Artist description Neo (previously named “Passing Strangers”) is a Dallas based modern rock band whose goal is to produce music with depth and meaning...making people think about who they are, the world around them and things felt but unseen (via: live shows, CD, radio, TV and internet). Neo’s music is designed to pull you into the lyric without losing its edge or intensity. In spite of the changing musical trends, intensity has remained a common denominator of the group's sound since its inception over 12 years ago. The recent name change to “Neo” symbolizes a new beginning for the group to dive deeper into their music.

Music Style Alternative Rock

Musical Influences Radio Head, Tonic, U2

Similar Artists Tonic, Oleander, U2

Artist History Though based in Dallas, TX since 1994, NEO (formerly Passing Strangers) actually have their roots elsewhere. JOHN D. BOYD III started the group in the late 1980's in his hometown of San Antonio, TX. A combination of Passing Strangers' hard work and their 1990 debut release, Moment in Time (featuring the remake of Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver") sparked national attention and airplay in the major Texas markets and in Los Angeles and New York City. Without any distributors or advertising, Moment in Time sold over 16,000 CDs and tapes in one year. The EP consistently took the number one slot in Houston, Austin, Beaumont and San Antonio record stores. It even became "Pick Hit of the Week" on MARS 103 in Los Angeles. The early 1990's were a high time for the group. They gained the attention of many big names in the industry, including Ivan Ivan from Atlantic Records (Book Of Love), Seymore Stein of Sire Records (Madonna) and Donald Passman, a record industry pioneer responsible for such acts as REM and Green Day. But with the advent of Seattle "grunge" and a downturn in the record industry, the electronic sound that had made PS popular was working against them. Passing Strangers was forced to keep working as an independent band. Seeking new surroundings and a bigger market, the group moved to Dallas in 1994. In 1997, PS released a second EP, Frozen, and were featured on a Dallas compilation CD, Eat Your Vegetables. In January 1998, PS picked up lead guitarist and vocalist RYAN SINGLETON, who had toured with the San Antonio-based bands The Max, Twin and Violet Trip. Filling out the low end of the quartet, STEVE WILSON joined PS in March 2000 as bass guitarist. Wilson had played with Bryan Scott and Patrick Kennison of The Union Underground, toured with former Riot lead singer Rhett Forrester, and fellow San Antonio native Lance Keltner. Rounding out the group is Dallas' CHRIS HUNT on drums. Hunt, the band's newest addition in 2002, studied jazz at the University of Oklahoma and has played with many different groups in the Dallas area. With a solid membership intact, and the band needing to get back to their rock n' roll roots, Passing Strangers gave way to the creation of NEO. NEO redefined themselves by staying true to the music that influenced them to become musicians. The one remaining constant is John Boyd's voice - "straight up romanticism and passion," according to the lead singer. While the band compares themselves to Incubus and Tonic in some respects, NEO are destined to create their own future...one that is much brighter since Boyd started Passing Strangers over 12 years ago. The band's newfound enthusiasm has resulted in a wealth of new material. Their new five song EP, Five-Spot, was released in May of 2002 and has been very well received. A full length album is in the works for 2003.

Group Members John Boyd - Lead Vocals, Guitar; Ryan Singleton - Lead Guitar, Vocals; Steve Wilson - Bass, Vocals; Chris Hunt - Drums

Instruments Carvin Guitars, Gibson Guitars, Fender Guitars, Ibanez Guitars, Ernie Ball Music Man Basses, Yamaha Drums, Fender Amps, Hughes and Kettner Amps

Albums Five-Spot, re-frozen

Press Reviews Billboard Magazine,DMR,MTV Online

Location Dallas, TX - USA

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