Synth-pop could be making a comeback with the debut release of Wind-up Record’s artist Stefy. The female-fronted quartet’s “The Orange Album” comprises 11 tracks unlike anything on the FM dial.
The band combines the sassy vocals and pop sensibility of lead singer Stefy Rae with a talented trio of musicians to create a fresh, in your face, ’80s sound.
Although Stefy has stellar musicianship provided by guitarist Sean Meyer, keyboardist Jason Gaviati and drummer Andreas Brobjer, the standout of this act is the vocal performance by Stefy Rae. Rae’s delivery ranges from a subtle pout on tracks like “Love You to Death” to all-out, confident sass on tracks like the disc’s first single “Chelsea.” Regardless of track, Rae delivers an impressive performance that will make guys melt like candle wax and girls jealous they’re not in a pop band.
The overall sound of the quartet makes for odd bedfellows: think the “Whip It” Devo guys fronted by white wedding dress “Like a Virgin” era Madonna. Although the tracks delve into a myriad of serious subjects such as self-image, relationships or having your boyfriend stolen by a harlot, catchy pop hooks mask the real-life situations so that the listener must pay close attention to understand the song’s real intent.
This band may be hard to label, but take one part synth-pop, a dash of sass, and a little bit of grit, and you’ve got Stefy – a musical force to be reckoned with.
Fans can get a taste of Stefy’s energetic live show Oct. 19 when it makes an appearance at the Madison Theater in Covington, Ky. where supporting breast cancer research has never sounded better.
Q102’s second annual Bosom Ball at the Madison Theater will donate all proceeds to the American Cancer Society to benefit breast cancer research.
“100 percent of all the proceeds are actually going to breast cancer survivors of the Cincinnati area,” said Katie Walters, the promotions coordinator for Q102. The event will also feature a silent auction with autographed guitars, music memorabilia and Bengals’ memorabilia, among other items.
The profits from the event will benefit the Reach to Recovery program according to Peter Osborne of the American Cancer Society. “Reach to Recovery allows women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer to talk with other women who have already fought the battle with a similar diagnosis,” Osborne said.
The program focuses on providing support to those who need it most. “Their spirits are often uplifted just by having a chance to talk to somebody else who has already been through it and survived,” Osborne added.
Last year, the Bosom Ball raised around $8,500 and has even loftier expectations for this year, the goal being $10,000, Walters said.
The Bosom Ball’s musical entertainment will feature headliner Teddy Geiger, Stefy, Saving Jane, Josh Hoge and local act Kristen Key. Tickets are $10 and are available through the Madison Theater’s Web site, www.madisontheateronline.com, and at the door. Unfortunately for the young ones, the event is 18 and up.
The Madison Theater is located at 730 Madison Ave. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the rock ‘n’ roll kicking in around 8 p.m.
Bring lots of friends with to the show, Walters said. “It’ll be a really good time.”