Audio Trans Bio
The Audio Transport Agency is an indie alterna-pop rock project hailing from Boone, NC, a college town nestled in the North Carolina high country. With a student population of well over 15,000, Boone also attracts national and regional touring acts to the area. Audio Trans was conceived by songwriter Ernie Rivas, who started recording his songs in a home studio at the beginning of 2005. Ernie continued his work in the studio while attending Appalachian State University, which facilitates the Robert F. Gilley Studio. His hard work and dedication paid off with the release of his debut EP, "Home is Never the Home" - a four song CD that bases the central theme around adapting and overcoming change. Ernie is currently working towards a B.S. in music industry studies, and is planning to put his degree to work literally.
The music that has influenced Ernie's style ranges from a number of artists, such as Wilco, the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, the Gin Blossoms, Semisonic, Stone Temple Pilots, and the Lemonheads, just to name a few. These various musicians were the muses that Ernie drew upon, managing to craft a style that is refreshing and captivating. His blend of infectious melodies over percussive, acoustical rock-driven riffs enhances the content of his lyrics, which touch base on a variety of emotions and experiences that helped to define his songwriting.
Ernie has enjoyed some success throughout his career as a performing songwriter. In a previous band back in his home town of Fayetteville, NC, Ernie wrote a song called He Said/ She Said that received consistent rotation on WRCQ Rock 103.5 FM's "Home Grown" show. He has also perfomred live on Fayetteville State University's WFSS 91.9 FM with two different groups, on of which performed his song "All to Gain." As far as his performance record goes, Ernie has gigged in local bars and pubs, as well as more prominent venues such as Ziggys of Atlantic Beach, NC (no longer exists), the International Artists Guild in Atlanta, GA, the Fort Bragg Fair, and the Cross Creek Mall of Fayetteville, NC. Ernie has also opened for major label recording artists such as Matt King (Atlantic), Mila Mason (Atlantic), and Shane Stockton (Decca). Both Mila Mason and Shane Stockton headlined the 1998 Country Fest held at Rowan St. Park in Fayetteville, NC, attracting nearly 10,000 people to the event.
Audio Trans debut EP, "Home is Never the Home" is now available after its release in October of 2006, under dish Boy Records - an independent label that Ernie has established to represent the interests of the project regarding the administrative, marketing, and promotional tasks. Future plans involve a follow up full-length album and regional tour in support of the upcoming release. As for his audience appeal, Ernie probably sums it best by saying "I just want to make sure that the audience has a great time, and that they leave feeling better than when they came."