Artist description The NYC-based the badge recaptured the sound of the late 1960's on it's debut release "...digital retro...". By combining influences such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Small Faces, T. Rex, The Who, The Action, The Eyes, the Beach Boys and the Byrds, the badge has brought to life once again that classic period in rock history and souped it up for the new millennium. "b2" – the badge's follow-up to the 3,000+ selling indie release "...digital retro..." – is nearly complete. The sounds coming from digital retro studios are more earthy and open than the neo-psychedelic "...digital retro...". "If that was our "Revolver" or "Magical Mystery Tour," said the badge's leader Jeff Slate recently during a break from production, "then this will be our "White Album" or "After The Gold Rush." Fewer frills; a little more varied. Sprawling!" Bold assertions? Sure. But that comes on the heels of an exciting two years for the badge. "...digital retro..." was lauded by the press, with reviewer Gary Vollono, of the on-line music club IndepenDisc writing that "...digital retro..." is the album "that the Beatles would've progressed to making had they remained together. In fact, the production is so polished you'd swear George Martin was behind the boards." And just to keep things true to the period they love so dearly, "...digital retro..." was recorded on 4 tracks! Now, however, the badge are tackling "b2" on a state-of-the-art system supplied to them through an endorsement deal with Fostex USA. "I was amazed that the badge's debut CD "...digital retro..." was recorded on 4 tracks, and on minidisc, no less," said Fostex's Phil Celia, head of Artist Relations in the US. "It showed how anything is possible in the digital format, but specifically how a new artist can make a quality product on a tight budget, as long as they put the time and effort into getting the songs and their sound right. I think the badge are ground-breaking in that sense, and I'm glad that Fostex can help take them to the next level." And coming on the heels of the Fostex deal, the badge also recently became Gibson/Epiphone, Johnson Amplification endorsed artists and leader Jeff Slate was featured in a one page profile in the November issue of Recording magazine. "It's all coming together," said Slate recently as a guest on WKCD-FM in Connecticut of all of the attention the badge have gotten. "And just wait till you hear the new music!" "b2" is set for a 2001 release and the badge are planning tours of the UK and Japan in support.

Music Style Classic rock, mod, 60's... only the best!

Musical Influences The Beatles, The Kinks, Small Faces, T. Rex, The Who, The Action, The Eyes, the Beach Boys and the Byrds

Similar Artists The Beatles, The Kinks, Small Faces, T. Rex, The Who, the Beach Boys and the Byrds

Group Members the badge is a four-piece band. It's line-up includes:Jeff Slate (vocals, bass & organ) is the principal songwriter in the badge and has a long list of credits as a professional musician, producer and engineer. the badge's heart and soul, Jeff is responsible for the band's signature sound. As a solo artist in the 1990's Jeff was an opening act for Sheryl Crow and toured Europe and America extensively. Jeff also recorded and performed with Pete Townshend of The Who, who acted as executive producer on a series of demos by Jeff in the mid-1990's. Jon Spurney (guitar, vocals & piano) - or SPURN - is a singer/songwriter best known as the former frontman for the NYC-based power-pop trio The Ranters. As the leader of The Ranters, SPURN produced two superb albums in the mid-90's for Popcyckl Records. SPURN released a solo EP in 1997 that captured everything that made XTC, Todd Rundgren and Crowded House so beloved and continues to push the envelope with his new work under the moniker bewilderbeest. He's also been seen recently doing his stellar guitar work on the Lileth Fair tour with Susan McKeown and The Chanting House and playing keys for the mighty Jewel.Alex Alexander (drums & percussion) was formerly a member of the Warner Records psychedelic pop band God's Child and recently completed a tour of Europe with the legendary Ritchie Blackmore! Alex is currently on the road with Dido. Christopher Ruth (guitar & vocals) is a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire $250,000 winner and 3 time Jeopardy! champ, who has gone on to a solo career but was an essential ingredient to the "...digital retro..." mix. He brought his one-man-band experience and unique playing and songwriting styles to the badge. Chris has released several powerful solo albums on his own imprint, Grant Recordings, including "Speeding Beauty", "The Betterment" and 1995's remarkable "Skull Island, Jet Sleeper." He is currently recording an updated and reworked version of "Skull Island".

Instruments VINTAGE! Plus, Fostex, Gibson/Epiphone, Jerry Jones, Nady.

Albums "...digital retro..."

Location New York, NY - USA

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