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88 keys on the piano....88 constellations in the sky....the infinity sign....the most auspicious number in China....88 mph to get Back To The Future...88 cities in Los Angeles...a great French Kicks song. Welcome to the world of The 88.
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Keith Slettedahl, vocals/guitar |
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Adam Merrin, piano/keys |
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Todd O'Keefe, bass |
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Anthony Zimmitti, drums |
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The 88 use an organic combination of old and new school in their approach to music - and its marketing. The band's catchy melodies have found a growing audience through TV, film and commercial placements, as well as virally online. |
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The Los Angeles-based group, whose core consists of vocalist/guitarist Keith Slettedahl, keyboardist Adam Merrin, bassist Todd O'Keefe, and drummer Anthony Zimmitti, has been attracting attention since forming in 2002.
Tirelessly playing the local scene, as well as opening nationally for acts like Ray Davies, the B-52s, Matt Costa, 311, Smashing Pumpkins and Flaming Lips, The 88 once served as the late Elliott Smith's backup band, by personal request. |
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While you may not be familiar with The 88 as a band, you've certainly heard their music. With three independent releases already under their belt (2003's Kind of Light, 2005's Over and Over, plus a digital collection in 2009 called
This Must Be Love), and a major label release (Not Only...But Also in 2008), the group has enjoyed a welcome home for their music on TV, in the movies, and as part of widely-seen, national advertising. |
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| Their songs have appeared on The OC, Grey's Anatomy, Laguna Beach, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and Weeds, among many others. The 88 recently wrote and recorded the theme song for NBC's new hit comedy series, Community. The band also performed one of their tunes on an episode of CBS' How I Met Your Mother (including a speaking role for Keith). Their song, "Sons And Daughters" was used in the multi-million selling game, Rock Band 2. |
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| The song "Coming Home" is currently being used in the UK for the TV advert, findaproperty.com, and has been previously used for national TV spots by both Sears and Target. The 88 also recorded a cover of Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" for the Sarah Jessica Parker comedy Failure to Launch, while "All 'Cause of You" has been featured on the soundtracks of the films You, Me and Dupree and Ira and Abby. All that in addition to a robust MySpace following, a regular spot on influential L.A. station KCRW's playlist, and a designation as Best Pop/Rock Band of the Year by L.A. Weekly. |
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Recently, The 88 became the first band to record a track entirely on an iPhone. "Love Is The Thing" was released exclusively on iTunes, and within 24 hours it became the band's most downloaded song. USA Today, "Kurt The
Cyber Guy", the Los Angeles Times and countless blogs trumpeted The 88 and their innovative new way to record and distribute music entirely outside of the mainstream music industry. |
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| "In the end, the thing that ties all of our songs together are the melodies," says Keith. "Everything we do has that unifying element." |
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| "Our music has an appeal that can reach a wide range of different-age audiences," adds Adam. |
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| For a band that appeals to young and old alike, with lush ballads like "No One Here" and pumping uptempo rockers like "Sons and Daughters" (while also capable of tossing in a spot-on Zeppelin cover as a live encore), The 88 are in a unique position to conquer the splintered world of pop circa 2010. |
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| Aside from extensive touring in North America, they have appeared on numerous national talk shows including The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Call With Carson Daly. |
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| With a new EP now complete, The 88 are set to do what they do best: hit the road and perform one of the most dynamic shows you'll ever see. In March of 2010, the band completed a month-long tour of the US opening for the legendary Ray Davies, as well as backing him up on classic Kinks songs. In May, the band will be joining him again in the UK for 5 shows. |
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Thursday May 20 - Birmingham - Symphony Hall (w/ Ray Davies)
Friday May 21 - Harrogate - International Centre (w/ Ray Davies)
Saturday May 22 - London - Bush Hall
Sunday May 23 - London - Royal Albert Hall (w/ Ray Davies)
Monday May 24 - Liverpool - Philharmonic (w/ Ray Davies)
Tuesday May 25 - Sheffiled - City Hall (w/ Ray Davies) |
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