On Tuesday, December 16th, Southern California based roots reggae band, The Simpkin Project, released a new track titled, “Lose Control.” This is the first single off their brand new album, Beam of Light, which is aimed for an early 2014 release.
The recording process for “Lose Control” began last spring while the band was working on the new album. However, for this track, they decided to take a different approach from the normal Hughes Drive Productions recording sessions held at organ player and vocalist, Shawn Taylor’s home studio in Huntington Beach. Instead, The Simpkin Project brought the fresh sounds to their sound-man, Ben Kanselbaum’s, Short Stack Productions studio located in Tustin, California.
Shawn, who later mixed the single at his home studio (HDP), took some time to provide a little extra background on how the song’s structure came together. He explains, “Like many songs, ‘Lose Control’ started with a basic idea of lyrics, melody and chord progression. Phil (lead vocals/guitar) showed the group a rough idea of the song during a rehearsal and each member took it from there, adding their own style and ideas to the song. Our good friend Jake Bushnell (formally of HB Surround Sound) gave us a few suggestions that made it into the final version and we thank him for that.”
The release of “Lose Control” in the last month of the year is only the beginning of what is to lead The Simpkin Project into a monumental year in 2014. Just earlier this month, it was announced that the band would be returning to one of the biggest growing festivals in the country, and possibly around the world, the California Roots Music & Arts Festival!
[Related: GPGDS – In Roots We Trust Tour]
In addition, the band is gearing up for the upcoming In Roots We Trust tour beginning in January. Shawn adds, “In January we will be teaming up with longtime friends Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and our fellow Cali locals, The Expanders, for a full west coast tour going from San Diego to Seattle. We are beyond excited for this tour and look forward to getting out to new cities and reaching new fans!”
Do not forget, all of this is in addition to the release of a brand new full-length! Stay tuned for more information regarding their newest album, Beam of Light, and make sure to pick up its first single, “Lose Control” on iTunes by clicking HERE!
The Simpkin Project Upcoming Shows:
December 20th @ Schooner at Sunset. Sunset Beach, CA. (“Lose Control” official release party)
January 16th @ Saint Rocke. Hermosa Beach, CA. *?
January 17th @ Belly Up. Solana Beach, CA. *?
January 18th @ The Constellation Room. Santa Ana, CA. *?
January 20th @ SLO Brew. San Luis Obispo, CA. *?
January 21st @ Moe’s Alley. Santa Cruz, CA. *?
January 22nd @ Slim’s. San Francisco, CA. *?
January 24th @ Star Theater. Portland, OR. *?
January 25th @ Nectar Lounge. Seattle, WA. *?
* In Roots We Trust Tour w/ Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad & The Expanders
The Simpkin Project links:
Simpkin Project Website
Simpkin Project Facebook
Simpkin Project YouTube
Article By: David Garcia
Watch: The Simpkin Project – “Lose Control”