Album Notes

Los Angeles, Calif., August 6, 2006 – Brake Records is proud to announce the release of the Philippians’ debut CD, Goodnite Life. The genre-defying electronic production marks the first release for both the band—comprised of California natives Cory Nitta and Zak Mering—and the label, headed by Ean Sumner.

The Philippians bring a new dimension to today’s electronic music scene by applying their distinctive computer-based production techniques to organic sounds. Goodnite Life incorporates soaring vocals, dynamic acoustic performances, electronic elements and esoteric samples culled from everyday Los Angeles life. Inspired by a city that provides a hint of promise on the razor’s edge of despair, the Philippians coax heartwarming, uplifting melodies from their assortment of cutting-edge music creation tools.

The Philippians embody the new generation of musicians who take on production responsibilities in addition to songwriting and playing instruments. Nitta and Mering recorded the entire album on their PC, with the help of advanced yet affordable tools by companies like M-Audio and Ableton. Mering begins by sampling the sounds of his environment in high resolution via the M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 and then arranging the sounds in Ableton Live. Nitta then layers his own vocals and performances on acoustic instruments including hammer dulcimer, harp, keys, guitar, bass and drums with orchestral sounds from libraries.

“The Philippians have something new to offer today’s electronic music landscape,” says Ean Sumner, founder and CEO of Brake Records. “In addition to effectively melding the electronic with the organic, the Philippians deliver a unique message of hope that’s notably absent in most music created in this town. The Philippians have taken the dark and mysterious elements of Los Angeles and twisted them into a story of beauty in the midst of survival and chronic depression. The music expresses the great enchantment of art and creation for art’s sake, while maintaining a wide appeal.”

“Beyond creating something that sounds unique in terms of fresh production, we want our melodies to communicate a very specific message,” explains Nitta. “When someone listens to our music, we want them to feel uplifted and reassured, like they’re floating up to heaven or falling in love. To accomplish this, we use real, organic instruments in a way that will speak to everyone—from ardent electronica fans to techno neophytes.”

Goodnite Life is currently available for purchase at http://www.philippiansmusic.com.


About the Philippians

The Philippians came together in 2004, after Cory Nitta and Zak Mering were introduced by mutual friends while living in San Diego. The two passionate electronic musicians instantly saw the potential to collaborate, though their official partnership didn’t begin until they had both relocated to Los Angeles. Living in a small Hollywood apartment, they started making music around the clock.

Hailing from Ridgecrest, Calif., Nitta cites his mother as the primary impetus for his lifelong pursuit of music. Influenced by her love of the harp and guitar, Nitta started with the piano and quickly moved on to the guitar, bass and harp. After playing in a variety of local bands, Nitta left Ridgecrest in pursuit of broader opportunities to produce and perform music.

Born in Los Angeles to a family of musicians, Mering landed briefly in Northern California before relocating to the East Coast. As a teenager living outside Philadelphia, Mering developed an appreciation for Madlib, Prefuse 73, Daedelus and a variety of underground hip hop artists, which ultimately compelled him to start creating on his own computer-based music. After graduating from high school, Mering moved back to California to start a career in music.