| A message from Randy, lead singer/songwriter: |
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Descending New Angels (DNA) began in 2002, with one poet learning guitar. In 2005, DNA became two acoustical guitarists playing parties. In 2006 it started a mix of acoustic and electric guitars with the addition of drums. From 2007 to the close of 2011, Descending New Angels was a four-piece alternative rock band paid for its original act. The band had a great time producing its first album (2009). Times and lives change. DNA is now two artists--Randy Shanks and Keith Thurnau--and currently recording its next release. "Broken Sessions" will include eight songs written by Randy Shanks. Other projects are also in the works, which will be announced after the upcoming release.
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Thanks to all the fans who share links to our music on their social networks!
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A special thanks goes out to Jon Courtney of Triple Jam Productions, which does first class sound, lighting, and select bookings..
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Samantha Fischer of PlayItForwardSTL.org stays quite busy collecting musical instruments for youth, but still made time to help promote DNA. Thank you, Sam, for all that you do for the St. Louis music community, young and old!""
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Post-Dispatch music critic Kevin C. Johnson keeps the region informed of the best entertainment! We were thrilled to be featured in one of his articles!
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We also want to give a shout out to DJ Marilyn Farek Callan for all the air time she's given Descending New Angels. Marilyn mixes up the finest classic rock from the 70's and 80's along with interesting new artists on the "Trans-Time Express Show." Tune in on Fridays 7:00pm-10:00pm Central on RedEyeRadioNetwork.com.
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National radio icon John Carney featured Descending New Angels songs on several Thursday Night Music Club shows. He's interviewed countless celebrities and leads charitable work (CarneysKids.org). We are honored to be one of his spotlighted new artists.
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The band had a blast at the "Ashley On Air" show with radio hosts Ashley and Patrick. Ashley called us "divas" for talking about fruit trays and having our band's name on a trailor at the Cracker show. Some fans said they actually tuned in on line and watched us live in the studio. How cool is that? We'll try to get a copy of that on video.
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DNA performed at the Pageant’s Halo Bar on the heels of rock icon Aaron Lewis of STAIND, who played earlier that evening inside the Pageant. Along with regular DNA fans, the band picked up quite a few new fans that came in following Lewis' performance.
DNA opened for National Act Cracker at the Alton Amphitheatre, with about 1,000 in attendance! 2010 included a television performance on the Fox2 Morning Show, a feature in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and airtime on several radio shows, including CBS/KMOX, with national radio icon John Carney’s “Thursday Night Music Show.” Riverfront Radio also aired an hour interview with Descending New Angels on “Behind the Bands.”
The Southeast Missourian wrote "this St. Louis band has perfected the alt-rock ballad." Fans say they are blown away by the vocals of Randy Shanks. He has a uniquely rich and powerful voice, from soft melodic tones to soulful bellows.
Descending New Angels released a self-titled album (JSC Studios, 2009) a culmination of years of crafting. Performing at the TOCO Music Festival a few weeks after the CD release, the band was spotted by a radio program host who asked for a CD. A couple of days later KDHX 88.1 FM (St. Louis, MO) began airing 4 songs from the album and contacted the band for a live studio performance.
The song "Break Me" was featured by reviewer Trabue Gentry on OURSTAGE.COM. He notes: "its defiant message of ‘never give up.’ This is one tight and powerful song. The front man conveys this inspiring and hopeful message with his biting guitar and ‘in your face’ vocals while the rest of the band literally steamrolls the song along in a perfectly coordinated attack."
Descending New Angels performed over 300 live shows at many top venues in the St. Louis area and has been warmly received along the Mississippi corridor from Quincy to Cape Girardeau and into into Iowa.
Descending New Angels (DNA) blends a versatile mix of rock, grungy lyrics with hope, acoustical fusion with some classic and southern rock elements. Influences include Gov't Mule, Sound Garden, 3 Doors Down, A Perfect Circle, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Staind. |
