|| The Sound Faction (dot com) ||

If you guys have followed the site at all since we started, you've probably heard us mention a band called Hasket once or twice before. Sleeper Skylight is not Hasket, but it does consist or Michael Reale and Ryley Young from Hasket. But let's get down to the new info.

As I've said, Sleeper Skylight is made up of Michael Reale and Ryley Young, two young men whose passion for music astounds me. Since we all met the both of them however many years ago, it's a trait of theirs which has always left us impressed beyond a doubt.

This summer, they drove to Arizona to record their debut EP. On July 6th, A Moment To Feel Alive, which was produced by Matt Grabe (A Rocket to The Moon, The Maine) was debuted, and as someone who preordered it, and anxiously awaited it, I was not disappointed. To show how dedicated and thankful they were to all the fans they had that would go so far as to preorder, they wrote a personalized note to each person an shipped it with the CD. I thought that was pretty awesome, myself.

They spent another portion of the summer following Warped Tour. Playing for the people waiting to get in, just trying to spread their name. Now to me, that's dedication, and I want to do anything in my power to help these guys who make music that makes me smile. So anyone who reads this should go to their MySpace, and check out their music. I strongly recomened "Carried Away".

Everytime I hear Sleeper Skylight, I smile, because I've been around to watch these guys grow up and mature musically, and I can say that I am proud to know them, and proud to be a fan.

Keep am eye out around the site, there will for sure be an interview up with them soon so you guys can get to know them a little better. I promise.

Ladies, Gents; I have a confession of which I am greatly ashamed. Before they were introduced as September's band of the month, I had never heard a Sleeper Skylight song. It's not that I hadn't heard OF them, because I had! Several times! I just never took the time to take a peek at what they were all about.

What I found was a determined group of talented musicians who are both determined, and passionate about what they do (Warped Tour tells me that they're also quite gutsy). Their music? Refreshing, to say the least! There are so many bands these days that, well, sound exactly the same. Flipping through artists can sometimes feel like your iPod is on repeat... It's getting beyond difficult to hold a unique and at the same time satisfying collection of music. Many bands sound like they're simply being cranked out of some kind of massive-music-making-machine. Reader, Sleeper Skylight breaks that mold. I am quite proud to report that this IS a FANTASTIC band. A FANTASTIC band that produces FANTASTIC music. FANTASTICALLY!

I'd give you a particular song to check out on Sleeper Skylight's Myspace page, but I don't have a favorite. Honestly? Just give them ALL a good listen; you never know what you might find, right? Everything I have heard from these guys, has been very enjoyable. Maybe you'll think so, too.

I don't even know where to start when writing this. I mean its hard to imagine that almost two years ago we found ourselves introduced to a young group whom would take up a place in our hearts here at The Sound Faction. As most of you whom have followed us throughout, you will remember that we covered a CD release party and had the chance to interview pretty much all of the opening bands that were there. One of those bands were one that became very close friends of us, Hasket. Well not too long ago, two former members of Hasket decided to start out on a venture of their own. They are both deeply involved in music, and both feel it with a passion in every part of their being. Lets not forget to mention their amazing knowledge of music and everything that comes along with it. These two members, Mikey and Ryley, are what form Sleeper Skylight.

I have a lot of admiration for Sleeper Skylight and their work ethic and the immense amount of time they spend promoting their music and getting their faces out there. There isn't a show that they are at, where they aren't flocked and asked for photos or are just surrounded by people talking to them and sharing music and stories and information and advice. I can honestly say these two are going to go places and nothing will hold them back. It is this drive that brought them to Arizona earlier this year to record their first EP with famed Producer Matt Grabe (who you may know from his work with A Rocket To The Moon and The Maine). I can't describe the immense amount of pride and the smile that graces my face as I sat and listened to the EP for the first time. I don't really want to sit here and describe the album for you, but if you have The Maine on your ipod I think you need to make a trip to itunes and get their EP titled 'A Moment To Feel Alive'. You will not in anyway shape or form.

I will tell you my favorite songs, however. I greatly adore 'By My Side' and 'Keep Me', two tracks that have a high play count on my itunes. Below is the link for the album, I suggest taking the time and going. They currently have 'Carried Away' on their myspace, so go take a listen and then get your fingers over to itunes and purchase the album. It is one album that you will NOT regret having.

So, before I get into the awesomeness that is Sleeper Skylight (because they are awesome), I'm going to give all of you a little PSA: Do not move thousands of miles away from your friends, because then you'll miss out on great local music. Case in point, I had no idea who these guys were before Manda made them this month's band. Another check in the "Virginia sucks" column.

Anywho, on to the band! Sadly, I do not have the money for Itunes purchases (even $5, as the Doc is the broke), so I can't give you a lowdown on the awesomeness of the EP, but I can say that I've been listening to "Carried Away" over and over again on their myspace. I think I've listened to it so many times Dick is about to kill me from the repetition. It's just that awesome. Seriously.

So, if you're into really awesome beats and lyrics, than this band is for you! (And if you're not into those things, I'm going to have to ask who kicked your puppy, seriously.) Download the EP from Itunes, and support these seriously dedicated up and comers! (They followed Warped Tour around like ninjas. That's dedication in my book!)

HELL YES! SLEEPER SKYLIGHT! Okay, let me try to contain my excitement for a moment to get through writing this blurb! I'm not going to explain who Sleeper Skylight is, since Manda has already done that, but I am going to say a few things about the music, and about the band in general.

First and foremost, the first time I ever saw Mikey and Ryley play (with Hasket in Toronto) I, as well as the other girls that were with me, were stunned by how young and how talented they were; but above that we were pleasantly surprised by how passionate they were when they played and, shortly after when we interviewed them, how well spoken about their music and views they were.

This kids will go to the end of the earth and back to make their dream happen, and it is so refreshing to see it all! They are constantly promoting themselves, stalking the Vans Warped Tour around the United States and making sure that people hear who they are, and aren't going to take "no" for an answer.

But let's talk about the 5 track EP "A Moment To Feel Alive". I was so incredibly impressed when I bought this on iTunes and gave it a first listen. Mikey and Ryley put their best foot forward and slammed it home with five great songs! The title track "A Moment To Feel Alive" is totally catchy and nearly forces you to bob your head and sing along. My favorite track is track three, called "Falling Into You", a catchy pop track that is absolutely perfect to blast in your car on the way to the beach and belt out with your best friends.

Do yourself a favor and send the end of summer out with a bang by heading over to iTunes and buying the EP for $4.95! You'll be glad you did!