In the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, a musical artist by the name of Genuine Leather has been making waves since 2009. The brainchild of Chris Galis, Genuine Leather emerged as a creative outlet for Galis’s love of distorted, Beatle-esque seventh chords and the soulful sounds of 70’s California rock. With a captivating blend of influences and a distinctive musical vision, Genuine Leather quickly caught the attention of both critics and music lovers alike. Before Genuine Leather, Galis had already tasted a measure of success with his previous project, Gorgeous Hands. The band garnered attention from the local press and developed a modest following. However, as band members went their separate ways to explore new opportunities, Galis felt an irresistible urge to continue his musical journey. He was driven by an insatiable creative spirit, fuelled by visions of evocative melodies and timeless rock sensibilities. Thus, Genuine Leather was born. Galis embarked on a solo endeavor, pouring his heart and soul into the project’s self-produced debut single, “The Viper.” The track resonated with the Austin blogosphere, attracting glowing reviews from influential publications like The Deli Austin and Pop Press International. To Galis’s surprise, the positive response translated into offers for gigs and house shows, necessitating the formation of a live act to faithfully represent the recorded material. Galis assembled a group of trusted musicians who shared his passion for Genuine Leather’s music. Together, they formed a band that would bring the project’s sonic vision to life on stage. The majority of the band now resides in East Austin, fostering a tight-knit musical community that fuels their collective creativity. Since their inception, Genuine Leather has released two EPs, three LPs, and a plethora of B-sides, each album showcasing the band’s dynamic evolution and growth. Their release, “2011-2019 Demos, Singles, and Live,” is a retrospective collection that offers a comprehensive glimpse into Genuine Leather’s musical journey. Spanning their earlier, rawer recordings to more refined and polished tracks, the compilation exhibits a compelling musical trajectory. It brings to mind the work of esteemed artists such as Spoon, Mac Demarco, and Nick Lowe while remaining distinctly Genuine Leather. Amidst the catalog of Genuine Leather’s releases, their newest single, “Tear It Down,” shines as a powerful testament to the band’s artistic prowess. Scheduled for release on the EP “Genuine Pleasure,” this track delves into the complex emotions and experiences of relationships gone awry. Galis shares that it is a song for those who feel the urge to burn it all down when faced with adversity. The lyrics encapsulate the longing to escape the pain and seek solace in solitude when faced with a crumbling connection. In the creative process behind “Tear It Down,” Galis began with an arpeggiated lead synth part, complemented by a bass line that carried a gritty, growling tone achieved through a distortion pedal. The synth provided an airy and ethereal quality, while the bass introduced a captivating tension. With the chorus serving as the foundation, Galis proceeded to craft the verses, culminating in the challenging task of writing the bridge. Eventually, he incorporated a guitar and bass doubled riff from another song idea, which initially felt out of place but ultimately added a unique departure within the composition. If one were to distill the essence of Genuine Leather’s aesthetic into a single song, “Tear It Down” would be a fitting representation. It encompasses the band’s signature elements: synthy textures, dirty bass lines that pulsate with energy, drums that hit with a satisfying punch, and lyrics that delve into the depths of a broken heart. Genuine Leather masterfully blends these elements to create music that resonates with authenticity, offering listeners an immersive experience that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of personal connections. With Genuine Leather, Chris Galis has cultivated a musical project that transcends genres and expectations, delivering an artistic experience that is as honest as it is captivating. From their humble beginnings in Austin’s thriving music scene to the release of their newest single “Tear It Down”, Genuine Leather continues to impress with their infectious melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and undeniable talent. As they explore new sonic territories and leave their indelible mark on the world of music, Genuine Leather remains a true gem, deserving of widespread recognition and admiration.
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