Music • Cody
Carpenter produces a sound of synthesizers,
eclectic soul and rock. Neil Jacobs
Band • Cody Carpenter
(right) and Zachary Throne (left) music is climbing in popularity across
college campus. Neil Jacobs
Cody Carpenter new ‘jack of all trades’ in music
By Jessica Perez
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
In an industry where sex sells and publicity is key, it’s hard to find
true talent. Very few artists are composers, lyricists and performers all in
one. Cody Carpenter is one of them.
The 22-year-old Los Angeles native has quietly crept into the music industry
receiving loud and critical acclaim for being “the most exciting music
this year.”
Hailed as “spellbinding” by Music Connection magazine and compared
to music legends such as Yes, Genesis and the Doors, Carpenter, although flattered,
doesn’t boast.
“ The reaction has been great,” he modestly replied of the many compliments
on his talent.
With a unique and eclectic sound, it’s almost a mistake to place his music
in a category. A mix of synthesizers, electrical soul and symphonic arrangements
all blend in Carpenter’s creative fusion. Although unofficially labeled
as progressive rock, according to fans, this may just be the birth of a new musical
genre.
“ I’d like to think it’s sort of unique but there are elements
of older things,” said Carpenter as he tried to describe his sound. “In
terms of an over-reaching genre, I think it’s probably hard to pick one.”
The five-member band, named after Cody Carpenter himself, was hand-picked by
Carpenter and Cherokee Studios producer Bruce Robb, of the ’60s band the
Robb Brothers.
“ We started with Cody playing [every instrument], but it’s really
cool to have other players providing their talent — it opens up a whole
other scope,” Robb said.
Comprised of a combination of professional musicians coming from different styles
including Jimmy Haslip on bass, Oscar Seaton on drums, Zachary Throne on guitar
and Eliza James on electric violin, Carpenter saw the creative possibilities
increase.
“ It’s a great experience to play with these guys,” he said.
In 2005, the world-famous Cherokee Studios in Hollywood was Carpenter’s
home away from home. He spent most of his time creating the highly-anticipated
debut album set to be released this summer while also working on his first full
score for his father’s film “Cigarette Burns,” an episode in
Show-time’s Masters of Horror movie series.
“ It was weird. The age spread was amazing,” Robb said.
“ The audience was the best,” added Carpenter of the experience where
he grew popular amongst the crowd and gained new excited fans.
The early industry recognition of Carpenter’s diversified uniqueness and
musical philosophy, has caused him to step into possible success territory. However,
Carpenter and Robb say they don’t play for fame but for the love of the
music.
“ We’ve never tried to make a hit,” Robb said. “Basically,
we’re thrilling ourselves.”
Alongside a veteran producer who thrives on working with new talent and has collaborated
with industry greats like John
Mellencamp and the Lemon-heads, there’s no question a strategic approach
will be planned with the work Robb describes as “effortless.”
“ We don’t want a giant international release,” Robb said. “We
want Cody to go out and play for his audience... and people to know what he does
and the depth of his music.”
Although his first single, “Botony,” is scheduled to be released
this month, several colleges already have Carpenter’s music on rotation,
including Cal State Long Beach’s K-Beach radio station. Robb’s plan
of regionally exposing Carpenter in the West Coast also includes playing live
for the college audience.
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