Description
The band Tone Stars was formed in a picturesque village in the Tyrolean Alps, and their sonic spectrum is much broader than their urban roots. They avoid the easy contaminations of modern and hyper-produced pop for a more natural, intimate and human artistic production. Their sound is a direct result of their core members’ wide range of influences and genres. Konrad Rhee (singer-songwriter and founder of the band Tone Stars) got the idea to produce the song and video after performing with Mariie the singer, at a family wedding and noticing that his young niece, who he had seen growing up, he possessed a beautiful voice and great talent.
Konrad, a seasoned musician well known in the South American and Andean music scene (though born and raised in the United States), then wrote “WHO CAN SAVE ME” with Mariie’s voice and singing style in mind. Konrad had always loved the cello and so he did not include a part in the song. Hannah Köll, classically trained, but with an ear for modern popular music and a desire to expand her artistic boundaries was the perfect choice and fit in very well with the group. Thus the band Tone Stars was born. To produce this album, Konrad builds his own studio, with the time and resources to explore and create his own artistic creations.
“A Good Time is Now” features exotic instrumentation, complex arrangements and rich layering of arrangements, and with the layering of Mariie’s vocal performances the result remains intimate and enveloping. It is also an eclectic mixing of styles and genres, reflecting the varied musical backgrounds of its core members. It’s music to listen to up close. It is carefully crafted, full of detail and refinement… and love.
01 – FLY ME OUT OF HERE (radio edit) – Guitars, strings and layers of voices, the massive and orchestral sound is contrasted by Mariie’s sweet and delicate voice. All of Tone Stars’ strengths are brought together in this upbeat and punchy song.
02 – ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL – In this song the Tone Stars transform into a rock band with a retro sound tending towards a slow rhythm but with classical insertions by Hannah Köll on the cello. All contrasted by a gritty old-school electric guitar from Konrad Rhee.
03 – LINDSEY’S Song – A lullaby for the daughter of singer-songwriter and Tone Stars founder Konrad Rhee. A touching melody by Mariie and crystalline intertwining of guitars and cello bring warmth and intimacy.
04 – BAD DECISIONS – Like “Follow Me”, this song features Afro-Latin instruments and rhythms that give a distinct feel of world music and exotica. This is a unique song that takes unexpected turns. In this song Mariie highlights a dark and sensual side of her voice.
05 – I’M HERE – A direct and profound interpretation of the singer Mariie in this song, supported by a powerful duo of cello and piano with splendid accompaniment from the string ensemble.
06 – WHO CAN SAVE ME – A song different from the others, unique in its genre, which features the charango combined with classical guitar and cello for an enthralling and dreamy trio. Mariie’s singing is innocent and pure and blends perfectly.
07-ALLISON-A melancholic ballad, so touching in her naked honesty. Piano, cello and guitar combine to create a backdrop for singer Mariie’s sad voice.
08 – THERE ARE SECRETS – An intimate and soft song but with powerful moments and lush vocal arrangements. This song features one of the album’s best performances from cellist Hannah Köll, while Konrad Rhee’s guitar and silky bass add depth and warmth.
09 – WE’LL NEVER KNOW – The electric guitar rhythms stride decisively in this rock song which recalls the sound of some great British bands of the past. The piano and string arrangements add magic and create a sensual and intimate atmosphere.
10 – FOLLOW ME – We start with decidedly Latin flavors that take us to very hot exotic afternoons. The instrumentation expands here with the sound of the djembe and kalimba with bass, guitar and drums which form the backdrop to the suggestive progression of the arrangement. Above all, a great and evocative vocal performance by Mariie.
11 – FLY ME OUT OF HERE (Long Version) – In this version the arrangement becomes more expanded and magical for an even denser journey full of sweet feelings.
FLY ME OUT OF HERE (radio Edit)
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Violin – Magdalena Schwarzmann, Markus Falkner
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Violin – Anna-Sophie Grüner
LINDSEY’S SONG
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Backing vocal – Erna Grüner
Violin – Markus Falkner
BAD DECISIONS
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Backing vocals – Laura Haid, Nicole Kapferer, Erna Grüner
Violin – Magdalena Schwarzmann
I’M HERE
Piano – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Violin – Anna-Sophie Grüner
WHO CAN SAVE ME
Guitar – Vitus Auer
Ronroco – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Backing vocals – Verena Haid, Magdalena Tinzl, Veronika Tinzl
ALLISON
Guitar – Vitus Auer
Piano – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
THERE ARE SECRETS
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Backing vocals – Laura Haid
WE’LL NEVER KNOW
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Backing vocals – Nicole Kapferer
FOLLOW ME
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
11.FLY ME OUT OF HERE (Long Version)
Guitar, piano, bass – Konrad Rhee
Cello – Hannah Köll
Lead vocal – Mariie
Violin – Magdalena Schwarzmann, Markus Falkner
All songs written, produced, arranged and mixed by Konrad Rhee.
Executive Producer: Konrad Rhee for Redwood Recordings (a Surabaya Music publishing sublabel).
Artistic Producers: Konrad Rhee and Rob Colella
(p) & (c) – 2020 – All tracks published by Surabaya Music publ. (S.I.A.E.)
