There is a new supergroup on the block: Candy Golde, a collaboration of Nicholas Tremulis (Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra), Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) John Stiratt (Wilco) and Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day). The band is releasing a self-titled EP on May 11, and will be performing live for the first time at SXSW on March 18.
The band is being billed as a distinctive blend of blues groove, power pop, Americana. The EP was mastered by Ivan Julian of Richard Hell and the Voidoids, CANDY GOLDE contains four originals including the single "Trouble's Coming Down" and a cover of Paul Simon's "Boy in the Bubble," and will be available as limited edition 10" vinyl and digital download.
From the opening track,"The Hold Steady," which invokes a little INXS and a lot of crunchy, synthy '60s rock, to the slower, somber sway of "Why and Where," the sense of musical authenticity is evident, as is the empowered songwriting that comes with age, experience and an unencumbered recording environment.
Tremulis is the seasoned troubadour, his lyrics bursting with stories of the streets and his vocals spewing soul. Tremulis (with the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra) has shared the stage and studio with Keith Richards, Billy Corgan, Marianne Faithful, Mavis Staples, Ronnie Spector, Los Lobos, The Neville Brothers, Steve Earle, Bonnie Raitt, Ian Hunter, David Johansen and long-time cohort Alejandro Escovedo.
Carlos' unmistakable robust, solid drumming provides the backbone of Candy Golde. In addition to almost forty years with Cheap Trick, he is involved with a myriad of projects from marching bands to the recent Tinted Windows. He also guested at the smash Waltz charity series put on by Tremulis, backing up Jeff Tweedy and Gary Louris (Jayhawks).
Stirratt's dexterous bass muscle was developed in fifteen years with Wilco. He is the only founding member, alongside Jeff Tweedy, to contribute to all the band's releases which have garnered 6 Grammy nominations and a Best Alternative win for A GHOST IS BORN in 2005. Stirratt is also in The Autumn Defense (with fellow native New Orleansian/Wilco member Pat Sansone) and records with his sister Laurie Stirratt.
Rizzo, co-lead singer of Candy Golde, is known for his signature dazzling guitar notes and moves in Eleventh Dream Day. On the strength of its continued fervent underground fanbase and critical acclaim, the band just released its tenth record, and continues to perform live. Rizzo also records with Tara Key for Thrill Jockey Records.
Candy Golde will be debuting live at SXSW at Club de Ville, 11pm on Friday, March 18. The official record release party and performance is April 29 at the Double Door in Chicago.