donetodeath

U.S. Royalty are the newest sonic ambassadors to emerge from the
storied streets of Washington, D.C.

The band was born in late 2007, birthed from the lifelong musical
collaboration of brothers John and Paul Thronley. John, vocals and
piano, and Paul, guitar,  were raised in a marvelously musical family
environment in a house stacked to the rafters with available
instruments, inspirational record collections, and often rocking all
night as a result of cross-generational jam sessions. After playing
together under various monikers since their elementary school days the
brothers connected with drummer Luke Adams while all three were
sequestered in Indiana as students at Grace College. They bonded over
their shared love of legitimately well crafted songs. They championed
everything from Oasis to David Bowie to Sam Cooke along with
celebrating the classic standards of the 1940s, the automatic
touchstones of the 1970s such as Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac, and
the au courant vibrations of still viable acts like Sun Kil Moon and
Rufus Wainwright. The trio banged around the heartland, polishing and
experimenting, making the best of their less than sustentative
geographical location.

Eventually drifting back east to the District they plugged into the
emerging scene of cross-pollinating bands, artists, fashion designers,
and DJs recently responsible for the creative resurgence of D.C.
nightlife and youth culture. Through warehouse parties and happenings
at postage-stamp size venues such as DC9 and La Casa they soon
encountered D.C. indie rock journeyman bass player Jacob Michael.
After fluid conversation and mutual sensations of good vibrations the
foursome was complete. U.S. Royalty became reality.

The winter months that followed were spent shivering around a single
heater after ensconcing themselves in an abandoned trailer in rural
Maryland. There they crafted their initial set of songs, honing in on
a sound assuredly contemporary but deeply steeped in the resonant
resonance of the most powerful and enduring sounds of the twentieth
century. After just a handful of transcendent live shows their
accession to the throne of the D.C. scene was confirmed.

U.S Royalty is poised to crusade forth from the Capital City with
their pending three song EP, recorded at legendary Inner Ear Studios.
Extending the range of their reign beyond the furthest horizons is
just around the corner for the merrymaking  noblemen ruling through
righteous sound. The coronation is coming! All hail!

-Ezra Morris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     July 8, 2008 

WIND-UP ENTERTAINMENT AND CARTEL JOIN FORCES WITH THE EXECUTION OF RECORDING, MERCHANDISING AND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS 

New York --- Wind-up Entertainment and the rock band Cartel have entered in to a number of agreements.  The band’s future recordings will be released by Wind-up Records.  Additionally, the sale of all Cartel merchandise at on-line, retail, and touring points of sale will be handled by Wind-up Entertainment’s Pronto Merch.  Lastly, Cartel has entered in to an agreement with Wind-up Artist Development Corporation, Inc. 

The Atlanta-based quintet, featuring Will Pugh (Vocals / Guitar), Joseph Pepper (Guitar), Nic Hudson (Guitar), Jeff Lett (Bass) and Kevin Sanders (Drums), self-released their first EP titled RANSOM in March, 2004.  A deal with the Militia Group followed, and the CHROMA album was issued in 2005.  Epic Records re-released the title in the summer of 2006, delivering a significant groundswell.   The band’s self-titled follow-up CARTEL followed in 2007.  The band parted ways with the major label, opening the door for this alliance with Wind-up Entertainment. 

Wind-up Entertainment President Ed Vetri shared, “In the continuing evolution of the music industry, Wind-up has been and continues to be a leader in developing a business model that forms true artist partnerships and provides for long term development.  We believe that bands like Cartel, and deals like this, are the future of this business.  We are excited to begin working with a group that has proven hard work, great songwriting, and a commitment to touring provides the basis for a long term career. We are excited to be in business with Cartel, and look forward to building on their already sizeable fan base.”  

Cartel front man Will Pugh enthusiastically commented, “We are very excited to announce that we have signed with Wind-up Records. The overwhelmingly positive familial atmosphere of the label has us looking forward to what is certain to be a lasting and successful relationship. We're extremely eager to begin this new chapter in the life of Cartel.  All five of us sincerely appreciate and thank our fans for their continuous heartfelt support throughout the lifetime of the band, especially over the last nine months or so.  With a new label home firmly secured and fresh winds filling our sails we foresee bigger and better opportunities for us to continue to grow and thrive as a band, while building off the same foundational elements that we have always embraced: hard work, endless touring, good vibes and fantastic fan-friendly relations." 

Cartel is currently working on the repertoire for their third album, and will enter the studio in the coming months.  The release is planned for early 2009.  Cartel will be co-headlining The Crocs Next Step Campus Tour August 29 through September 26 with Yung Joc (dates subject to change).