Music Style Pop rock

Musical Influences Foo Fighters, Pixies, Garbage, Catherine Wheel, Oasis, My Bloody Valentine

Similar Artists Six Pence None The Richer meets Foo Fighters

Group Members Nicole - Vocals + GuitarsCharles - GuitarsKeith - BassDrums - Martin

Instruments Guitars, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Piano, Violin, Cello

Albums Shimmer (Swingerland Records)

Press Reviews Billboard Magazine - July 24, 1999MTV’s Radar Contest DetectsIndie Group Belle AcademeMTV INDIE CONTEST WINNER: Congratulations to the rock band Belle Academe, which won MTV’s “Under The Radar: Flying Indie” contest (The Eye, Billboard May 29). As part of the contest-held June 26-27) MTV played videos form independent labels and unsigned artists; MTV viewers then voted on their favorite videos. The winner of the contest will receive exposure on MTV’s “Spankin’ New” program and heavy rotation on MTV2.The Los Angeles –based Belle Academe, whose music could be described as Six Pence None The Richer meets Sonic Youth, won for the video “Christine’s White Noise.” The song for the video is featured on the band’s debut album, “Shimmer,” on Swingerland Records, distributed by Paulstar Distributing and Rock Bottom Distribution.The video for “Christine’s’ White Noise,” which was co-directed by guitarist Charles Hamilton, was inspired by the John Frankenheimer film “Seconds.”Swingerland co-owner Larry Bayless says, “We’ve gotten a very positive reaction to the song at radio. Hopefully, the added exposure on MTV will help push it over the top.”Kudos to MTV for presenting this excellent spotlight on independent music at a time when it’s become increasingly difficult for indie-labels to get international exposure.Virtually Alternative - March 1999SONG: “Christine’s White Noise”FROM THE RELEASE: ShimmerWHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: The numbers are coming in for Belle Academe. “Christine’s White Noise” is being played at over 250 College stationswhile getting spins at heavy-duty Alterna-stations like KROQ/Los Angeles, WBCN/Boston and WHFS Washington DC. Falling somewhere between early Blondie and Boston ‘80’s lo-fi legends Blake Babies and Throwing Muses, Belle Academe is slowly breaking down the barriers that have stopped female fronted bands in recent years (forget Garbage and Hole- those are just two) at Alternative. A&R should be on red alert, as should progressive-minded Programmers who need a story headed for success. You’ll be hearing more from this band, on the air and on the charts.Radio Action: Added at WWCD, WTGZ, WOXY, KESO, KFLZ, KMRX, WEBO.Added to over 30 Specialty Show playlists.Top 10 most added at CMJHuge press and radio buzz on Belle Academe, with Specialty show action at KROQ, 91X, WMRQ and WOXY among others.Joe Fleischer “Wheels & Deals” – HITS Magazine 5/21/99“It was the best thing in our meeting” – Aaron Axelson Live 105Top 10 most requested - ‘RODNEY ON THE ROQ’ (KROQ) #1 video at www.CDART.com(Based on votes from over 30,000 Internet web-surfers per month).Somewhere between the rocking chasm of The Muffs and the ballad vibe of a more ethereal guitar entity like My Bloody Valentine roam this creative foursome. And thanks to frontwoman Nicole’s soft Hatfield-esque approach, she's secured this Los Angeles-based group a nice little spot in the pop machine. They write some catchy commercially-viable tunes with a slight atmospheric edge. A cello does surface as a distinct device on the radio-ripe "Sparkler," and there are a few moog moments. Some of their other indelible tunes include the slow and emotion-driven "Don't Fade" and the faster paced "Under Your Skin," the latter of which is hidden at the end of the CD after ten minutes of subtle waves. Major labels take note. And then send me a check. - Rowan-Morrison - Bikini MagazineBelle Academe provides the recommended daily requirement of spacey hippie music, a la Mazzy Star, without all of that band's inherent depression and self-deprecation.- BuzzweeklyThe band takes its name from the pen of Herman Hesse; and their brand new first release, Shimmer, is a strong, somewhat vintage house blend of all your favorite pop shot through with the sort of highbrow references one would expect from a group so named. – Tucson Weekly Sugar sweet and tortured. A vintage moog grunge symphony that blasts every evil person who ever crossed their path. Imagery infused and bitterly eloquent. Recommended drink "Lemon Drop". - Juice Magazine Cocktail HourThis band ably mixes traditional power-pop licks with modern-rock propulsion… BAM MagazineBelle Academe, a noisy popping rock group from LA, CA fronted by Nicole, who writes, sings and plays guitar. I "discovered" them through their RealAudio file of, "Christine’s White Noise." It is impressive. I became an instant fan and can hardly wait to hear their "hi-fi low static crunchy pop" debut "Shimmer" (Swingerland Records). - Butch's Modern World FAZE 3

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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