Artist description A powerhouse Singer song-writer

Music Style ROCK

Musical Influences What do you hear?

Similar Artists A blend too many to list.

Artist History His name is Brian Sonneman Age 33 He was born in Tacoma, WA Instrument of choice is his Voice He has played guitar since he was eleven years old. He is a writer. He has written a book of poetry along with his song writing. His poetry has been published numerous times and his poems can be found in some fine books including the 1998 best seller from the New York Press 'Reaching the Summit.' How it all started He was eight years old when he and his older brother climbed over the fence at U.P.S. (a local college) and watched Van Halen playing. Between David Lee Roth's on stage antics and Eddie Van Halen's blistering guitar sounds, it was to say the least a defining moment for young Sonneman. In high school he met the multi-talented Peter Johnston. Together they have been in many different projects. His first 'real' band was a group of close knit friends getting together to pay tribute to a dear fallen friend who in the midst of her private hell took her own life. After her death his reason for playing changed or perhaps it was born. The next phase While in high school he sang in the sixty members a cappella choir and after only one audition, the jazz choir as well. He also was chosen out of all the male choir members to be in the state honor choir. The singers were hand picked from the best of all the AA and AAA schools in Washington. Three singers per award winning choir, two females and one male. The saga continues After high school he sang for many different rock bands (none worth naming). In '91 he formed the band 'Sonneman' they played on over 150 stages together. They were one of 50 bands chosen out of 5,000 to perform at N.A.M.A. In 2000 he met up with bassist / guitarist Sean Lacefield. They were both performing in separate groups that night. Brian introduced himself while waiting to go on stage. They hit it off right from the start. Sonneman stayed long after his band Thrown Electric was done playing to watch Lacefield's band F-Line. Within a few months of that night they started the band Whither together. Sean Lacefield: SEAN LACEFIELD DOB : 11/29/71 He began his musical journey at the age of 14, inspired by the 55 year Career of his grandfather, as a guitarist. At 17, he began playing, writing, and recording professionally. Throughout The years, Sean has logged hundreds of hours of recording time on solo and Group projects, as well as session work for other artists. His musical tastes have never been bound by genre or popular trend. What Strikes his soul, whatever it may be, is his kind of music. Artists as diverse As Mozart, Dream Theater, Pat Benetar to The Soggy Bottom Boys and The Blind Boys of Alabama. "Good" music is Good music As he says. The musical collaboration / partnership that Sean has shared for the last 2 years with a powerful singer/song writer by the name of Brian Sonneman, has resulted in a vast catalog of intelligent, insightful music that delves deep, sonically and lyrically into the musical souls of these two artists. By blending the power and drive of Rock / Metal with the melodic sensibilities of Classical / Pop, they have created music with equal amounts of punch and hook that will stay with you for some time.

Group Members Brian Sonneman: Lead vocals, guitar / Pete Johnston: Drums and bass / Lizzy Daymont on Bass (Weep) Sean Lacefield: Lead guitar (on many of the tunes) Chris Brooks on Drums. Dave Skaggs on Keys

Instruments Bass Drums Guitars Keys Vocals

Albums 'Cognitive Dissonance' -Braving The Storm- -In The Shadows Of Now- -After Everything- Sonneman/Lacefield For The Troops- -The Gods Have Spoken- -Top Ten On MP3.Com- Click contact to buy CD's from email - Only $6.00 plus shipping and handling

Press Reviews Press Reviews ARTIST: SONNEMAN/LACEFIELD SONG: ALL FOR FREEDOM GENRE: ROCK / ROCK SIMILAR: NA The classical intro was a nice touch. The songs melancholy tone sets the stage for the wonderfully written lyrics. I am a sucker for a story song. This song has plenty of atmosphere and truly conveys its point well. Brian Sonneman is a fantastic communicator of words. "All For Freedom" is about the Vietnam War. The verses are mellow and subdued. The chorus is loud and rocking unleashing that feeling of being on the battlefield. Sean Lacefield was responsible for the recording of the music. This multi talented musician played all of the parts heard on this song. The guitars have such contrast between parts. The sound is inviting and quickly turns lethal. This is a great guitar player. The bass is warm and thick. Great tone, substantial but not over the top. The lines are pleasant and effectual, hugging the drum kit and staying in the mix. The drums kept me guessing. They sound a little strange I don't think this is a unpleasant thing essentially. The tone of the snare is unlike any I have ever heard. I'm sure this is a drum machine at work, because no one would really play this way. It's perfect yet sophomoric at the same time. I will say this for it. I would so much rather hear a machine than a drummer who can not play! The voice! Lets talk about the singing for a moment. This singer is in unfaltering control of his throat. The vocals on this track go from soft and heartrending to powerful and enraged and back again without the slightest slip of intensity. The voice rivals the best in the business. This is the breed of vocalist wannabes copy. I can not compare him to anyone so I won't bother trying. He makes this song a great song, by lending his passion and power and melodic proficiency. One must also note the ability to blend his backup parts with his own voice. The harmony parts were brilliant. This is the first song I have reviewed that brought me to tears. With the drums of War in the air yet again, this is a must hear. Susan Ramson GOM Charisma: 10.00 Technical Skill: 10.00 Structure: 10.00 Interest: 9.50 Lyrics: 10.00 Performance: 10.00 Arrangement: 9.50 Recording Quality: 9.00 Long Term Appeal: 10.00 OVERALL: 9.70 ARTIST: SONNEMAN/LACEFIELD SONG: WAITING TO FALL GENRE: ROCK / HARD ROCK SIMILAR: NA [ visit this artist ] [ more by this artist ] [ more in this genre ] [ more by this reviewer ] Brian Sonneman is back with a vengeance, this time with partner Sean Lacefield. The calibration on "Waiting To Fall" is nothing short of awesome. The intro is a solid wave of rumbling keys (sub woofers required). Then we hear guitars. On Sonneman's Mp3 site he refers to Lacefield as being a guitar God. After hearing this piece I concur. Sean Lacefield comes to the table armed with the skill of a true guitar prodigy or virtuosos. His rhythm is faultless and impeccable. His technique is meticulously clean. This tune is comprised of masterful guitar playing and technique and prodigious vocals. As in the songs before, Brian sings his heart out for the world to hear. Blistering notes that could scrape the paint off the walls. His fantastic range is shown through out this powerful piece. Nicely done drums not in the way, steady without failure of rhythm or groove. No doubt a machine or triggers. Bass lines attacking the bottom end with melodic sensibility. Ice cold killer keyboard sounds fill gaps like industrial strength glue. Then warm the atmosphere of this insightful work of art. Sonneman once again proves to be a song writing genus! This singer is the total package. "Waiting To Fall" has hooks that could break the skin. The lyrics are as intense as the vocal performance. In the chorus the guitar and vocals slip time from the rest of the music tickling the eardrum. I hear some prog-rock in this tune but that could be do to the overwhelming amount of talent displayed. Cheers gents heres to a job well done. Stay in the fight! Joe Westman GOM Charisma: 10.00 Technical Skill: 10.00 Structure: 10.00 Interest: 10.00 Lyrics: 10.00 Performance: 10.00 Arrangement: 10.00 Recording Quality: 10.00 Long Term Appeal: 10.00 OVERALL: 10.00 ARTIST: Sonneman/Lacefield SONG: The Unknown The Unknown Sonneman/Lacefield have proven yet again their ability to write infectious songs. "The Unknown" is a powerful blend of distortion and melody. The guitar played by Sean Lacefield is swelteringly sweet. The main riff shoves the song into overdrive. Lacefield is a six-string master there are few players today that turn my ear Lacefield is one of them. The recording it self was a little mushy but most of the intended tones broke through. Mp3's are a bass killer, but this bass was played well and stuck to the drums as needed. The Drums were heavy hitting and tight. The vocals once again show grace and power held in the same hand. The lyrics were well written and interesting. In this song Sonneman defends his God given right to believe. The singer takes chances I for one like this about this young man. One of the lines struck me more than any other. "I won't deny my faith I don't care if it offends you"! I have been a fan of Sonneman/Lacefield since I reviewed "All around me" way back when the group had under 300 plays on their mp3site. Now armed with many more great songs and great press for GOM the band has well over 8,000 plays and a very strong internet fan base. The same singer that once told me in an interview "I just can't seem to get anyone to listen". Now racks up more fan mail per month than most mp3 artists get in plays! This is a great song and a great band! 9.8-out of 10 Joe Westman- "Westman's Reviews" Reviews From the fans: I don't ever write people I don't know, I am not the fan type. However that being said your music really moved me, particularly the song "Now and again". I just wanted to say thank you for making my day a little easier. --Sharon Great songs! Nice voice! --Steve You're a good Singer with a clear musical vision, excellent technique, and an enlightened sense of what can be accomplished. You know your business and rarely fail to satisfy. --Ron I hear intelligent, emotive musical poetry. --nameless in Seattle I hear your music with its visceral dignity and passionate implication. As a whole, "Sonneman" traverses the blurry line of life and death-- lyrically infused with deep-seated introspection and sorrow swimming in a sonic sea of salient harmonies, buoyant texturing and consummate profundity. Great Stuff! --Keith, R-S mag You sing with heart, maybe you should be signed to some major label. Remember when the vultures start coming, and they will-- because you're too good for them not to smell you-- keep your heart, don't sign your soul away. Maybe you were meant to be a rock star, maybe you already are. --JustaFan Brian Sonneman is back with a vengeance, this time with partner Sean Lacefield. The calibration on “Waiting To Fall” is nothing short of awesome. The intro is a solid wave of rumbling keys (sub woofers required). Then we hear guitars. On Sonneman's Mp3 site he refers to Lacefield as being a guitar God. After hearing this piece I concur. Sean Lacefield comes to the table armed with the skill of a true guitar prodigy or virtuosos. His rhythm is faultless and impeccable. His technique is meticulously clean. This tune is comprised of masterful guitar playing and technique and prodigious vocals. As in the songs before, Brian sings his heart out for the world to hear. Blistering notes that could scrape the paint off the walls. His fantastic range is shown through out this powerful piece. Nicely done drums not in the way, steady without failure of rhythm or groove. No doubt a machine or triggers. Bass lines attacking the bottom end with melodic sensibility. Ice cold killer keyboard sounds fill gaps like industrial strength glue. Then warm the atmosphere of this insightful work of art. Sonneman once again proves to be a song writing genus! This singer is the total package. "Waiting To Fall" has hooks that could break the skin. The lyrics are as intense as the vocal performance. In the chorus the guitar and vocals slip time from the rest of the music tickling the eardrum. I hear some prog-rock in this tune but that could be do to the overwhelming amount of talent displayed. Cheers gents heres to a job well done. Stay in the fight! Joe Westman GOM ARTIST: Sonneman/Lacefield SONG: The Unknown The Unknown Sonneman/Lacefield have proven yet again their ability to write infectious songs. "The Unknown" is a powerful blend of distortion and melody. The guitar played by Sean Lacefield is swelteringly sweet. The main riff shoves the song into overdrive. Lacefield is a six-string master there are few players today that turn my ear Lacefield is one of them. The recording it self was a little mushy but most of the intended tones broke through. Mp3's are a bass killer, but this bass was played well and stuck to the drums as needed. The Drums were heavy hitting and tight. The vocals once again show grace and power held in the same hand. The lyrics were well written and interesting. In this song Sonneman defends his God given right to believe. The singer takes chances I for one like this about this young man. One of the lines struck me more than any other. "I won't deny my faith I don't care if it offends you"! I have been a fan of Sonneman/Lacefield since I reviewed "All around me" way back when the group had under 300 plays on their mp3site. Now armed with many more great songs and great press for GOM the band has well over 8,000 plays and a very strong internet fan base. The same singer that once told me in an interview "I just can't seem to get anyone to listen". Now racks up more fan mail per month than most mp3 artists get in plays! This is a great song and a great band! 9.8-out of 10

Additional Info Most of the songs heard on this site were recorded @ Alpha Sound Productions. Lakebay WA.

Location Gig Harbor, WA - USA

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