Press Releases

Charleston Daily Mail - Chad Williamson

Indie-Music.com, September 11, 2004

Quote: "That’s the thing about Convertible Blondes. Their aggressive rhythms and piercing lyrics force you into moving, thinking, feeling, and it ain’t a bad trip at all."

By Kevan Breitinger

Their press kit describes Convertible Blondes as high-energy pop/rock, but they rock way too hard to pop, in my book. The Led Zeppelin influence is instantly obvious, but not in a derivative way. Gina Hall’s insightful lyrics and powerful voice make it immediately clear that this band plants their own flag, and an exciting banner it is.

This southern Ohio act successfully toured in Australia last year, where “She Wants to Rock” charted for 5 weeks. A wise choice for their first release, this up-tempo piece is the closest to pop you’ll find on the CD, addressing the dreams and motives of the rocker’s life, a recurring theme throughout. “Satellite” adds more layers to the same painting, and Larry Collinsworth’s searing guitar leads take you to the precipice, even as Hall’s lyrical truths sting your consciousness.

That’s the thing about Convertible Blondes. Their aggressive rhythms and piercing lyrics force you into moving, thinking, feeling, and it ain’t a bad trip at all. “One More Day” is Gina’s growling anthem to moving forward, and they jam it through accordingly, Collinsworth’s guitar blistering under the tight harmonies. A nod to Robert Plant, “Rocket” details the deadening monotonies of the routine life before blasting off into this exuberant joy ride:

You’re flying high the engine is a million pounds of thrust
when you wrap your hands around the wheel, you can feel the push
you are the power, the wind in your face
taking you higher yeah you do it your way ...

The rhythmic repetitions of “On and On” mirror the repetitions of life, and once again Gina Hall tells it true:

I tie my flag of prayer it’s straining tightly on the line
I see my life stretch out before me calm in facing storms
the rock I build on anchors me into this earth we’re born
I feel the splendor to my bones ...

The 7th track, “Distant Lights," is a charming rest stop halfway through, an acoustic instrumental paean of joy. “Thank You” is a dreamy duet between Hall and I’m guessing bass player Bub Koster. The personnel may be a mystery, but the tune is a sure shot. “I’m Flying” highlights Hall’s soaring voice, and background vocals here are as excellent as throughout, well worth noting. The song claims, “You make all my pieces fit”; indeed, they do.

September 15, 2003

Charleston, WV - The summer may be winding down, but life for the Convertible Blondes is just starting to heat up.  The band will be releasing the first single from it's "Curves" album later this month, then head on a 16 -date concert tour in Australia in late December.  The Convertible Blondes has been a fixture on the local music scene for more than five years. The band recently signed a publishing and promotional deal with FinnRow Entertainment, and Australian entertainment company.

"It's not often that a band from this region gets a break like this and a concert tour," said bandleader and guitarist Larry Collinsworth.  "Charleston has been very supportive of the Convertible Blondes over the years and we can think of no better place to release our new CD Single."

The single, "She Wants to Rock", will be released to radio stations and record stores the week of September 22nd and will be followed by a CD Single Release Party on Friday, September 26 at 9:00 p.m. at the Atlantis nightclub in Charleston.

The Convertible Blondes is a high-energy pop/rock band.  Their aggressive delivery and deliberate approach produces a big sound combining rock tradition with technology.  Early bands like Led Zeppelin, Cream and Pink Floyd influenced them.  The four-piece act consists of Gina Hall, lead vocals playing keyboards;  Larry Collinsworth, a seasoned and exciting guitarist and producer of the first album;  Bub Koster, background vocals and bass guitar; and T-Bone, the drummer and newest addition to the band.

**30**

For more information, contact:  Sarah McDowell at (304) 550-1380 or at her e-mail address: 

stmcdowell@charter.net

Local Band Convertible Blondes takes (or taking) their show to the world

Convertible Blondes is a local band that is going half way around the world to promote their music.  On December 26^th, the band will be flying off to Australia for a 16 date tour to promote their upcoming album, Curves.  The tour will include stopovers in Sydney,  Brisbane and cities up and down the eastern coast of Australia.  When the band returns home, they will have played to over 16,000 new Aussie fans.

“We’re really excited about the Aussie Tour.” says band leader and guitarist, Larry Collinsworth.  “Australia is a country that I’ve always dreamed of visiting and it will be a thrill to play there.”

The Convertible Blondes recently signed a publishing and promotion deal with FinnRow Entertainment, an Australian entertainment company.  They will be the label’s first American musical act and they have high hopes for the band’s success in the worldwide music market.  Finnrow says plans are already in the works to send the band on a follow-up tour, this time to England, upon their return from Australia.

Convertible Blondes first caught the attention of FinnRow director, Jim Finn, when he visited Charleston, WV for the sole purpose of catching one of the bands live shows.  After hearing about the band from a visiting fellow Australian, he jumped on a plane and came to see what his friend was talking about.  "It was my first trip to the states and I had no idea what I would find when I got here.  I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the band.  Not only are they great musicians, but they have the ability to entertain any crowd. This will be an act that Aussies will want to see again and again." says promoter Jim Finn.

The band, a fixture on the local music scene for more than 5 years, will add Australia to an already impressive resume of places around the world they have played.  "This is by far the farthest we have ever traveled to do a show." smiles drummer T-Bone.

Convertible Blondes recently played a show a little closer to home at the Make-A-Wish Fundraiser, here in Charleston, and are already making plans to perform for next year's Monte Carlo event to be held in February.  The band invited Chris, one of the kids who's wish was fulfilled when he was presented with a Fender Strat guitar and amp, to come up on stage and perform with them.  "We were having so much fun with Chris, he stayed up there and played all night long with us." singer Gina Collinsworth explained.  "Playing music is what we love to do, it's not really a job, it's a privilege."

For all their local fans, the first single off Convertible Blondes Curves CD, "She Wants to Rock", will be released to radio and record stores the third week of September, with a CD Single release party planned for Friday, September 26th, at the local Charleston nightclub Atlantis and hosted by rock radio station FM105.  The band will perform music from their upcoming CD Curves, with giveaways, special drinks like The Convertible Blondes Slammer, free food and no cover charge until 9:00 p.m.  "It will definitely be a rockin' party and everyone is invited." adds Bub Koster, Convertible Blondes bass player.

"Things have really been moving fast for us these last couple of months," says lead singer Gina Collinsworth, "We are finishing up recording Curves, and that will be released when we get back to the states in February, after the tour.  I think that a lot of our friends, family and fans have believed in us for so long and now we are all excited to be sharing this "overnight" success.  It's been a lot of fun and we haven't even left yet."

So, if you happen to be traveling to Australia in January 2004, watch for your chance to attend a concert by a West Virginia favorite, soon to be international favorite, Convertible Blondes.  Or, you can come down to Atlantis, in Charleston, and see them before they fly half way around the world to play their music.