Artist description See above.

Music Style Narcotic, seductive, late-night guitar groove

Musical Influences A cocktail of: Portishead, Ivy, Air, Brian Eno, St. Ettienne, the Cardigans, the guitar cacophony of Radiohead, Massive Attack.

Similar Artists A cocktail of: Portishead, Ivy, Air, Brian Eno, St. Ettienne, the Cardigans, the guitar cacophony of Radiohead, Massive Attack.

Artist History Biography Orbiter’s guitar-laden, groove-driven pop-plus is fueled by Harris Thurmond (formerly of Hammerbox) on guitars and vocals; Fiia McGann, (ex- Goodness) on vocals; Stephanie Wicker (ex-Western State Hurricanes) on keyboards, guitar and vocals; and Jeff Wood and Brandon Milner (formerly of the Gerald Collier band) on bass and drums, respectively. Three years ago, veteran guitarist Harris Thurmond holed up in his closet sound lab and began dialing in Orbiter's first songs. Experimenting with loops, keyboards and nocturnal guitar grooves, he created and infectious base for his own low-key but soulful vocals and the sensual crooning of friend Fiia McGann. Mini-LP, a collection of six songs and a reprise, was realized the following spring and featured performances from Maktub's Reggie Watts and Jeff Wood, who would later join Orbiter as its permanent bassist. While Mini-LP received critical kudos and local radio worked its way through all six songs, Thurmond went about assembling a band to perform the songs live. In addition to Wood, he brought in multi-instrumentalist and additional vocalist Stephanie Wicker and drummer Brandon Milner to flesh out the band’s sound. What started as an on-stage chemistry soon worked its way into the studio. Sparks on a String, Orbiter’s first full-length, is a departure from Mini-LP in that it sounds like the whole band instead of a two person project – a step forward in production and realization. Basic tracks were recorded at Jupiter studios in July of 2001. Thurmond and producer Tucker Martine spent the next several months layering the foundation with texture, sparkle and Thurmond’s trademark guitar sounds. The result is rich and complex, easy and compelling. Sparks on a String is being released by Seattle-based Loveless Records (Vendetta Red, Voyager One, The Drop). Look for Orbiter to be supporting the album in the coming months with appearances throughout the Northwest and opening slots for artists as diverse as Maktub and Halou.

Group Members Harris Thurmond, Fiia McGann, Jeff Wood, Stephanie Wicker and Brandon Milner

Albums Sparks on a String and the Mini-LP

Press Reviews Reviews This stunning debut from Seattle's Orbiter is a study in contrasts. Mini LP kicks off with "3 A.M.," a languorous, atmospheric instrumental that establishes the dark tone that colors the entire set. But a light, joyful mood also surfaces throughout the CD via the restrained yet uplifting interplay of guitar and synthesizer. On "Stray Dogs," the listener is treated to the alluring vocals of Fiia McGann as she ponders the need to come to terms with life's decisions and regrets in order to make peace with oneself. The crisp, shimmering guitar attack of the other half of this dynamic duo--Harris Thurmond--punctuates the songs and accents the vocals perfectly; his playing is confidently assertive but never overpowering or intrusive. Thurmond takes his turn at the mic on a couple of numbers and his "Paper Tiger," a meditation on a celebrity who's fallen from grace, is a highlight. Combining guitar work and a melodic sensibility that reflects Radiohead, as well as plaintive vocals and deep rhythmic grooves that recall Portishead, Orbiter has crafted a unique style of guitar driven trip-pop that is at once familiar and notably original. Michael Wells, Amazon's 10 Best Emerging Artists CDs of 2000 Orbiter is really impressive. Consisting of ex-Hammerbox maestro Harris Thurmond and Goodness' Fiia McGann, Orbiter lays down mellow electro-pop that owes as much to Lou Reed as it does to Portishead and Everything But The Girl. Popmatters Whether it mixes looped rhythms and chilly Guitar with singer Fiaa McGann's breathy delivery or settles on a mix of moody keyboards and reluctant looped drums that truly blur the line between what's live and what springs from a processor Orbiter builds a style that mixes the power of electronics and the flow of live music. - Aversion From the ashes of Goodness, Miracle Baby and Hammerbox, Fiia McGann and Harris Thurmond have risen in the night like a nocturnal phoenix to become one of the region's grooviest beat benders. Cool and low, subtle and sneaky, they stir their hips and shake this cocktail party like a dry, dry martini. Before you know it, they sway their way across the brain, infecting it with hipster suave. The whole head lightly rocks back and forth to the slick production of guitar effects, bass lines, loops and occasional keys compliments of Mr. Reggie Watts. The eyes go blurry from the seductive vocals, whether it be him or her, they go down smooth like good bourbon. Seven songs later, the party's over. Without warning, they pull the plug and pack it up. But unlike other late-night liqueurs, Orbiter can in be enjoyed in generous amounts again and again. Shawn Telford, The Rocket Orbiter begins it's newest release with soothing drum and keyboard song entitled "3 A.M." that makes you wanna go dance in the rain and apologize to everyone for everything you've ever done. It's a strong start to a relatively strong album. Fiia McGann's vocals are reminiscent of Shirley Manson of Garbage and when Harris Thurmond sings he's got a quality that seems to be the offspring of Nick Drake and the guy from Collective Soul, but he wishes "he could sing like Curtis Mayfield does." The e.p. carries a slow techno feel throughout that makes you question the direction of rock and roll, but Orbiter gives this sound reason to stick around and flourish. "Mini LP" is a nice treat and deserves a good listening. l-dawg, Illandalice If you're expecting former Hammerbox guitarist Harris Thurmond's new project to sound like his old band, boy are you in for a surprise. Rather than revisit previously charted territory, Thurmond has started from scratch with Orbiter. The result is a more laid-back, groove-oriented, and downright soulful affair. Although he's enlisted the help of friends like Goodness' Fiia McGann (who contributes occasional vocals), Thurmond actually takes the mic this time around. If you're looking for something subtle, slinky, and slightly seductive, try this on for size. - Barbara Mitchell, The Stranger Next up were Orbiter, who were playing their first show and marking the release of their debut EP, 'Mini LP' (Loveless.) Together the two singers alternated vocals and worked in a rich, trip-influenced groove. They overcame some first-night jitters to turn in a solid set which peaked with Fia McGann's (Miracle Baby, Goodness) earthy, emotional rendition of 'Sentimental.' Dave Liljengren, Live Review, The Rocket

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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