May 3rd, 2012
After months of development we have finally finished our first video. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCCK8HvsF3c
April 5th, 2012
Now that spring has arrived it’s time to announce our release plans for 2012. This season we will debut our very first official music video. Our song “James Quarterly” has been selected and will once more revisit our 2011 album “The World’s Not Sorry” before we move forward towards our new material. All current members of the band will be featured in the video including Kevin of Programmed for Pleasure, who has been filling the temporary guitar slot since last year. Robert E. Ball Jr, who is currently working on a major Goth documentary is the director, cameraman, and editor of this video while I am the writer and producer. Expect an announcement soon as this feature will be released in spring.
Following the “James Quarterly” video will be the release of our single “Broken Glass”. This song will be the first new Peeling Grey tune released since our debut album last February. James Hazley’s remix of “Sleeping In Dirty Hands” will accompany the song. “Broken Glass” will be available the beginning of this summer, followed by another single titled “Rumors” this fall! So remember we have three releases in the pipeline so far. One music video and two singles!
Naren and I will be travelling to Europe this May and return in June. We’ll be making a stop in London, and then travel down to Leipzig for the WGT festival, and then Berlin. After that it’s one more visit to the UK before heading home to Los Angeles. We’ll be across the pond meeting some of the people that make things happen over on that side of the world. It is our goal to set the stage for the future of Peeling Grey as it concerns upcoming tours outside of the US. Robert E Ball Jr will be there shooting footage of our adventures for his film, along with Element and some faces from the local scene.
~Andy
February, 23, 2012
Hello everyone. The last we spoke I believe we were reminiscing about how interesting 2011 was. Well, we’re into nearly two months of this year and I can all of you that it’s already been something to talk about. Here’s the latest rundown………
We finished shooting the upcoming “James Quarterly” music video last weekend on the streets of Los Angeles. Fortunately the permit gods were on our side, so we were blessed with not being bothered by the authorities. Truthfully, I was really sweating it during the climatic scene by the railroad tracks. The video will now enter post-production and be edited. Stay tuned for the premiere of this event soon in the future!
Recording for the new single “Broken Glass” will wrap up soon as well. Currently we’re looking into how exactly we will release this new song, as artwork is being worked on as we speak. We’re anticipating a release for sometime this spring. Soon after another single will follow.
We’ll be making an appearance this Saturday on Magic Monster Radio for their pledge fund drive. We’ll be interviewed and showcase an in-studio acoustic performance. We’ll be on the air around 7pm PST. Please tune in and pledge a donation to keep independent internet radio alive! Visit http://radio.magicmonsterrecords.com/ for details, and tune in Saturday! Their program begins at 12pm PST and will air for 12 hours live!
Live shows are in the works for this year as well. And remember that we have an album for sale! Every purchase come with a FREE picture / lyrics booklet!
Until Next Time,
Andy
December 30, 2011
2011 was quite a year for us. We finished 2010 and at the same token started 2011 at the NYE Extravaganza at Silver Factory Studios with a bang. All around it is still a night being talked about, and we were glad to take part in it. Then our big event at Bordello for the album release party was even better. Bordello was packed as we played our entire album in track order. Our debut full length recording “The World’s Not Sorry” took flight. Everyone in attendance received a copy at the door, which was part of the price of admission. That’s just how we like to do it. Sales of our record have reached a worldwide audience with Germany, England, Bulgaria, Russia, to name a few.
Our official website was launched earlier this year, We appeared on KUCI FM in Irvine, played our first benefit show for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and then pulled off a cover of “Flowers” by Rozz Williams at Release the Bats for their annual Rozz Night in April. That performance of “Flowers” might have been a one time deal. Promoting our album was one of the top priorities of 2011, thus the live gigs ensued across town.
Then came our return to San Francisco in July. In hindsight that mini-tour proved to be insightful in terms of where the band really was. It was a very interesting time up there and certain tensions within the group really started to surface towards the end. James Leon was a huge help however and we thank him again for his hospitality. We returned to LA to play a few days after our Bay Area excursion back at Silver Factory Studios where the New Years show was held months earlier. Although we gave it our best that night, deep down we were becoming disillusioned. Between San Francisco and back home we were starting to absorb some truths about ourselves and some revelations about others.
One of the challenges of 2011 was finding a sense of camaraderie among local groups and realizing we were not alone. With that mentioned we still managed to stick together with friends such as Native Fauna, Programmed For Pleasure, Unextraordinary Gentlemen, Element, D-Tox, Frank Alpine, Frankenstein, The Pleasure Field, and The Singularity. We’d like to thank them and those I failed to mention for the mutual support and shared vision of a scene simply working together. You know who you are.
We took a four month hiatus from the show circuit and decided it was best to reevaluate a few things. During our contemplation we continued to write new material and rehearse, hidden from the public. We held meetings in attempts to chart a new course for the group. In the midst of this period we lost our guitarist Christian Mendez. Evidently something had to give. Although a line-up change was nothing new, the pressure was on to recover rather quickly and seamlessly. After all we had a deadline by late November to find someone on guitar, as we were booked for one more round at Release the Bats by then. The performance would be filmed for a major documentary focused on the Gothic subculture.
An old acquaintance of mine had approached me earlier this year about continuing my participation for that Gothic Documentary. I thought Robert E. Ball Jr. had let the production fall by the wayside years ago, but after attending our record release at Bordello he saw much potential for the group. Thus the documentary was back on and PG would play a significant role in it. Of course in order to ensure our spot we first had to find a guitarist!
Finally we received a positive review of our album by famous writer Mick Mercer. That helped. Soon after, our friend Carvin Wetlands of Programmed For Pleasure stepped up to the plate and took over guitar duties. With a full line-up back on board, things were looking up again. Rehearsals moved from Bedrock in Echo Park and into Carvin’s space in the valley. We spent weeks preparing for the Release the Bats show scheduled to be shot for the documentary’s promotional reel for overseas investors to view. Leading up to Bats we dropped by Darkest Jack as a trio (me, Naren, & James) for an interview and an in-studio acoustic performance.
To our surprise the show at Release the Bats was one of our best in a while. After our dark period of the line-up change, the opposition we faced here and there, operating with little money, trying to expand beyond what we knew, and so on, we pulled through. The crowd was electrifying and very encouraging.I would say it was another moment where we had to execute under immense pressure, even for a fledgling local band. We were once again reinvigorated and ready to move forward.
We are leaving 2011 with a few projects that will be completed next year. The new singles will begin to surface in 2012 starting with “Broken Glass”. Our first music video (“James Quarterly”) will be done by then as well. Also our continued involvement in the documentary will be essential for the next phase of the band…..All of these projects will help shape the bigger picture along the way.
Looking back we got ourselves into a few jams, but ended each inning fairly unscathed. In essence we are a little more seasoned and even wiser for 2012 and beyond. There’s still a long road ahead and it’s anyone’s guess what it will exactly entail. There’s a vision to this band however, and a lot of keeping that vision alive rests on you. I can sit here and type the year in review every December, write new songs with the guys, book every show, and be lost in our own Rock n’ Roll fantasy, but in the end it’s in your hands too. No one noteworthy plays to an empty room or doesn’t sell a record. With that said, we thank each of you for your support this year. It is a blessing and it does make a difference in our world and hopefully yours as well. Have a great time on New Years and be safe! Not good…..Safe!
See You Next Year
Andy, Naren, James, & Kevin
Peeling Grey
http://www.bigwheelmagazine.com/record_reviews/peeling-grey-the-world-is-not-sorry/
*to order a copy of our album send $10 for a CD or $5 for a Download Card to PeelingGrey@Gmail.com via Paypal. Credit Cards accepted. Remember it comes with a FREE gift, our picture/lyrics book
December 6th, 2011
Getting our album has never been cheaper nor more convenient! The CD Baby Download Card grants you access to the entire debut album with an unique code printed on the back of each one. Hop on board this great price for our music and for a limited time we’ll throw in a FREE copy of our 50 page full-color lyrics/picture booklet “A Play On Words”, and sticker!!!
It’s simple: Paypal us $5 to PeelingGrey@Gmail.com or email us and we will figure it out!
Here’s Mick Mercer’s review!
http://www.facebook.com/notes/mick-mercer/peeling-grey-the-worlds-not-sorry-a-subtle-slinky-post-punk-joy/10150282171649039
~Andy
November 8, 2011
Our gig on November 25th at Release the Bats is a special one. It’ll be our first live performance since July and the departure of our last guitarist Christian. It may also be our last show for this year. We’ve got quite a few things in the pipeline we’re working on for 2012, hence our limited appearances for the moment.
The next event (day after Thanksgiving) will be filmed for an upcoming documentary that will be featuring the Los Angles Gothic scene and more. So come make an appearance with us on video! Our set on the 25th will feature a couple surprises including Carvin Wetlands of Programmed for Pleasure on guitar. We’ve had some very fun, yet intense moments at our previous Release the Bats shows and this one shall be no different. Do not miss this night!!!!
If you didn’t get your free copy of our little booklet “A Play On Words” stop by the merchandise table and simply ask for one. It’s a pictorial history of the group with lyrics to all the songs you’ve heard.
After months of conception and admittedly a couple setbacks, shooting for the “James Quarterly” music video begins next month. It will be our first real music video! Pre-production for the next single “Broken Glass” is underway and is planned as a max-single. A release date is to be determined. “Broken Glass” will be debuted live at our RTB show. It will be produced by James Hazley and Peeling Grey.
October 7, 2011
We are now on Bandcamp! You can listen and download our rare track “Away From Home”. This song is not on our debut album and is only available on Bandcamp (http://peelinggrey.bandcamp.com/). Speaking of our album, it is on discount at that site as well.
Plans have been set in motion to return to the stage by the end of this year. Stay tuned for that, and in the meantime join our mailing list if you have not already. Email us at PeelingGrey@Gmail.com. For a limited time we will send you a free song (could be anything!) when you join our growing list.
We are in the midst of writing new material, working on a lyric/picture book, jamming with our new guitarist, and getting geared up for a music video. Much more to come. Thanks for visiting and be sure to check us out on Bandcamp! Oh, and a special shout-out to the Ukraine for their sudden support 
~Andy
September 27, 2011
We have uploaded a rough demo from rehearsal. “Broken Glass” is among a clutch of new songs we’ve been working on for a follow-up to our current album. Click on the link below!
http://soundcloud.com/peeling-grey/broken-glass-bedrock-rehearsal
September 21, 2011
We would like to deeply thank Christian Mendez for all his time and great contributions towards Peeling Grey. Unfortunately we have parted ways with him, but of course still wish Chris the best in all his future endeavors. He will be missed but not forgotten in our continuing story.
Christian entered the band at a time when we most needed him. Although we are still a local fledgling band (with a growing fan base) the ending of 2009 and beginning of 2010 was a very difficult period for Peeling Grey. He first took note of us at what I still recall one of our worst shows at theHighland Parkoutdoor festival. We were asked to turn down as the police showed, and the second band didn’t even get to finish their set.
Back then James was filling in on guitar until we found a permanent fit for the open slot. Being the opening act, nobody was really there yet, and half of those present seemed quite dismissive. My frustration grew and so did the rest of the band’s. I was starting to play certain songs with an angry Punk sort of angst that clearly were not intended for a couple of our tunes.
In the corner of my eye to the left was a guy with a Club Nightshift shirt sporting some dark shades. Despite the chaos onstage and complications with the event itself, he sat there staring at us as if we were all on some petri dish under a microscope. I didn’t know what to make of it. In some ways I felt we were all playing for him, but at least somebody was watching.
Within a couple months Christian entered our old rehearsal space with all his gear in tow and ready to play. After a single audition we all looked at each other and knew we found a guitarist and actually a really good one. From there songs like “Young Heart” and “The End of the Road” were finished. Soon after Christian submitted “Far Away”, as that was the first time I wrote lyrics and a vocal melody over someone else’s music. It is still one of our favorites from the album.
Our first appearance at Release the Bats was looming and booked for March of last year. I think we were all a bit nervous and still untested in many ways. Our first show with Christian was somewhat of a travesty down in Little Tokyo. Our set was cut short and the promoter and I exchanged some words. In essence we felt the need not only to redeem ourselves at Bats, but to finally hit a home run where we most needed it. Hence the pressure was on. I was never really sure how Christian felt back then about joining a band that appeared to constantly be on the brink.
We took the stage as some of you may remember that night at Bats. We look back on that night as something remarkable, even if it was just a victory in our own little microcosm of a scene. Christian executed beautifully and was indeed integral in turning the tide. This change in the wind wasn’t just about people’s perception and interest in us. It was also a much needed morale boost.
Christian continued on with us through more ups and downs, all the way from our hometown of Los Angelesto the Bay Area in Northern California. On the album he not only wrote some of the parts….He improved the previous material like “James Quarterly” and “The World’s Not Sorry”. Chris was also present in the fold for our record release party this last February….Another night we all look back on fondly.
Before this sounds like anything like an obituary (perhaps too late) I will make this clear; Some may ask why say anything at all especially if there were differences in the end? It’s very simple. I cannot keep Peeling Grey healthy and fully operational without it being a full-fledged band. It has always required teamwork and collaboration. We are grateful of Christian’s tenure and to everyone else that has been involved these last three years. My personal gratitude towards Chris in particular is something I can possibly not put into words….Even as a lyricist.
With that mentioned we are indeed shopping around for another guitarist. Currently we feel like the Banshees if you catch our drift. We are still very active behind the scenes and planning many things for the closing of this year and of course 2012 and beyond. Again, a huge thanks to Chris. He helped us believe in this even more.
But, “I swear to you we’re not finished yet.”
~Andy
September 13, 2011
Wow….Where do I start? We left San Francisco at the end of of July asking ourselves many questions about how to push forward. Our intentions are simple; We resist complacency. With that in mind we returned to Los Angeles for one more show to conclude our string of live gigs for the past two years. From there we have docked back into port undergoing modifications in mind for 2012. We’re making some significant changes that will be disclosed on a later date. Some of them are artistic, business strategy, and well beyond those things. We’ve accomplished quite a bit for a fledgling band, and we intend to move forward with the same vigor as some of you have come to associate us with.
Our debut album “The World’s Not Sorry” was recently reviewed by renowned writer and reviewer Mick Mercer. His take on the album was most favorable, and we’re quite honored to have his seal of approval on the first phase of the band’s existence. Here’s the review!
“…the group looks towards the future of music…..Akin to the original spirit of the past.”
I like that, and when you regard the Post-Punk spirit it seeped firmly out ofthe rotting carcass of Punk but was dispersed unnecessarily by the strong growth of Goth and a formulated Indie sector. Only when the Indie world slumped horribly during the 90’s did Post-Punk’s noble sentiments of melodic music with tensions reassert itself but it never had one form and so can move in any direction.
‘Peeling Grey’ has the cool organic slouching feel that so much modern music lacks, and that comes from the easy, lolloping drums, with guitar scurrying around or leaning casually into the mix. Astute, elliptical vocal shapes also merge into it, pulling in then back creating a charming nagging flow as the guitar grows in brightness. ‘James Quarterly’ has a warm set of guitar ringlets on its downcast head and despite quite a restless bass undertow and steady keyboards it’s the nervy vocal push which grows in strength to dominate the song, again instilling a rhythmical presence. Keyboards set ‘The Strip’ off running, tripping, stumbling gamely with well fluted décor and encouraging nimble guitar vigour. Again we are blessed with an indomitable but twisting vocal stature, and bolder bass strokes.
‘The World’s Not Sorry’ opens with some beautiful organ, sleepy bass and vocals pleading for resilience, because this is not the time to cry, apparently, or fade out, hide, compromise or die. Suitably invigorated, I vow to do none of these. It’s a real charmer. ‘Far Away’ gets a bippity-boppety beat, with lightly fretful vocals, tingling guitar and as it empties out you realise just how firmly they create an atmosphere you’re hooked into. I feel they should bring the bass forward more as it enhances everything so well, ‘Sleeping In Dirty Hands’ bustling forward as the weird lyrics spew out over jerky guitar that grows increasingly restless. An odd song. ‘Summer Days Unsaid’ is also fairly low key, not exactly uneventful but happily remaining on the floor sustained by a pale drum pulse and keyboard lungs.
‘Young Heart’ is a cheerful little poppet with sparkling keys and trickling guitar, ‘Soulless’ sachays sideways like a drunken crab, bobbling bass, skipping beat and vocal fun, ‘The End Of The Road’ huddles closer to its tiny shuttling beat with brooding bass and moping guitar as the bleary vocals evaporate but the tension is back leading to an abrupt halt, then the bass enters like a confident assassin, the drums are tougher and ‘Faith In Forever’ clearly means business. It cleverly collapses into a softer direction and ends on another catchy element which takes you by surprise but makes for an emphatic close.
It’s a wonderful record. It could be crisper in places, but I get the impression they like the faintly shrouded sound. They could lash out a little in future, because they have that energy in them, but for a first album this is a real treat, filled with fascinating variety and delivered with that rarity,
aplomb. A-plomb.”
~Mick Mercer, Sept 2011
Sales of the album have picked up. You can purchase them here (just scroll down or click on the “merchandise’ tab), CD Baby, and also a limited edition signed copy on Amazon
Make sure you purchase from Andysplit…..Oh and feel free to read the reviews so far!
For the remainder of 2011 we’ll be working behind the scenes. Soon we will shoot a series of live intimate performances that will be shared on YouTube, Facebook, and other internet sites. More details on that soon. Our first music video is currently in the concept stages and filming will commence in the near future. New material to follow our current album is being written and will be recorded in the next few weeks. We will be releasing an assortment of new singles beginning early next year. We’ll officially leave drydock once we find ourselves back on the stage where we belong. Don’t worry, it won’t be too long, and it’ll be worth the wait. In the meantime 2012 has already started for us. More updates soon!
~ Andy
July 20, 2011
We will be on tour in San Francisco from Thursday, July 21st to Monday the 25th. Below is the information for our shows up there. A few days after our return we will play in Los Angeles again at Silver Factory Studios with Fangs On Fur and Bell Tower Bats. This is on Saturday, the 30th. During the month of August we will be working behind the scenes. Our September appearance and other gigs for the rest of the year will be announced soon. Wish us luck as we hit the road!
Retox Lounge with Tongue and Teeth, July 22nd
http://www.facebook.com/JessLA74#!/event.php?eid=218088841547685
Batcave SF with Roadside Memorial, July 24th
http://www.facebook.com/ev
~Andy
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June 15, 2011
Our next show is on Friday, June 24th at Dark Horse Saloon formerly known as Bordello (901 E 1st, Los Angeles, CA). We’ll go on shortly past midnight after friends Native Fauna & Frank Alpine. So in essence we’re headlining this very special night. Club Subversion showcases a variety of local acts, and in some cases touring bands such as Canada’s own Lust the same evening. We’re happy to return to Subversion and continue expanding into other realms.Speaking of expansion we’re giving away free sampler discs to further promote our debut album. CDs are being distributed globally. The sampler features three album tracks and a fourth song unavailable anywhere else! “The World’s Not Sorry” was recently cited in Gothic Rock Russia’s website as one of their picks for current significant releases. http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.290 Our full length album can be purchased here on our official website, CD Baby, Amazon, and is also available for download on itunes. Ipso Facto down in Orange County, CA has them stocked as well.We’ll be playing as a supporting act with local LA legends Frankenstein in July. More details on that night soon. Following that show we’ll return to San Francisco for three evenings in late July and swing back for a homecoming gig at Silver Factory Studios with Fangs On Fur. There’s a lot in the pipeline that is just too much for one update. You’ll have to stick around for the next one. Until then………May 25, 2011
Our album is now available on itunes for download! Just click on the itunes link below on the right side. Stay tuned for a couple special shows we’ll be playing in June and July……….More details soon! Also, we’ll be returning to San Francisco in late July for three nights. More details on that very soon as well.~AndyApril, 2011
