation" - Tom Laskin - The Isthmus
"The five-member Madison band is fronted by singer Katy Rykken, whose fine hypnotic vocals fina a comfortable place alongside the group's oft-adventurous instrumental leanings." - Wisconsin State Journal
This band has energy to spare and an upbeat approach to performing. Mixing elements of prog, pop, and hard rock, this band can really flex their muscle when they want to." - Dave Newton - Rick's Cafe
"The Dorothy Heralds puts their listeners in a trance of pure enjoyment" - Contessa - Contessa Says
"The Dorothy Heralds -- 100 Unnamed Things
This follow-up to 2003's Projections continues to find the Dorothy Heralds wedged between electronic and pop influences. (Essential track: "Nora" featuring Rob Dz)" - Rick Albertoni - My top ten Madison discs of 2006 - The Isthmus
"You can safely say the The Dorothy Heralds are fusion band, as they don't really stick to any given tactic when interpreting their "concoction" of music. It's more of a fusion of techno, folk, soul, and 80's rock. The music fades in and out from big band to blues to pop-rock to techno to dance, and spares no digital effect. Aesthetically, it's ear candy. This band has serious potential as they can play in four different genres well." - Brett Lemke - Maximum Ink
"A combined sound of rock and techno with sultry vocals is the best way to describe the music of The Dorothy Heralds. Last Sunday night this Fearless band thoroughly entertained the crowd during their first time performance at Chicago’s very own Elbo Room. SouthSide immensely enjoyed this unique rock performance. They absolutely impressed the audience with a wide range of styles throughout the set. The Dorothy Heralds’s variety gave each song its own distinction. For instance, the band often experimented with sound levels. During one particular song femme fatale, Katy, sang the lyrics in a soft, husky whisper while the rest of the band continued to play intensely in the background. The lead singer’s voice at times teased and seduced the audience. Furthermore, The Dorothy Heralds’s instrumentals also displayed an original blend of techno/electronica and rock style. Many times the band would incorporate digital sounds that heightened the intensity of the track. Sometimes the beat of the music would have this reviewer’s heart beating in time with the beat. This was truly one excellent opening set and SouthSide highly recommends attending their next show." - SouthSide On the Town
August 16th 2007 - Fearless Radio
Achievements and Performances of Note:
Winner for "Best Electronic Song" at the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Madison Area Music Awards
"Heavy" from 100 Unnamed Things featured in the independent film "Office Beast"
"Beautiful" from Projections featured in Smart Motors radio ad campaign in 2005
Featured performers at the 2004 Madison Rock-Ins
2004 and 2003 Isthmus Battle of the Bands Finalist
Just dropping by to let all of our friends know that the recording is going great at Megatone Studios. Paul Schluter has once again exceeded all of our expectations, and this CD will prove it. We also signed on with an independent label out of Los Angeles, CA... "Go DiY Records". Go DiY is a label made up of musicians, for musicians, and we're confident that they will get FFR to the masses.
We hope to see you at our CD release show, November 21 @ The Annex in Madison.
Just wanted EVERYONE in the band to know I thought you were amazing, and we'd love to play with you again next time you are in town. Very original music, and well put together.
