Album Notes

***COOL NEWS: FUN HOUSE NOMINATED FOR "BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM OF 2006" BY THE LA MUSIC AWARDS RTS MADE THE 2006 HOT 100 UNSIGNED ARTISTS LIST IN MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE! "Simply put, RTS is creating original art, and excelling at it." ~ Music Connection Magazine ABOUT RIDDLE THE SPHINX Touted "the band to see in Los Angeles" by the NoHo Arts District Music Column, Riddle the Sphinx is an innovative band, bringing to mind artists as diverse as Kate Bush, Loreena McKennitt and Danny Elfman, while at the same time, venturing into unchartered musical territory. RTS has consistently received accolades from the press for its originality ("one of the most unique bands in Los Angeles," says NoHo Arts District Music Column) and its charm ("enchanted my socks off," says All Access Magazine). Their unique style even perplexed the LA Music Awards on what category to include them in for a nomination, before deciding on Best Adult Alternative Artist of the Year in 2005. Touching on elements of classical, celtic, rock, pop, world beat, jazz, and folk, RTS strives for one thing: to create great music. Much of the band's innovative style can be traced back to its front woman, lead singer, pianist and songwriter Christiane Cargill. A fiery redhead and classically trained pianist since age 3, Christiane was recently featured in Glamour Magazines 2005 Woman of the Year issue, and honored with the Toyota Moving Forward Award for bringing music and art therapy to at-risk children, while driving her own inner passion for music. With a love for adventure (such as hang-gliding and firewalking), it's no surprise that her passion for life comes out in her music. RTS's percussionist, Christo Pellani, has a mesmerizing quality on stage. Featured as one of ten Unsung Drumming Heroes of Los Angeles by BAM Magazine, he has toured the world playing concerts with Air Supply, Mary Wells, and The Shirrelles, and has studied music in Africa, Brazil, India, and Bali. The fusion of Christo's world music percussion and Christiane's classically-trained piano and vocals blend together seamlessly to create the band's distinctive sound. Rounding out the group are bass guitarist, Burgundy Morgan and guitarist, Donovan Raitt, both accomplished musicians who add tasteful textures to compliment the band's signature style. Currently in the studio recording a Celtic album, RTS recently opened for the Young Dubliners, and have been sought out to contribute songs to numerous film soundtracks. "Some of our teenage fans have told me that their RTS CDs have mysteriously disappeared, later reappearing in their parents cars," recalls Christiane, "and I'm so glad that our music has a broad appeal which reaches people of all ages." With a fan base from eight to eighty years old, RTS has captured the attention of music lovers across a spectrum of generations. ABOUT "FUN HOUSE": "loaded with vibe, tight musicianship, and great vocals. This is real music with real musicianship." ~Bobby Borg, Best-Selling Author, The Musicians Handbook "A skilled, seasoned foursome from Los Angeles, RTSs full-length CD could please fans of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, and Kate Bush. There is loads of talent and artistry in this band." ~Music Connection Magazine "beautifully sculptured masterpieces of sound." ~Toni K., Warrior Girl Music / Songsalive! "This is an excellent CD and my top pick so far for 2006." ~Nancy Nickle, Catz Go Round Records "I'm reminded of Sarah McLachlan in her prime." ~Anna Maria Stjarnell, Collected Sounds RTS's sophomore release, Fun House, is romantic bohemian music with a carnival twist, a dreamy and intimate collection of songs that range from seductive ballads to ethereal pop to carnival waltzes. Produced by Christiane Cargill, RTS assembled a stellar cast of guest musicians for Fun House, and worked with the legendary Michael Vail Blum (Madonna/The Who/Pink Floyd), who mixed and mastered the project. The artwork masterfully captures the bands playful spirit, while the enhanced CD features photographs, lyrics, and a five-minute Meet the Band documentary by award-winning filmmaker Sean Kinney.