Artist of the Day - The Minor Kings

The earliest memories of Alex and Ryan Hall’s infancy encompass music; whether by choice or by fate, their father, Jimmy Hall, was incessantly touring with his band, Wet Willie. While the brothers were babbling their first words, Greg Allman, Jeff Beck and Hank Williams Jr. were bouncing the curly headed blondes on their unconscious knee. Despite the musical family and inherent ties, the duo didn’t pursue a true effort to make music until a mutual friend, who was dying of cancer, urged them to form a band. After cancer took Vann Webb at the young age of 22, Ryan circumvented his pursuit of a pre-medical degree at Vanderbilt and honed in on his keyboard skills. Alex (a fellow Bulldog), likewise, sharpened his vocal skills; and guitarist Chris Smith finally exposed his Frusciante-esque guitar skills to the world. With every melody, through each improvisation and by way of genuine love for rock and roll, the Minor Kings kick ass. Whether to honor their friend Van, to incorporate Jimmy’s precedent or to establish their own image, Ryan, Alex, Chris, Danimal and Miles have it in their hearts to write and to perform.

Along the way, the Minor Kings have toured all over the East Coast and are currently working on their LP Rock the Body Language. The 12-song long play, which is to be released in three installments, consisting 4-song’s each, is being produced in Nashville by Brian Virtue (Jane’s Addiction, 30 Seconds to Mars); and Part I, “The Fetal Position” is now available to download for FREE on their website (see below). The first track, “Slow Motion Centerfold,” circumvents and reinvents your old preconceptions of lyrical rock. It’s the natural and pure conception of love, life and the pursuit of happiness that allows their music to thrive. The 4-song LP chews you up with its riffs, raffs, and handclaps and spits you out into a refreshing pool of originality. Be sure to check the Minor Kings out on May 14th in Nashville at 12th and Porter. See ya’ll there and keep it real.

Who’s Who: Alex Hall (lead vocals), Ryan Hall (keyboard, synthesizers, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Chris Smith (lead guitar), Danimal (bass), and Miles McPherson (drums)
Formed: 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee
Latest Release: Rock the Body Language EP, Part 1: “The Fetal Position”
Label: None
Website: www.theminorkings.com

--Will Hackett
Currently listening to “My Own Good” by Louis

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