Few bands have created such an appealing and unique sound that crosses such a variety of musical genres as Los Angeles alt-rock standouts Beyond 7. Vocalist Greg Stoddard's evocative songs have drawn comparisons to Coldplay, Gin Blossoms and The Fray. Indeed, you may have already heard the band's well-crafted tunes in the Miramax film "Down to You" (which starred Freddie Prinze, Jr.), the indie flick "No Pain, No Gain," and the WB’s "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Formed in late 2001, Beyond 7's buzz should come as no surprise to those that have caught the band's live performances. The band has played Southern California venues like the House of Blues, Hollywood Palladium and Coach House as well as trendy clubs throughout Los Angeles. Beyond 7 has shared the stage with national touring acts like The Gin Blossoms, Edwin McCain, Joan Osborne, Dramarama, ABC, among many others. Beyond 7’s latest release, “Smoke,” is set for release in June 2006.
Latest News
Beyond 7 will open for Eddie Money at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 15. Visit beyond7music.com for more information!
Greg Stoddard/Bio
Moses Guerrero- bass
Raul Hinojosa, Jr.- drums
Brian Stewart- guitar, vocals
Greg Stoddard- vocals, guitar
Few artists have created such an appealing and unique sound that crosses such a variety of musical genres as Orange County, CA alt-rock singer/songwriter Greg Stoddard. Stoddard's evocative songs, backed by guitarist Brian Stewart's torrid guitar riffs, paint the backdrop for songs that are instantly memorable. Not one to shy away from guitar anthems, Stoddard often draws on the grandeur of U2, the melancholy of Coldplay, and the pop sensibilities of Train, crafting bright, rolling pop that is at once both majestic and vulnerable. Indeed, you may have already heard Stoddard’s well-crafted tunes in the Miramax film "Down to You" (which starred Freddie Prinze, Jr.), the indie flick "No Pain, No Gain," and the WB’s "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Stoddard formed his band, Beyond 7, in late 2002 after leaving a major label due to yet another industry restructuring. Stoddard’s buzz should come as no surprise to those that have caught his band's live performances. Drummer Raul Hinojosa, Jr. propels the music with heated, expressive rhythms, while Moe Guerrero’s driving bass solidifies the band with low-end might. Whether warming up for a national touring act or headlining their own show, Beyond 7 plays each show as if it were their last. Drawing on the quartet's boundless musical energy, Stoddard's impassioned delivery (think modern rock standard bearers like U2's Bono and Coldplay's Chris Martin) is perfectly complemented by guitarist Stewart's swagger and the insistent groove of Hinojosa, Jr. and Guerrero. The band has been seen rocking Southern California venues like the House of Blues, Hollywood Palladium and Coach House as well as trendy clubs throughout Los Angeles, which prompted the Los Angeles Times to bestow "buzz band" status upon the band. Stoddard and his band have shared the stage with national touring acts like The Gin Blossoms, Edwin McCain, Joan Osborne, Dramarama, ABC, Cheap Trick and many others. After selling several thousand copies of their debut CD, “Here and Now,” the Beyond 7 buzz has spread outside California. A music scribe for New York's "NY Rock" called the music "edgy enough to be found in the alternative bin, yet slick enough for adult contemporary" listeners. Across the pond in England, another critic found himself "hooked by their superbly-crafted modern rock."
On his band’s latest release, "Smoke," Stoddard has written soul stirring ballads ("Last Man in the World") and electrifying rockers ("Drowning") that recall likeminded hit makers Train, 3 Doors Down and Matchbox Twenty. The opening cut, "Light of Day," is a pop smart-bomb that catapults the listener into "Everything You Wanted," a song that marries a majestic and jarring guitar sound to the urgency of Stoddard's vocals. Another welcome departure is "When You're Gone," a heartfelt tune of longing in which the yearning lyrics are set against Stoddard’s beautiful falsetto, setting the band's musical passion in even higher relief. Expanded sonic touches (piano, keyboards, acoustic guitar) showcase the band's musical sophistication throughout the disc. After previously working with top-flight producers Jim Wirt (Incubus, LIVE, Hoobastank) and Ron Nevison (Kiss, Damn Yankees, Led Zeppelin), Stoddard turned to guitarist Brian Stewart to produce "Smoke."
Tired of uninspired rock music that all sounds the same? Then Beyond 7 is your stimulating antidote.
Contact: Beyond 7 @ 714.713.2865
Website: www.beyond7music.com www.gregstoddard.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/b7music