Five Times August, a name with a reputation as one of the most important commodities in the music industry’s new business model for up and coming artists. The completely unsigned solo project of 24 year old Dallas, Texas native Brad Skistimas returns with the new album “Brighter Side.” After selling over 100,000 digital downloads without a record label, getting 18 song placements from one album on various popular television programs, and becoming the first unsigned act sold in Wal-Mart stores nationwide, one can only wonder what Five Times August will accomplish next.
With “Brighter Side,” Skistimas has crafted an album of balance. Relatable catchy pop tunes without the overly produced sound that invades today’s Top 40 market. The music is real and each song is its own. In the midst of an industry looking for one novelty hit after another, “Brighter Side” proves to have quality and charm. It’s not just another album with two polished hit songs and ten okay fillers. This album throws away the standard formula of co-writer after co-writer, heavily produced studio tricks, and keeping to a genre specific theme.
At the core you will find, simply, a songwriter with an acoustic guitar. Skistimas blends these acoustic pop arrangements with flavorful hints of roots, country, rock and even punk at times. The mellow “Who You Are” will appeal to fans of Norah Jones or Ryan Adams, while the rebelious rocker “Overrated” might pull in fans of Fall Out Boy or Green Day. The nineties-esque “One Way Road” reminisces that of Matchbox 20 or Hootie and the Blowfish while the blue-collar anthem “The Lighting” reflects the heavy electric guitars of Oasis. From start to finish the album takes you on a journey equivalent to a mix tape featuring a compilation of artists.
And it’s no wonder “Brighter Side” has a sound all it’s own, considering the team that helped Brad put it all together. Recorded in Dallas at Bass Propulsion Laboratories, it was produced by the studio’s owners, brothers Todd and Toby Pipes (Deep Blue Something, Drowning Pool, Flickerstick). At the recommendation of the Pipes Bros, Skistimas recruited local studio musicians for most of the instrumentation, but also took it upon himself to invite former Vertical Horizon drummer Ed Toth to provide a solid backbeat for the record.
“Since Five Times August is a solo project I have the freedom to bring in a variety of players to fit each album.” Skistimas says. “It’s great because those different inputs provide a level of comfort in knowing my sound will never get repetitive from one record to the next. It’s like forming a new band each time around.”
In addition to recording at BPL Studios, Skistimas had the album mixed by Grammy Award Winner Andy Zulla (Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson).
Five Times August wrapped up an extensive college tour in 2007, traveling 8 months out of the year, visiting 43 of the 50 states, and plans to start the whole thing up again in 2008 to support the release of “Brighter Side.” This time around FTA will be releasing the album with the help of Croshal Entertainment Group, a virtual label based out of LA.
“I figured if I accomplished what I did with my last album by mainly word of mouth and almost no promotion behind it there’s no telling what can happen if I actually give myself a marketing fund this time around!” Skistimas proclaims. “The great thing about working with CEG is that I’m still unsigned and in control of my own image and music, but will still get the attention that many major label releases receive.”
While Skistimas continues to break barriers as an unsigned artist, the music industry should prepare itself for a new breed of music and marketing upon the release of Five Times August’s upcoming release. “Brighter Side” hit stores nationwide on March 18th 2008.
www.fivetimesaugust.com for more information, news, and tour dates
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Q: Is Five Times August a band or just one guy?
A: Just one guy, Brad Skistimas (me). On FTA albums I do recruit other musicians, but I am basically "the band." Most shows are performed solo with an acoustic guitar, though occasionally there are full band performances, but full band line ups change often.
Q: How did you come up with the name Five Times August?
A: I decided to promote my music with a band name rather than my real name simply because my last name (Skistimas) isn't very easy to remember or spell for most people. My birthday is August 5th, so since the band is just myself I decided to make a band name based on something that represents something about me.
Q: What stores can I purchase Five Times August CD's at?
A: Five Times AugustCD's are available at most all Border's Books & Music stores, Best Buys, and FYE stores. You can also try Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Virgin Megastore, and your local indie music store, but they might not carry it. You can also order the album online from the official website www.fivetimesaugust.com, CDBaby.com, and Amazon.com.
Q: Is Five Times August on iTunes?
A: Yep, click here
Q: Where can I get FTA guitar tabs?
A: Some of the more popular FTA tunes have been tabbed out and you can purchase them for $1.99 each, or $14.99 for all 12. They are available at the official FTA website shop. Click here to visit
Q: Will you tab out a song for me if it hasn't been tabbed out yet?
A: Sorry, tabbing out songs takes a lot of time. I suggest making your best effort by listening to the music and watching whatever youtube videos you can for tips.
Q: Will you be tabbing out the songs from Brighter Side?
A: Most likely. But if you don't want to wait, there are guitar tunings for each song listed inside the booklet of the CD to help you out in the meantime.
Q: If I send you lyrics to my song or a recording of a song I wrote will you use them or at least just tell me what you think?
A: I might listen to your music, but I won't tell you what I think of it!
Q: Will you play at my birthday party, graduation, wedding, or me and my girlfriend's 6 month anniversary?
A: I'm not going to say no, but very very rarely does it actually work out. My schedule is tight as it is. But if you want to give it a chance you can always inquire by sending kelly@fivetimesaugust.com an e-mail.
Q: Can you give me advice on how to get my music out there?
A: Everybody has their own path to success, and you're on yours. There's nothing I could say in a few short sentences that'd be a decent answer. The only thing I can say is dedicate yourself and work hard, that's a good start!
Q: Are your eyes two different colors?
A: Yes, both my eyes are blue, but my right eye has a little bit of green in it.
Q: Do you really read your own myspace messages?
A: Yes. I actually maintain my own myspace and facebook pages, along with the official Five Times August website. There's not too many people involved with FTA, so I am responsible for a lot! I probably do a lot more than people think! But yes, I do read my own messages and try to get back to most of them!
