Spontaneous Habit

LOCAL MUSIC TUNE ME ON: Spontaneous Habit

BY DAWN E. SCIRE
Name: Spontaneous Habit
Members: Shannon Fortner, vocalist; Allen Holsberg, bass; Phil Anderson, drums; Jeremy Egglefield, keyboards
Base of operation: Sarasota
When formed: 2002
Style: Trip-hop

Bio: After four years of band members who wouldn't travel outside the immediate area, Spontaneous Habit revamped its lineup, recorded some music and is ready for the road. Co-founders Fortner and Holsberg enlisted drummer-about-town Anderson (Midnight) six months ago, and studio owner/musician Egglefield after that. The new manifestation recorded and remixed a self-titled, four-song EP, which it's selling Thursday for $5 at the group's weekly gig at Esca in Sarasota. The CD is a new beginning for the "trip-hop, acid-jazz, groovy, funk kind of thing," as Fortner describes her electronica quartet. Quote: "It's nice to have that inspiration from other people being just as excited as you. That kind of inspires me to be like, 'Yeah, I'm gonna go get more gigs now,' or whatever, you know?" -- Fortner

Where playing: 9 p.m. Thursdays at Esca, 1888 Main St., Sarasota (365-3722), and 9 p.m. Saturdays at Tedesco's Grillside, 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727-894-2802). Where to buy CDs: Boogie Woogie, 3404 Clark Road, Sarasota (921-7410); Z-Edge, 1948 Main St., Sarasota (951-1399); at shows; and through the band's Web site.

EP Creative Loafing

Music: Local Music
Spontaneous Habit
BY COOPER LEVEY-BAKER
Published 04.04.07
myspace.com/spontaneoushabitcom

Sarasota's premier purveyors of trip-hop-tinged torch songs return with a new, self-titled four-track EP, its first release since 2004's Sensual Side Effects. "Watch Tower" -- which kicks the release off -- showcases everything to love about this band. The stuttering drum fills fit the groove and yet vaguely unsettle it at the same time, while the keyboards float away and Shannon Fortner caps things with her old-school jazz croon. The three other songs mostly follow that template, although "Sea of Salt" is a bit too slow and meandering for its own good. "Northern Lights" closes things out right, with an itchy bass, a cymbal-heavy groove and more Fortner. 3 stars
your rating:
average rating: *****

Monday December 10 2007 @ Orpheum (Impress the Judges) By Bodog Battle

Bodog Battle Says Goodbye To Tampa...For Now

It was day two at the Orpheum in Tampa for the Bodog Battle. Two bands out of the ten advanced closer to Bodog Music 's $1 million grand prize of a recording contract. Fans were out in abundance on the evening as well. To make it out to an upcoming show, buy your tickets now to the next Bodog Battle before they sell out! Let's see how the night panned out! Heavy metal started the night off. In The Line Of Fire are as real as it gets with their grinding guitars and deep growling vocals. Less Than Second is a hardcore band that looks and acts the part. The frontman had sick mic wielding skills by the way! Spontaneous Habit took the first place spot of the night. They had a wicked Portishead vibe with a unique use of mics, synthes and keyboards. A funky treat for all. New Season was up next. These guys are a solid rock band with great potential. It seems as though Hookers In Paradise was right at home on stage. They had a big rock start with a big rock sound. Second place of the night went to Initial Doubt . These guys sold the most tickets of the night and had a great stage presence with two singers. Bryan Chris Band was up next. They had a large sound with fantastic stage presence. Their heartfelt lyrics had the crowd swooning. Skanking was in the air when The Sense Offenders came on stage. The horn section and guitars were totally solid! ObiShawnKinobi. What can we say? Awesome name! Music is sludgey industrial rock. Black Zodiac ended off their night with their unique brand of metal. Their female lead singer had a raspy voice that was accented by sexy tinges that left the emotions of the crowd spiraling. As we close off our residency at the Orpheum, we want to thank the venue and all the fans that made it out. Don't forget to sign up and cast your vote for your favorite band. This will help them advance as the Wildcard for the next round. Keep it real!

Bodog Battle

The Oracle - USF
Bands battle for big bucks..
Sam Higgins, correspondent

The prospect of a million-dollar contract brought 16 local bands and about 200 supporters to the Orpheum in Ybor City on Wednesday night. As the second in a series of three shows held at the Orpheum, this show was only a small portion of the Bodog Battle tour, which offers its grand-prize winner a signed contract with the Bodog record label. Of the 16 bands that played, half were selected to advance from the auditions to the next round, which will be held at the Orpheum on Dec. 10.

Bodog Battle is a nationwide search conducted by the label to find the most talented, unsigned bands in America and have them compete against each other for a contract on Bodog TV, its Web-based telecast. The battle is in its second incarnation, having already signed a Seattle, Wash., band called Fall From Grace earlier this year. This time around, Bodog has representatives in several cities at once, including San Francisco, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Wis., and Memphis, Tenn.

Of the bands playing, several stood out; Spontaneous Habit - a four-person ensemble - played with a unique and smooth electronic sound. Keyboard and synthesizer were a successful substitute for guitar sounds in delivering winning melodies over a vigorous bass line. The vocals were markedly female, coming on strong through a distortion machine. This gave the overall sound an otherworldly feel. The crowd voted for them to advance.

Another unique band was the dark and powerful Malkavian. No stranger to Tampa venues, this five-man metal powerhouse brought forth the kind of death metal for which Tampa was once famous. With driving two-part guitar harmonies and vocals sounding like banshees' shrieks, Malkavian delivered a great show that was unlike anything else heard that night.

Next, Justin the Red took the stage, a screamo/hardcore outfit that brought music more appropriate for the crowd. With songs like "She's Dead Because We Killed Her," the group got the crowd pumped and the kids dancing. Coupling powerful guitar riffs and an energetic vocalist, Justin the Red seemed to be just what attendees were looking for. The band warranted enough votes to advance.

Nous Rapport had a peppy female vocalist and lead guitar riffs with a distinctly vintage sound. This band also advanced, becoming a crowd favorite by the end of its three-song set. The foursome had impeccable timing and tight, fast rhythms that got the place jumping. The vocals were prevalent and reflected a moody, devil-may-care attitude. Nous Rapport sounded a little like the Australian rockers of Jet, but more influenced by jazz and blues.

The last band to play was perhaps the most unusual of the night - an act simply called Tim Walker. Lead vocalist and guitarist Walker is for the most part a solo act, but a bassist and drummer supported him for his set. The sound was funky and soulful, with blues and country roots. Songs like "Ghetto" and "Cars" gave a sense that Walker possessed a deep connection with his community and people. Everyone in the room was captivated by his playing, perhaps because of the sheer novelty of his soulful sound. After a night filled with screaming vocals and hard rock sounds, Tim Walker was quite a change of pace.

The bands qualifying for the next round were Justin the Red, Car Bomb Driver, Sense Offenders, Spontaneous Habit, New Season, Nous Rapport, Airshow Disaster and Black Zodiac. Each band has a full profile on Bodog Battle's Web site at Battle.bodoglife.net.

Watermark - by Natasha Kay
Sarasota's Spontaneous Habit is poised to combust on the national music scene!

Every so often, a band comes around with a name that really makes you wonder?like the Foo Fighters, for example. Same goes for one of Sarasota?s most well-known musical spawns, Spontaneous Habit, as there really is nothing ?spontaneous? about the group. The self-described acid-jazz, trip hop-infused quartet formed in 2002, and they meticulously plan each waking hour note by note, gig by gig?and now?album by album.

SH?s sophomore effort, Like-minded People, comes out on Jan. 24, and out lesbian vocalist Shannon Fortner says the album drop is just another part of the group?s strategically arranged master plan. Eventually, we want to dive into other things that are more expansive,? she says, elaborating on one of the group?s side projects?a multimedia slideshow accompaniment for their music. We?re pretty well known in the [Sarasota] music circuit, but soon, our name will be everywhere. It?s only a matter of time,? Fortner says confidently.

Spontaneous Habit currently consists of Fortner on vocals and loop pedal, bassist Allen Holsberg, drummer Phil Anderson and keyboardist Jeremy Egglefield. In 2005, after performing for four years with band members who wouldn't travel outside the Sarasota area, Spontaneous Habit revamped its lineup?recruiting two members with national performance experience?and recorded their first album, Central Side Effect. It?s not always the easiest thing in the world to get four people together with four different schedules who can actually sync things enough to make a whole unit that functions well,? Fortner explains. ?Being in a band, it?s kind of like a marriage. Everyone?all the members?really have to put their hearts into things and expect congruent results. That unity is necessary when it comes to improvising on stage and things like that, especially.? Spontaneous Habit?s distinctive has garnered the group a cult following in and around Sarasota. Each member of the group brings diverse musical influences to the stage, which, when melded together, gets the crowd grooving at the band?s home venue in Sarasota, Club Esca.

Even though people might say, ?Oh, you kind of sound like Bjork a little bit,? or ?Hey, your voice sounds a lot like Beth Gibbons from Portishead,? we?re still pretty unique,? Fortner opines. ?Because our musical style is such a blend of other genres?employing a lot of fusion and acid jazz and calypso and things like that?it?s hard to say that we?re like any one band out there.? The band?s musical groundwork is riddled with steady rhythms, pounding baselines and a wide array of chiming pipe percussions. Using apparatuses like loop pedals, synthesizers, sweeping pads and voice modulators?mixed with Fortner?s powerful, sultry vocals?Spontaneous Habit is able to create a soundscape that?s both experimentally hypnotic and familiar at the same time. Many people here in Sarasota crave cover bands, for some reason,? Fortner laments. ?We try to keep things original and stay away from covers. Now, we may throw in a little bit of Salt-N-Pepa here and there just to be funny and to humor the crowd, but that?s about it. I guess you could say that we?re kind of atypical for Sarasota in that sense.? Spontaneous Habit?s music has drawn national attention, and the band was selected as semi-finalists to compete in Bodog?s Battle of the Bands (BOB) competition in Orlando at Tabu nightclub on Saturday, Jan. 26. If the band wins, they will be eligible to continue to Atlanta for the BOB finals, where a grand prize of a $1 million recording contract will be awarded. If we win, that will definitely help us continue with our plan,? Fortner says. ?The money will also really help us with that multimedia project we?re trying to launch.? Kentucky-born Fortner has spent the last 14 years in Sarasota and met Holsberg through one of her ex-girlfriends a few years before the band formed.

I don?t really think there is much of a music scene here, really, which is disappointing,? she says. ?I think memorable acts come in waves, but for the most part, it?s hard for [bands] to coexist together.? But Fortner adds that although Sarasota might hardly tout itself as the indie music capitol of the South, its residents have definitely provided Spontaneous Habit with a type of grassroots support that?s made it possible for them to compete?and succeed?in high-profile competitions like BOB. Says Fortner, ?It truly is because of our fans and the support that this town has shown us that we?re confident Spontaneous Habit will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.?

See + hear

What: Spontaneous Habit in Bodog?s Battle of the Bands
Where: Tabu, 46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
When: Saturday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m.
How: Call 407-648-8363 or visit www.Battle.BoDogLife.net to purchase tickets.

Bodog Battle represents in Orlando!

Once again, Bodog Battle rolled into town for a night of great music! This time the venue was the Tabu night club, where some of Florida�s best bands and their fans packed the club. The bands were competing for the amazing prize of a $1 million dollar record deal with Bodog Music and a chance to appear on the Bodog Battle TV show. What a prize! If you missed your opportunity this time around, make sure you pop by the Bodog website and buy your tickets to experience a live show in the future. Also make sure to check out season one of the Bodog Battle and follow Fall From Grace on their journey from local Seattle band, to Bodog�s big battle winners!

Semi-Soul , a nine piece funk rock band with reggae and hip-hop infusion accompanied by rapping vocals and 3 members on brass, started the night off with a bang. Their hot female vocalist assisted with the stylish and swanky funk beats with high energy and dancing antics. Suicide Clubs followed and turned the place into a jam space. They were so much fun, with their catchy beats and upbeat tempos!

RAYKO/KRB had some musical shoes to fill, but they did a great job. This band has an eclectic musical style with a lot going on melodically. Their intelligent lyrics and hip-hop influenced grooves got the crowd moving.

It was no lie that Of Truth And Stories had catchy melodies and sassy rock-etched vocals and beats. Their cohesive style, musicianship and charismatic singer gave this band a really tight sound! Sekond Nature hit the stage next and had great stage presence and energy. These guys definitely have a catchy, marketable sound.

Twenty First Floor gave us a high energy set, fast upbeat melodies and great, beat driven drumming. They definitely had it together. Up next was Hookers In Paradise, a four piece heavy/alternative metal band. These guys had a lot to bring to show with their deep and sorrowful raspy lyrics, long instrumental breaks and hard-hitting cymbal scrapes. Their lyrics exuded a morose mood with infectious drumming.

Initial Doubt seemed to be a crowd favorite. This four piece metal band had loud, hard-hitting rhythms, lots of screaming and head-banging and a high energy performance. They really engaged the audience. ILLSTRUCK followed with more energy and raw, stripped drumming. Their front man was alluring and really clean vocally. Sharp wiry guitars complimented their genre specific sound.

The next band, Fusebox Funk reminded us a lot of Rage Against the Machine. They had catchy, progressive lyrics and a cool spirally sound with a beat-driven cow bell in the mix. Their high energy and appealing funky rhythms really proved this was talented group of guys. Stereo Underground brought an early 90's sound. Their garage band style had great synchronization. They gave an enigmatic and alluring performance. Paralysis was a great name for the next band on stage! This heavy metal band had a theatrical vocalist and really heavy instrumentals. Their contemplative tracks were accompanied by melodic searing guitars and crashing drums. Shadow Agency was a great contrasting band to follow. Their cohesive stage performance lent them an appealing and marketable sound.

Nous Rapport stormed the stage next. This indie rock band had a bad-ass female bassist! Their music was stylish, dynamic, edgy and sassy. It seems that the audience agreed! Spontaneous Habit kept the girl power going with a great female vocalist. They had a similar jazz infused lounge sound as Portishead and a soothing, soulful, sexy and pulsating sound that stimulates the mind and body.

The night was coming to an end, but not before Core hit the stage! This five piece metal band was awesome! They gave us lots of energy and a raw, exciting, and stimulating set. Sosos finished the night off with an eclectic set of acoustic soul and folk genre hopping. The talented and dynamic group of musicians displayed soulful sounds from the sweet piano and rhythmic congas. What an awesome way to end the night!

17 bands in total performed that night and we want to say huge congratulations to the show�s winners: Nous Rapport , Rayko/KRB and Shadow Agency . These bands are on their way to the next round of the Bodog Battle. The ride isn�t over for rest of the night�s participants though. You can help one band win the Wild Card vote and get back into the running, by signing up to vote on our website so do it now!

We want to extend our thanks to the staff at Tabu and all the bands and fans for making another night so much fun! Can�t wait for the next round!

See you soon!

Bodog Battle

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