CINEMA8 burst onto the music scene like a supersonic rocket. The band was formed in 2001 by singer/guitarist Michael Sauri (Fighting Gravity), a songwriter whose stage vibe and whisper-to-scream vocals pack both muscle and melody. Sauri put together an all-star cast to record the self-titled debut that captured The Telegraph Company’s attention. Says label president Jerod Gunsberg:
"If there is a band out there that deserves mainstream attention right now, it's CINEMA8."
Eager to get on the road to support the album, Sauri left the studio musicians behind and invited some friends to join him on tour. Boasting an impressive cast of characters including former members of Mike Corrado Band and SoulCage, CINEMA8 has already performed with The Push Stars, Athenaeum, Fixer, Granian, Jonasay, Niki Barr, Fighting Gravity, ebo and Supine. This dynamic group plans over 200 live performances, interviews and in-stores during 2002.
In February, CINEMA8 backed 10 U.S. Olympic Athletes who sang "All I've Got," a song of Olympic triumph that was included in The United States Olympic Committee's library of songs played during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Produced by Sauri, CD's of the track sold-out in stores all over Salt Lake City and the Olympic Village.
The star-bound journey continues with the release of their eponymous debut (March 12, 2002) via Mason Management/The Telegraph Company/IDN Distribution. Produced by Bryan Martin (Tom Ze'/David Byrne, Mark Eitzel, Propellerheads) and mastered by Grammy-winner Scott Hull (Steely Dan, Garbage), the album is generating interest at four Major labels. XM and College Radio have already committed to the debut release, and the group has been welcomed on the air at XM, College and AAA stations along their tour route.
The CD is getting stellar reviews (see attached buzz page). "Piece of You" and "Faster than Today" have been added to DMX Music for September and October nationwide distribution. A video for "Bleed" is slated for October release. The band has been asked to play the Clear Channel/Volkswagen College Tour with Rusted Root and M. Doughty (Soul Coughing) and Sauri was invited to perform solo at a recent BMI songwriter's showcase.
CINEMA8's ever-expanding audience includes fans from Boston to North Carolina. With an extensive 2002 performance schedule, they're certain to sign up new passengers for the CINEMA8 rocket all along the way.
