Artist description Emerging from the grey haze of Seattle is Changing Planes, an acoustic-based rock band with a fresh song writing perspective. Their style is a pairing of dark, provocative lyrics with energetic, pop arrangements. Recording magazine describes their song “Drag Queen No. 2” as “gutsy...with good raw energy.” Released in fall 2000, Changing Planes have created the CD, Confusion is Here Again, which is a scrapbook of intriguing figures and controversial subjects. A drag queen. A battered woman with a gun. Topics that push the envelope are the trademark of Raven. Through images and feelings, Raven produces thoughtful lyrics that demand the attention of the listener. On stage Raven transforms himself into the emotion and character of each song. Audiences are captivated by the range of moods and energy he displays. Whether he is pontificating on a social issue or coming out with an abstraction, the audience is kept wondering what he will do next.Musically, every song on Confusion is Here Again is structured and has a hook that embeds itself in the mind of the listener. The songs range in tempo and texture, from light and airy to a powerful wall of sound. Their song “Beautiful” has attitude and catchiness reminiscent of early Violent Femmes. “I” and “How Come Everybody I Know Is Friends With Satan?” start out simple with acoustic guitar, then build with energy and emotion through the layering of various instruments. “I’m amazed how I can bring Deron a song that is so simple,” notes Raven, “and he can bring the feelings in it to a higher level.” The song “Her Gun Was Speaking” is a rollercoaster ride into the emotions of a battered woman who sees only one way out of an abusive relationship. Although most of the songs on the album deal with darker themes, “U Mean the World 2 Me” is a light, feel-good pop song. The band realizes there is a long road that stretches before them. Amid the din that clouds the radio and the internet, is a sound that’s honest and empowering. Take time to stop and listen...you will hear it.

Music Style Acoustic centered modern rock

Musical Influences Cure, U2, James, R.E.M., Counting Crows

Similar Artists Goo Goo Dolls, David Bowie, Violent Femmes, 3rd Eye Blind, Radiohead

Artist History Raven and Deron formed the core of Changing Planes in Las Vegas, NV in 1993. They started recording demos and then formed a band for live performance. This incarnation of the band was called "the itty bitty Vision Midgets". Many shows later, Deron and Raven decided to move to Seattle to seriously persue their goals. They spent the next several months recording their first full-length release. This CD was releaseed in November, 2001 under the band name "Bendt" and was titled "Confusion is Here Again". Raven and Deron were joined be Guitarist Seth Paul and drummer Matt Miller in late 2001. Since this time, they have been writing new songs as a group and have recorded several demos. They have played many shows around the Seattle area. In May, 2002, they changed their name to Changing Planes.

Group Members Raven - Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar Deron Daum - Bass and Backing Vocals Seth Paul - Guitar and Backing Vocals Matt Miller - Drums and Backing Vocals

Instruments Voices, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Drums, Electric Guitar, Flute, Violin.

Albums Confusion is Here Again

Press Reviews Colorful Music reviews "Beautiful": "A hyper punkish -rock song with a thick bass line that wraps itself tightly around the upbeat drum pattern for a very rememberable journey into the realms of rock bliss. If your looking for a punk sound with more substance than say, Blink 182, make sure and check these guys out." Recording magazine describes their song “Drag Queen No. 2” as “-gutsy...with good raw energy.”Halogen Records describes "Beautiful" as "a great exploration into punk euro-pop...The song itself is very simple, yet it seems to beckon feelings of rebellion and youth struggle. The parts are pretty clear and the production is well done."

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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