With
musical influences ranging from a diverse spectrum including the
mesmerizing harmonies and melodies of the Beatles, the
powerful sound of early Chicago, the vocal introspection
of a solo John Waite, the down-to-earth simplicity of
Tom Petty, the modern melodic sensibility of Train,
along with the distinct musicality of The Cars, Meet
the Next delivers reflective lyrics, unique harmonies,
and undeniably accessible music that inspires the mind and spirit.
The members
of Meet the Next have
known each other and played in various configurations together since
their early school years. Lifelong friends, and now for the first
time, they have finally joined forces creating a distinctive combination
that only happens in the rarest of instances.
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Vocalist
and songwriter Ken Gilmer
is the voice and conscience of Meet
the Next. His unique vocal style and pop musical
sensibilities lead the group with a presence that reveals a
passionate yet uncomplicated demeanor. "With each song,
I hope to share feelings and images that are universal, yet
pure to my own experience. I write reflective of moments when
I felt and experienced aspects of life and love. With each experience,
we grow and find more of ourselves with all that we do. Through
good and bad times, I have never regretted any of the things
that have happened, only those that did not." With
an extensive background in keyboards and synth sound design,
the melodic sensibility of Jonathan Cain, along with
the musical veracity of Richard Wright, Ken is an
extraordinary talent, providing the lead voice and lush undertone
for the Meet the Next sound. |
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Guitarist
and vocalist Randy Norman
has long been one of the top musical talents in the Birmingham
area. Randy's earliest influences include the Beatles,
Jimmy Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. From these
beginnings, Randy focused his talents towards the heavier side
and played in several of the area's hardest rocking bands. Randy
has played continuously in clubs and in concerts around the
country for the past few years opening for major artists, and
is the very definition of a seasoned musician. An accomplished,
guitarist, bassist, and incredible singer, Randy provides Meet
the Next with a driving edge that creates an
extraordinary energetic passion within the music reminiscent
of Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn, yet
thoroughly unique.
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Ray
Noe began playing drums when he was just 10
years old, and first played in a band with Ken when he had just
turned 16. Over the years Ken and Ray have played together in
many various bands all over the country. From Atlanta to L.A.,
Ray has played in bands with many of the country's top talents,
from the bassist currently with Lynyrd Skynyrd to a guitarist
featured on the Generation Ibanez Project and other various
progressive rock projects. Meet
the Next began out of a collaborative project
began by Ray and Randy. Ray's the drummer that as soon as he
begins playing, you think of John Bonham or Keith
Moon, guys who lived and died for rock and roll and their
instrument. Ray is the backbeat of Meet
the Next that pumps the life into and out of
every beat. |
Together
these musicians are Meet the Next.
The highest levels of musical talent, songs wrought with melodic
hooks, a driving sound with distinctive harmonies and reflective
lyrics, Meet the Next
are a Shooting Star on the horizon,
and are absolutely that Something You Should Know.
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