Artist description Chris von Sneidern's voice and songs are really what makes him stand apart. He intertwines some of the experimentation of the 60's, folk and rock of the 70's, with the energy of the new wave that creates a refreshing pop rock sound in the 90's. His songs are masterful, melodic works with chiming guitars, compelling lyrics, catchy hooks and dense harmonies. You can feel CVS's passion for his music in every note. It's the type of youthful yet complex song writing that strikes you with a familiarity that makes you want to listen to his records over and over again.

Music Style Power Pop

Musical Influences Badfinger, The Beach Boys, The Beatles

Artist History Chris von Sneidern came to San Francisco from Syracuse, NY in 1985, and joined a handful of pop-style bands (The Lost Patrol, Sneetches, Flying Color). After leaving Flying Color in 1990, Chris played with Paul Collins (the Beat) around the U.S. and lived in New York City for a few months. He moved back from NYC and pursued a solo career in San Francisco. Since CVS hit the Bay Area scene, he has released two records on Heyday Records, Sight and Sound in '93 and Big White Lies in '94, both receiving a substantial amount of appealing press. The San Francisco Chronicle exclaimed, "4 Stars!" and the Gavin Report said the record "sounds like a modernized nugget. In '96, he released Go!, worldwide, through a local record label, Mod Lang. Two years later, Wood + Wire, once again, showed that CVS is a brilliant songwriter and musician. Apart from his prolific songwriting, CVS is a highly sought after studio whiz. He co-produced John Wesley Harding's New Deal and Awake. As a session guitar player, CVS recently recorded with Jewel, for her contribution to a Fleetwood Mac tribute. All this from a versatile man who claims to lead a very unassuming life whose simple pleasure is writing timeless pop songs.

Group Members Credits for Wood + Wire: CVS: Vocals, guitars, Mellotron, percussion Dennis Diken: Drums Peter Straus: Bass Dave Amels: Organ, electric piano Joe McGinty: Acoustic and electric pianos, harpsichord Richard X. Heyman: Drums (Like Me That Way) Nancy X. Heyman: Bass (Like Me That Way, Don't Worry Now) Tom Torriello: Piano (Like Me That Way) Danny Cao: Trumpet (Don't Worry Now) Beth McKenna: Backing vocal (Split It)

Albums Wood + Wire (1998), Go! (1996), Big White Lies (1994), Sight & Sound (1993)

Press Reviews The Seattle's The Rocket deems CVS "One of the finest pop tunesmiths of his generation." "Masterful melodic songwriting. A record that makes you want to keep listening to it over and over again." Stereo Review writes, "Superior power pop. A genuine find." Tower Pulse! describes his music as "Pedigreed-pop mini masterpieces that deftly balance melodic craft and lyrical passion." "Rockin', whimsical and wistful" opines Creem magazine, Melody Maker writes "Melodic pop, chiming guitars, harmonies and a sugary sheen" whose praise matches BAM, who exclaim, "Wow! Pure unadulterated pop...a true gem, brilliant from all sides." The SF Chronicle gives it "4 Stars! Sounds like a lost Beatles album."

Location San Francisco, CA - USA

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