Media Orphan

Media Orphan Bio:

Media Orphan’s power-pop-rock sound is a melting pot of each band member’s distinct personality and eclectic taste in music, coalescing into positive, uplifting songs that speak of struggles, self-reflection, relationships, spirituality and beyond. Media Orphan’s story, like most bands, is about a vision to create music and to share it with the rest of the world. But unlike most bands, it is comprised of four modest men who are all stylistically different yet somehow gel.

Media Orphan is Born

In the fall of 2001, guitarist Eddie Negrete came to a realization – he needed to get back into music. A musician for most of his life, Eddie fell out of the scene after he got married in 2000. He wanted to focus all of his attention to his new bride, however, he was sacrificing something that he really loved – playing guitar in a band.

Eddie’s wife [care to mention her name?] noticed his frustrations so she suggested that he start a band. With a blink of an eye, Eddie went for it and posted a call for musicians in [NAME OF PAPER] to join what the band was then called Soren Aaby. Before anyone signed up, Eddie already had a vision for the band – to create positive, high-energy music for the masses.

Drummer Paul Almazan was Eddie’s first recruit. Since a young boy, Paul was involved in music. Their styles clicked after the first practice together. This combined with their optimistic natures and passions for music was a recipe for starting a new collaborative musical journey.

The band then experienced what some may consider an identity crisis – it existed, but it didn’t know who it was yet. The band went through countless name changes, vocalists and bassists, until destiny intervened.

Paul recruited vocalist Richard Petteys from a church worship band. He was initially signed on to play bass, but became lead singer and guitarist. All they needed now was a bassist.

Paul recruited bassist Eric Glenn, again from a church worship band. The line-up was complete – on February 3, 2004 Media Orphan was born.

Media Orphan changed their line up once again on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 bassist and backing vocals Dave Johansen was added to the band.

Why Media Orphan? The name itself is subjective. It could mean that the Pasadena-based group an independent hard-working band that is under no media arm. Or, that we, humans, are orphans of the media. Or, it just sounds cool.

Eddie primarily writes the lyrics although Paul may occasionally contribute. The band takes an active role in composing the lyrics.

In the Studio

Shortly after Media Orphan became official in February 2004, Eddie, Paul, Richard and Eric went to work on their first recording effort the following July – a three-song demo. Produced in collaboration with Steve Moser of L.A.’s Solid State Studios, the demo showcases “Here Comes the Rain Again,” a song about life’s hardships; the uplifting “Letter to Paul,” which is a personal account of Paul; and love song “Did You Listen.”

In October 2005, the band released its six-song follow up effort, “Silhouette.” It got its name from a show they performed at Zen Sushi. Through a white sheer curtain in the back of the stage, a person could see a silhouette of one of the guys. The band used this analogy to name the album, since “Silhouette” is a shadow of each member.

Produced in collaboration with Sam Knaak, the uplifting beats of the album features such titles as “Mimosa,” which is Paul’s ode to the excitement of falling in love and “Hero,” a song written long before the formation of the band that expresses Eddie’s feelings about his relationship with his father. Other titles include “When We Got Close,” “Don’t Hate You,” “Hold On,” and “Gone Cold.” The album took three months to complete and was recorded at Ear Witness Studios in Whittier, Calif.

Media Orphan continues their ongoing songwriting and is currently recording their next upcoming acoustic E.P. at Brian’s Bedroom Studios in Diamond Bar, Ca.

Media Orphan Live

Media Orphan is spreading its power-pop-rock sound all over the Southland. Attracting a young, diverse audience from teens to mid-30s, Media Orphan has performed at such L.A. hot spots as The Knitting Factory, B.B. King’s, The Whisky Lounge and Zen Sushi. It has also performed at such Southland hangouts as No Future Café, Universal Bar and Grill, Rainbow Bar and Grill, The Foxx Club, McClain’s Coffee House, Mudpuppy Coffee House and The Beach Hut. In addition, Media Orphan has performed at the New Year and Moon Festival in L.A.’s Chinatown District and Lake Avenue Church.

Currently Media Orphan continues to schedule weekend tours to outer-state venues hoping to gather and appeal to a more abundant fan base.

Down the Road

[WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO RELEASE YOUR NEXT ALBUM?/WHEN IS YOUR NEXT TOUR? ANY IMPORTANT NEWS TO SHARE HERE?]

Optimists at heart, Eddie, Paul, Richard and Dave are upbeat about the band’s future. They would like to book bigger venues, explore the college circuit, share their music with more people, and eventually go platinum. They also want to take a moment to self-reflect into the past and continue to understand and improve their collaborative efforts as a band. They are in for the long haul, eager and committed to conquer the world.