BALLIGOMINGO MIX THE AMBIENT & ORGANIC ON 2ND ALBUM ‘UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY’

DT:      JANUARY 13, 2010
FR:      SHAZILA MOHAMMED

BALLIGOMINGO
LAYER AMBIENT VIBE WITH ORGANIC INSTRUMENTATION ON
LONG-AWAITED SECOND ALBUM
‘UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY’
OUT APRIL 6 VIA CHRYSALIS MUSIC GROUP

FOCUS TRACKS “SPINNING,” “I JUST TELL MYSELF” AND “OVER YOU”
HEAD TO RADIO IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

BALLIGOMINGO is set to release their long-awaited second album UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY on April 6 via Chrysalis Music Group. The follow-up to their critically lauded 2002 debut album Beneath the Surface (BMG/Windham Hill) deviates from the typical world production and delivers a fresh and compelling journey, breaking away from the pack with sultry acoustic guitar and gripping vocals. The set is the novel musical masterpiece that takes ambient music in a new direction.

With producers Garrett Schwarz and Vic Levak at the helm, and new lead vocalist and co-songwriter Jody Quine added to the mix along with guest vocalist Rebecca Ramone, the group draws upon the unique skills of each member to deliver a mesmerizing sonic experience that is vastly different from their first album. BALLIGOMINGO’s intention on UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY was to create a new musical experience by layering their ambient vibe with organic instrumentation and seductive female vocals. 

With the band members living in various cities across North America–primarily Vancouver, BC and Sedona, AZ–the recording of UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY was created in a unique way, relying on technology while allowing the band to create the sound organically. Schwartz says, “On this album, we worked individually on pieces from our own home towns in Canada and the U.S. and sent them to each other via the web.  We took our time, and the process was much more laid back. When writing together, (long distance with the use of a phone and the internet) we allowed each writer to express themselves without pressure or opinions, developing a more fluid creative environment resulting in a distinct vibe that truly relies on each member’s skill.”

Album tracks “Spinning,” “I Just Tell Myself” and “Over You” will go to radio this winter in various formats in both the U.S. and Canada. UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY kicks off with the sublime “Spinning,” whose haunting refrain “I always thought that I was the source of light” sets the mood for this unique album. The beautiful ballad “I Just Tell Myself” is a track that was inspired by Schwarz’s friend Pat Upton Jr. Garrett says “Pat would play his solo material on the roof patio of the Burbank Bar & Grill and he played a song everyone absolutely loved. It was extremely personal, about how he would give his all yet not get the one thing he wanted back. After an extremely brutal failure in my own life, his lyrics came blasting from the past as inspiration and since I couldn't say it better myself, he happily lent us his.”

“Over You” was inspired by Schwarz’s father-in-law whose passion is “the old, chain gang blues from the deep south decades ago where twangy guitars and stories of incredible poverty and struggle wept through the songs of artists who will never know their music's reach,” says Garret. He continues, “The personal lyrics combined with soulful guitar made an impression. A few days later, after a few too many glasses of wine, a 2am viewing of “Pulp Fiction” and listening to its soundtrack song "If Love Is a Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags)" by Maria McKee, I was inspired to head into the studio for a late night session. I had to create that vibe, Balligomingo-style. The result is sultry and angry but most importantly it’s emotionally honest.”

Another standout track from UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY is the fearless and bright “Sunshine in Rain,” featuring Quine on lead vocal. Jody first joined BALLIGOMINGO as a guest vocalist on “Purify,” from the group’s first album. She is now a permanent member of BALLIGOMINGO, and Schwarz says that “Jody has been a critical element in writing lyrics and vocal melodies with us. It was a no brainer that we were a group. The first album was more of my own project with Vic really helping to make it happen, and this album relies more heavily on the talents all three of us.”

Look for BALLIGOMONGO to showcase the new music live in select cities this spring. For the latest information on the band, visit:
www.balligomingo.com; www.myspace.com/balligomingomusic

UNDER AN ENDLESS SKY Track Listing

For press information on BALLIGOMINGO, contact: 
Shazila Mohammed, MSO
818.380.0400 x238, shazila@msopr.com