Artist description On Brian Hartzog's debut CD, The Smashing of Pictures, he played all the instruments and sang all the parts. Brian Hartzog's mix of funk and rock has a certain quality to it that is distinctively independent from the sounds of his influences. "Prince was a major influence on me, " Hartzog said. "The way he could just play one lick and you never heard it again...how each song was different and unique. As a songwriter, that's important." Although Hartzog names Prince as a major influence, he confirms that his music has a diversity of its own. He said in the future, he'll be adding a twist of jazz to an already extraordinary sound that sometimes includes even a little bit of rap.

Music Style Classic-rock influenced alternative funk-rock.

Musical Influences Prince, Beatles, Hendrix, Dylan, Beat & NY Street Poets, Parliament

Similar Artists N/A

Artist History Create a mix rich in the sounds of Jimi Hendrix and the artist formerly known as Prince, throw in dashes of Romantic and rock poetry, and you have an impression of the sounds of Brian Hartzog's new CD, The Smashing of Pictures. It was under the inspiration of such soul-inspiring artists that a 26-year old native of Kinston, NC, compounded lyrics of poetry and sentiment, fired-up with his original music to produce this first-ever release. "I've been writing songs since before high school, " said an ambitious Hartzog. Ambition is an understatement when it comes to his music. Hartzog not only wrote and sang all the songs on his new CD, he also played all of the instruments on it, and produced the disc himself. How is this possible? According to Hartzog, "It's a sign of the time...with all of today's affordable technology--affordable studios are everywhere." Hartzog said his project was feasible because he compromised on finance and not on quality. His compact digital audio release was recorded not in a million-dollar recording studio, but in a project studio down in the Carolinas, with all the sounds and trimmings good music upholds.

Group Members Brian Hartzog--composer, producer, performer

Instruments Guitar--electric, acoustic, Bass guitar, Drums--electronic and acoustic, Keyboards, Vocals, Special FX

Albums The Smashing of Pictures

Press Reviews CD ReviewsPublications"Global impact best describes the promotional capabilities of an informative, entertaining web-site, and "world class style" aptly fits the site of local Brian Hartzog."--GraceCharlotte's Best --------------------------------------------------------------------------------"To sum it up: Brian Hartzog is one of the most singular sounds on the Charlotte scene. He's also one of the articulate proponents you'll find for making music on your own terms. He's equally adept and comfortable at playing to "alternative" crowds as he is playing to blues and rock crowds."--Glenn GibsonANDTHEHIPPOSWEREBOILED INTHEIRTANKS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------An auspicious, ambitious debut from Hartzog, who performed and recorded all the tracks on The Smashing Of Pictures. His bio cites the influence of Hendrix and Prince and yup, there's all the instrumental swagger you might expect. Hartzog is a sure, strong guitarist, as he proves in heavy rockers like"Getting Stronger" and "Daily Bread" (the latter also reveals Dylan's vocal lessons, in delivery not timbre)...Overall, it's a fine record, with at least one killer song: "The ThingYou Love," a blistering cross of MC 900 Foot Jesus and Black Sabbath.Jim SantoDemo Universe --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Straightforward, good time funk rock, the likes of which I haven't found in Charlotte in a while. There isn't a bad moment on this solo effort, where the influence of artists like Prince and Jimi Hendrix are obvious. Not to say he's copying them. No, far from it. Hartzog's got his own style, but it's a sound we all know and love. Highlights include the guitar-driven "The Thing You Love" and the funked out "All Over You." Very impressive for a self-produced solo effort.--MelanieTangentsCharlotte, North Carolina--------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The Thing You Love" has the gritty, nineties, angry hard rock edge to it. "Oh! Yoko/Dear John" just screams folk-influenced arena rock. "Common Ground" fuses funk (even hip hop) rhythms into a guitar-driven pop song. Ballad "Been My Baby" tugs at heartstrings. The album is so diverse, it's not easy to label, and fans of good, catchy broad range of styles within the confines of a single, genre-crossing disc are sure to like what they hear in Hartzog. --Geoff WilburRenegade NewsletterGrand Rapids, Michigan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------A varied set of songs that bounces from one genre to another, mixing some Prince and Dylan with an AOR gloss. Hmmm...Bellingham, Washington --------------------------------------------------------------------------------I'm pretty impressed considering there's no weak points, he seems equally adept with each and every instrument...the lyrics are very interesting, not run of the mill...he has his own style that only complements, not mimics, his influences.--L.C.RocklineHudson, NY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------A damned ambitious sounding album, one that doesn't fit into any easily-defined slot. Aiding and AbettingSt. Petersburg, FL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------On The Smashing of Pictures, his debut album, Hartzog experiments with sonic guitar distortion the way Hendrix did, and his eclectic songwriting is similar to Prince's...a good debut.--Mac SlocumThe Collegian--------------------------------------------------------------------------------I think he'd be an interesting person to speak with. He has original and concrete ideas about art and the music industry...It's a great CD...--Brianne MooreRichmond Times Dispatch--------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Call it a type of concept album, but not one that tells a story. Instead, it is a collection of songs that capture an emotion." --Banned Thoughts --------------------------------------------------------------------------------On-Line PublicationsIf you like Prince, Hendrix, and Dylan...this should be for you. Brian combines many of these elements with a twist of his own. Magic Bus Forum--------------------------------------------------------------------------------He really starts the disc off right with "Modest Appeal" and "The Thing You Love". Both songs let everything hang loose, and give no evidence that this is the work of a young artist...the keyboards, the blazing guitar, the breathy voices...shockingly truthful lyrics.--Mark ParekhES Magazine (An on-line publication)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name your favorite tuneI often get asked what my favorite song is, and my stock answer is "the newest one." The press doesn't seem to have as easy a time picking their favorites. I guess I don't really fit into the mold. Oh well..."The Smashing of Pictures is the best song on the release --heavy rock 'n roll stuff with some good vocal effects." --Static Zine #13 Hartzog is a sure, strong guitarist, as he proves in heavy rockers like "Getting Stronger" and Daily Bread". Overall, it's a fine record, with at least one killer song: "The Thing You Love." Oh! Yoko/Dear John is a pretty cool tune...mellow with a very good feel it is an overall round tune, acoustic and moving it's a good blend. Hartzog always has an edge, which leaves an other wise good song like "Oh! Yoko/Dear John" falling flat. Hartzog does elevate the album with the textured and groove laden "A Faster Bullet." "No Passing Thing" and "All Over You" also move well." --Mac SlocumThe CollegianHearing him work the tight JB-cum-Prince groove of "All Over You" is like watching him squirm in a too-tight pair of jeans.--Kevin MorganCreative Loafing (Charlotte)

Location Charlotte, NC - USA

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