Steve Vansak

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Vansak was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, home of steel mills and the Jackson 5. Sandwiched between Chicago and miles of farmland, Vansak experienced many different lifestyles and musical styles. A veteran of the Midwest music scene, his bands have run the gamut from rhythm and blues, folk, Motown soul, pop, and rock.

His latest release, "The Other Side of America" is deeply rooted in the classic rock groove, while still sounding comtemporary. The new CD was recorded with the Joe Roberts Band who recorded the blistering album opener "Come Home" in one glorious take. "It was like hitting the 'easy button' on a few of these", says Vansak. "Three and half minutes later and bam, this perfect storm has been created. I was very pleased with the band's passion during these sessions".

Many of the songs are socially charged and Vansak's guitar skills have never been captured quite like this before.

"We set up all these old, vintage amps and just went to town", he says. "This is an album for fans of vinyl records, young and old. Musically, we went for analog warmth. Lyrically, the same characters show up in different songs at various stages of their lives. There are many layers to uncover in these songs should the listener choose to do so".

The group brings the passion from studio to stage playing new songs Heavy Stuff (a rocking tribute to social changers past and present) and Brooklyn's House (a fun and incredibly catchy song about a house party) alongside the folk rock of "Rocks and Bone" (from "A Different Road") and funk rock of "Testify" (from the debut "Permanent Red").

Availability

"The Other side of America" (as well as the older titles) is available at all the major download stores such as iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, Napster and more. The real find is the vinyl like CD release, with its photo filled lyric book and a written introductory of each track from Vansak, who is the sole author of all the songs. "You've got to give people more than they bargained for", states Vansak. "That's our philosophy in the studio as well as onstage".

Discography

"The Other Side of America" - May, 2006"A Different Road" - August, 2002"Permanent Red" - April, 1997 (re-released with bonus tracks in 2003)

Track "The Patriots" becomes a regular feature of Night Rock radio on Midwest rock station X-ROCK 103.9. Its companion video is featured on Canadian Music TV.

Track "Back To Indiana" featured on the Late Show with David Letterman November 2004

Track "Rocks and Bone" becomes a regular feature on Night Rock radio on Midwest rock station X-ROCK 103.9 July 2004

"A Different Road" is voted Best Chicagoland Album by the editors of "Midwest Beat Magazine" March 2003

"A Different Road" receives multiple awards for Best Chicagoland Album, Best Album Artwork, Best Songwriter by readers of "Midwest Beat Magazine", March 2003

Track "I Reach Out" wins Adaptec song contest and bundled with their "Born To Burn" CD authoring software, reaching 10,000 listeners. Jun 1998

External links

* [http://www.stevevansak.com Band website]