(or read if you like!)

Instar is a rock band started by Karl von Kries. Free mp3s, MTV film scoring, college radio airplay, free CDs and interesting marketing have kept this live group  and studio denzian active in the new music scene in Boston, California, and New York. Called “excellent” by London’s NME magazine, Instar is now giving away the complete “Secret Services” album - Available tracks include the song “the Future’s going to forget you”, a new rock single backed by “Two Sticks” and the soundtrack to MTV animator Pat Smith’s film ‘Drink’. Why give away free rock music on iTunes? “as an independent artist, you have to cut through the noise to connect with fans who like what you do. For me, giving away a mp3 is a great way to spread the word  If they hate the track, fine, but if they like it, we’ve gained a fan forever. Next time around, maybe they’íll buy the full-length CD, check out a live show, etc. Better yet, they’ll tell their friends to sign up also, and the word gets spread.”

Music style:
Rock, electro-acoustic experimentation, loops

Similar Artists:
Chris Whitley, Jeff Buckley blended with U2, Black Sabbath, Radiohead and the Afghan Whigs

Artist history:
Karl began his musical career by playing flute in the third grade, but the next decade saw him add bass, keyboards, guitar, and other instruments to his repertoire. His technical skills developed also, as he assembled an early analog synthesizer from a kit and later built and ran a small recording studio.

Karl cut his rock teeth in the thriving Western Massachusetts music scene which spawned the Pixies, Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh.  Less “noisy” than these post-punk rockers, and less faux-funk than the reggae/funk bands infesting the Valley at the time, Karl developed a mutated style that merged indie power pop, grunge, elctro-folk, and metal.  The result? The unique sound of INSTAR.

Crafting a solid set of songs, Karl took his band on the road and gained fans throughout the Northeast.  From there, INSTAR went back into their studio to finish the stellar debut EP, “Rich Girls.”  Rife with rich arrangements and powerful, intelligent lyrics, this debut stands head and shoulders above typical DIY releases.

London’s NME magazine called the EP “Excellent”, and many other positive reviews followed. To date over 11,000 MP3s of songs from Rich Girls have been downloaded from the band’s website, www.instarmusic.com.

Director John Gruber (”Butterfly Effect”) tapped Karl and former bandmate Mike Suby to write and record the score for the independent film “Blunt!”, which went on to win “Best Comedy” at the New York Independent Film Festival.  Karl recorded the soundtrack for “DRINK”, an innovative short film from MTV Animator / Director Pat Smith (Daria, Downtown, Beavis and Butthead).  The film explores the bizarre transformations that overcome a teenager who imbibes a mysterious liquid. Next Smith and von Kries released “Delivery” - a bloody tale of jealousy and revenge. In development now… the edgy “Masks”. Stay tuned for release information.

Not to rest on their laurels, Karl and INSTAR are recording songs for a new album scheduled for release in late September. The first single from the forthcoming “Secret Services ” is “Toxic to the Good Times”.

Group members:
Karl von Kries  Jordan Martin Wyatt Lund

Instruments:
Voice, Guitar, Live Drums, Answering Machine, Processed Loops, Phone

Albums:
Rich Girls, the Diamonds and the Dirt , Secret Services

Press Reviews:
“Excellent” - London’s NME
“…Intelligent, emotional lyrics, dramatic guitars, powerful,soaring vocals (indeed, more Greg Dulli than Thom Yorke), a melancholic mood — what more could a rock critic ask for?” - Jim Santo/ Demo Universe
“Newcomer of the month… brilliantly reserved on some songs, powerful and full bodied on others, always original…”- The Noise, Boston
“An irresistible voice - truly an original,fresh CD..”- Northeastern Performer