Artist description Automatic Pilot has been through many incarnations, and band members have come and gone over the years. The project was once conceived as Friend of a Friend, a widely embraced modern rock band that made a big splash in the NW Indiana area from 2001-2002 by playing a variety of venues such as Tower Records, Borders, as well as Uncommon Ground and The Empty Bottle in Chicago. Automatic Pilot was conceived shortly thereafter as a whole new project that cultivates every musical genre from a predilection of all kinds of different styles. The project primarily consists of James Eric Laczkowski, who composes electronic, ambient, pop soundscapes, with hints of alternative rock, in a singer/songwriter acoustic environment. Although James is the primary songwriter, the lineup has changed over time, as the band finds itself constantly evolving. James currently tours the Chicagoland and NW Indiana area as an acoustic act. Between the world of experimental pop and new wave indie rock emerges a whole new kind of project that is sometimes a guitar-driven rock band, and other times, a solo folk singer.

Music Style Indie Rock

Musical Influences The Pixies, Wilco, Radiohead, Fountains of Wayne, Jellyfish, The Afghan Whigs, Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Aphex Twin, The Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Jeff Buckley, Van Morrison.

Similar Artists Sunny Day Real Estate, Grandaddy, The Cars, Matthew Sweet, The Jayhawks, Wilco, U2, Radiohead, Smoking Popes.

Artist History James says that "music that's driven by pure emotion is what I'm trying to capture. For me, it's about connection; effecting people's hearts and minds, and moving the audience, viscerally. With the positive feedback I've received from fans, peers, and the press coverage I have gotten from respected rock journalists like Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune, I have no doubt that Automatic Pilot will have a long, prosperous future in rock n roll." With newly enlisted drummer Miriam Williams (who has played with the great Willie Nelson), James is hard at work on a full-length recording at Thunderclap Recording, Pollysonic Studios, as well as in his own basement studio. The album will be titled New Clear Vision and scheduled for released in January 2004. Visit Automaticpilot.net for more info and to purchase a cheap CD!

Group Members James E. Laczkowski- Anything Miriam Williams- Drums

Instruments Drums, Computers, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Acid.

Albums Automatic Pilot (Available), New Clear Vision (Released January 13th, 2004)

Press Reviews Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune & Sound Opinions--- Automatic Pilot tucks introspective lyrics inside grand washes of shoegazer guitar. (February 2003) Collin Souter of Columbia College--- With a potent combination of early Talking Heads, early Radiohead and early R.E.M., this band should have no trouble branching off and trying new sounds. Laczkowskis vocal mannerisms continue throughout their debut CD, alternating between nervous insecurity and reckless abandon. (March 2002) More to come!

Additional Info Send us your feedback. We're also looking for a bass player from the Northwest Indiana area.

Location Schererville, IN - USA

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