WATERPLANET
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WATERPLANET

Baltimore, Maryland, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1995 | SELF

Baltimore, Maryland, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 1995
Band Rock Indie

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Music

Press


"Baltimore-based psych pop Waterplanet release new video, Kingmaker"

At first listen, you’d expect a loud crash somewhere within the minute, but stick around and you’ll find mellow and soothing folk in homage to an entire decade: somewhere around the 60’s. Three-piece Waterplanet paints landscapes with one broad brush. It’s a somewhat familiar sound, but the smooth vocals and cleansing strings delivered by Millie Landrum, James Hesser, and recently added Gregtape, keep it interesting. From ‘Go Go Go’ and its nod to Violent Femmes to the Latin guitar twist and mixed lyrics of ‘Get Lost’ and the psychedelic chants in between, they’re setting your sights on Baltimore for the next gig. Check out their new entry to NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series below!-Justin Bieggar - The Deli Magazine


"WATERPLANET Performance Review"

"Seeing WATERPLANET live was like diving into an octopus's garden and coming out through the Yellow Submarine!... These two have something." - Toni Koch, A&R, Warrior Girl Music/Songs Alive


"Indie Anthems Vol. 5 Press Release"

Wifi PR Group's insight:

Baltimore’s Waterplanet is a dynamic duo of indie rockers who bring a touch of folk and power pop to their distinct sound. Their track “Love Song” will be featured on WiFi PR Group’s Indie Anthems Vol. 5 compilation, set to debut in spring 2014.



Waterplanet is comprised of partners Millie Landrum-Hesser and James Hesser, who share vocals, guitar, and percussion. Millie adds keyboards. Part-time guitarist, Greg Stinson, appears on recent recordings and frequently plays with the band live.



Millie and James each came at music in their own way. As a child, Millie studied classical piano for 12 years and sang in choruses. Her father and sister, both singers, inspired her music-filled childhood. As a teenager, she began writing songs, fiction, and poetry. In her early 20s Millie began playing synthesizer. She frequented live shows, mostly rock, punk, and art bands, seeing hundreds before performing in one, and eventually taught herself percussion and guitar.



James began writing songs as an extension of his visual art in his teens, but didn’t play or sing until his late teens/early 20s. He started jamming with his musically inclined co-workers before beginning to seriously craft his own songs. He also taught himself guitar and percussion, and saw many shows. All of these experiences fueled his passion for songwriting.



Waterplanet draws influences from a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, Beck, Psychedelic Furs, Pink Floyd’s early albums, Tom Waits, Dead Can Dance, Karen Carpenter, Social Distortion, Beethoven and Bach. Waterplanet is compared to bands such as Velvet Underground, Violent Femmes, B52s, REM, Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, Pink Floyd and Apples in Stereo.



The group has released a number of recordings, including several singles, demos and albums. Their album Undercurrent was produced by John Chriest, founding bassist of Baltimore post-punk legends Lungfish. This was due in part to Millie’s association with Chriest. They had played together in the bands The Melvyn and Van Go’s Ear before Lungfish formed. Waterplanet’s track “Heedless/Headless” was selected for Buzzlighter 8, Natural Anthems, a compilation featuring such national acts as Fiery Furnaces, Mary Lou Lord, Ambulance Ltd. and Kaki King.



Waterplanet has opened for national and international acts, including Swedish indie pop band Nervous Nellie at the Delancey in New York City in September 2013. They also opened for L.A. alternative band Spindrift (formerly of Brian Jonestown Massacre) at Baltimore’s Metro Gallery in 2009.



In 2014, Waterplanet plans to finish their album, unveil a new website, and release a video for their track, “Love Song.” They are also pursuing label representation, booking and licensing opportunities.



The video release for “Love Song” will coincide with the track’s inclusion on WiFi PR Group’s compilation Indie Anthems Vol. 5, which is a collection of international talent spanning several genres. The digital mixtape will debut at Coachella in April 2014. WiFi PR will hand out 3,500 download cards for the album to festival attendees, and 1,500 more copies will be available through the Indie Anthems Bandcamp website.



You can purchase more of Waterplanet’s music from CD Baby. Check out the video for their song “Heedless/Headless” on their YouTube profile.




About Waterplanet Music:

“Love Song” Single (2013)

“Lemmings” Single (2013)

“Frankenstein” Single (2012)

“GoGoGo” Single (2012)

“Hive” Single (Alex Strama remix)

“Heedless/Headless” Single (Buzzlighter 8: Natural Anthems Compilation)

Here We Go

2-Headed Monster Demo

Smokescreen EP

Buzz Demo

Under the Rug Demo

Undercurrent

Waterplanet

Loopy Laura Demo



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterplanetband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/waterplanetband

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/waterplanetband



Media Contact:

Alisa St. Rock

WiFi PR Group

800.614.6473 Ext.1

wifiprgroup@gmail.com

www.wifiprgroup.com



About WiFi PR Group

WiFi PR Group, www.wifiprgroup.com, based in Los Angeles, CA, is an innovative marketing force in the interconnecting worlds of Philanthropy, Business and Entertainment. Specializing in digital publicity and branding, WiFi PR works closely with its clients to create business to business and business to consumer campaigns. - WI-FI PR Group


""Heedless/Headless" Review"

Your song is wow! ...The style [reminds me of] Patti Smith['s] debuts, the Violent Femmes and some the Velvet Underground... Great! Continue this way!
- Ernest Casio Perso, Varese, Italy


"Shuteye Records Review of Here We Go!"

Though creatively distinct, [WATERPLANET's] music taps the stylistic vein of artists like Sonic Youth and the Velvet Underground. This is definitely...music that would be warmly welcomed by...college radio.

Seldom do I have the pleasure of reviewing an album of such brilliant unconventionality. To classify Waterplanet as simply another indie/experimental outfit would be a great injustice... [The Here We Go!] compositions prove to be much more than extemporaneous explorations of discord. With driving percussive undertones, songs like 'Heedless/Headless' freewheel in pop-sensible lo-fidelity. Though every song is worthy of mention, ...my favorite song on the album is the hypnotic "Let it Drop". With its monotonous, dreary harmonies and atypical, avant-garde progression, this song radiates with unconventional intrigue. All in all, I was very impressed by [Here We Go!]. - Ryan Hoffer, A&R


"Shuteye Records Review of Here We Go!"

Though creatively distinct, [WATERPLANET's] music taps the stylistic vein of artists like Sonic Youth and the Velvet Underground. This is definitely...music that would be warmly welcomed by...college radio.

Seldom do I have the pleasure of reviewing an album of such brilliant unconventionality. To classify Waterplanet as simply another indie/experimental outfit would be a great injustice... [The Here We Go!] compositions prove to be much more than extemporaneous explorations of discord. With driving percussive undertones, songs like 'Heedless/Headless' freewheel in pop-sensible lo-fidelity. Though every song is worthy of mention, ...my favorite song on the album is the hypnotic "Let it Drop". With its monotonous, dreary harmonies and atypical, avant-garde progression, this song radiates with unconventional intrigue. All in all, I was very impressed by [Here We Go!]. - Ryan Hoffer, A&R


"Interview in Towson University Alumni Magazine"

WATERPLANET
Creating a Psychedelic Escape

By Sarah Jones

By creating a worldly escape and luring its listeners to places unknown, WATERPLANET is catching ears. Some may think the sound is extinct, others may find it passé, but to Millie and James Hesser, the married duo who make up the group, psychedelic music is alive and well.

With its roots in folk and punk, the Hessers dub their music as “primitive psychedelic”, music that mixes together the sounds of acoustic guitar, percussion and voice simultaneously.

Why psychedelic? It was more of what they were writing at the time WATERPLANET was formed, resulting from the early influences of Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult and the Beatles.

“Since there is no bass you have to adapt artistically to create a fuller sound, which in turn makes you more creative,” explains James. “The trick is trying to make it come off live, that’s the hardest part.”

Their web site compares the sound to groups like B-52s, REM and early T Rex, among others. Millie and co-founder Rick Schaub created WATERPLANET in 1994. A year later James Hesser was invited into the band as a percussionist. “It went from a duo to a trio to a duo again,” said James. The couple was married in April of 1999.

“I used to sing [in a lower key] because the songs I listened to when I was young were all sung by males,” says Millie. “Now I’m trying to sing the songs higher as Jim sings lower, to make the sound fuller.”

When it comes to the group, Millie and James do everything on their own, including the designing, recording, and publicizing, which can create some time restraints considering they both have jobs outside of the band...
A new release is expected out this coming year, with hopes of professional recording to help cut back their workload.

WATERPLANET plays at the Mojo Room and Lounge in Baltimore about twice a month. To find out more about the band, visit www.waterplanetarium.com.

January 2004 issue

- Towson University


"Interview in Towson University Alumni Magazine"

WATERPLANET
Creating a Psychedelic Escape

By Sarah Jones

By creating a worldly escape and luring its listeners to places unknown, WATERPLANET is catching ears. Some may think the sound is extinct, others may find it passé, but to Millie and James Hesser, the married duo who make up the group, psychedelic music is alive and well.

With its roots in folk and punk, the Hessers dub their music as “primitive psychedelic”, music that mixes together the sounds of acoustic guitar, percussion and voice simultaneously.

Why psychedelic? It was more of what they were writing at the time WATERPLANET was formed, resulting from the early influences of Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult and the Beatles.

“Since there is no bass you have to adapt artistically to create a fuller sound, which in turn makes you more creative,” explains James. “The trick is trying to make it come off live, that’s the hardest part.”

Their web site compares the sound to groups like B-52s, REM and early T Rex, among others. Millie and co-founder Rick Schaub created WATERPLANET in 1994. A year later James Hesser was invited into the band as a percussionist. “It went from a duo to a trio to a duo again,” said James. The couple was married in April of 1999.

“I used to sing [in a lower key] because the songs I listened to when I was young were all sung by males,” says Millie. “Now I’m trying to sing the songs higher as Jim sings lower, to make the sound fuller.”

When it comes to the group, Millie and James do everything on their own, including the designing, recording, and publicizing, which can create some time restraints considering they both have jobs outside of the band...
A new release is expected out this coming year, with hopes of professional recording to help cut back their workload.

WATERPLANET plays at the Mojo Room and Lounge in Baltimore about twice a month. To find out more about the band, visit www.waterplanetarium.com.

January 2004 issue

- Towson University


"K-PNK Radio on "Heedless/Headless""

Dashingly done with shades of the Velvets with a dash of Hole. Great atmosphere. - Josh, The Living Dolls


"K-PNK Radio on "Heedless/Headless""

Dashingly done with shades of the Velvets with a dash of Hole. Great atmosphere. - Josh, The Living Dolls


"The Good Stuff Radio on"

[The] song ["Heedless/Headless"] reminds me so much of The Vaselines. The wonderful melody. The primitivism. The boy/girl vocals.... And there is nothing wrong with any of that. I checked it out on a lark, because I wanted them to add [our band] Hop On Pop to their station. And boy am I glad that I did -- whether they add us or not! - Todd, Hop on Pop band


"CD Baby Review of Here We Go!"

Take some elements of Belly, Pixies & The Doors, mix & serve. An original creation.

This is a stunning release that becomes more appealing with each listen. ["Heedless/Headless"] fills the gap left by Belly's demise, and ["Smokescreen"] may remind you of The Pixies. One of the best aspects of Here We Go! is the lyrics, which challenge listeners, either to look for Waterplanet's message, or come to their own interpretations. Sometimes unconventional, this is an expressive set of hook-laden tunes. An appealing and creative piece of work, that I only wish were a little longer - maybe next time?! Follow the buzz to Waterplanet. 4+ stars. - Steve Saulsbury


"CD Baby Review of Here We Go!"

Take some elements of Belly, Pixies & The Doors, mix & serve. An original creation.

This is a stunning release that becomes more appealing with each listen. ["Heedless/Headless"] fills the gap left by Belly's demise, and ["Smokescreen"] may remind you of The Pixies. One of the best aspects of Here We Go! is the lyrics, which challenge listeners, either to look for Waterplanet's message, or come to their own interpretations. Sometimes unconventional, this is an expressive set of hook-laden tunes. An appealing and creative piece of work, that I only wish were a little longer - maybe next time?! Follow the buzz to Waterplanet. 4+ stars. - Steve Saulsbury


"Golden Pie Radio on "Heedless/Headless""

Waterplanet make really cool lofi acoustic songs with ace soft expressive vocals... ["Venus Supreme"] has got hints of sunshine '60s but with an added spicey mischievous edge... [L]et them spread more magic!

["Heedless/Headless" is] A lo-fi rockin' acoustic mix of Buddy Holly, The Violent Femmes and The Jesus and Mary Chain doin' an unplugged set. All mixed together with a sweet, ultra catchy tune. - Steve Ison, Birmingham, UK


""Garden" Review"

Excellent acoustic new wavey - strange slightly sinister cabaret/torchy psychedelicy.... The total minimalism of this really works and keeps it very intimate.

- Cabaret Noir


"Golden Pie Radio on "Heedless/Headless""

Waterplanet make really cool lofi acoustic songs with ace soft expressive vocals... ["Venus Supreme"] has got hints of sunshine '60s but with an added spicey mischievous edge... [L]et them spread more magic!

["Heedless/Headless" is] A lo-fi rockin' acoustic mix of Buddy Holly, The Violent Femmes and The Jesus and Mary Chain doin' an unplugged set. All mixed together with a sweet, ultra catchy tune. - Steve Ison, Birmingham, UK


"Here We Go! Review, top to bottom"

1) At the top of the chart is undoubtedly "HENRY" which is pure genius, the kind of song I would have loved to write myself

2) HEEDLESS/HEADLESS I like experimental music, but I can't resist...catchy pop songs, I really can't help it. [My friend had me listen to] it...quite original.

3) HIVE Another hit of genius; looks like you divided your cd in 2 parts, the first more easy listening,..."Sunny side up" kind of stuff and the second ...a "dark side", more experimental. Well, I love the second part the best.

4) LET IT DROP Nice guitar playing and guitar breaks. I love guitar breaks.

5) GET LOST Interesting, but being put between masterpieces such as "Henry" and "Hive" leaves it a little in the dark

6) SHE WON'T COME DOWN Nice to hear

7) SMOKESCREEN [The Syd] Barret-ish feel...should make me love it...

In the end a good album. Maybe a little bit too short. Left me a bit hungry for more.... In fact [I] listened to it again. ...[G]ood taste in using double vocals and small noises. I love that homemade air that lingers in your cd. - Giacomo Premoli, Varese, Italy


"Here We Go! Review, top to bottom"

1) At the top of the chart is undoubtedly "HENRY" which is pure genius, the kind of song I would have loved to write myself

2) HEEDLESS/HEADLESS I like experimental music, but I can't resist...catchy pop songs, I really can't help it. [My friend had me listen to] it...quite original.

3) HIVE Another hit of genius; looks like you divided your cd in 2 parts, the first more easy listening,..."Sunny side up" kind of stuff and the second ...a "dark side", more experimental. Well, I love the second part the best.

4) LET IT DROP Nice guitar playing and guitar breaks. I love guitar breaks.

5) GET LOST Interesting, but being put between masterpieces such as "Henry" and "Hive" leaves it a little in the dark

6) SHE WON'T COME DOWN Nice to hear

7) SMOKESCREEN [The Syd] Barret-ish feel...should make me love it...

In the end a good album. Maybe a little bit too short. Left me a bit hungry for more.... In fact [I] listened to it again. ...[G]ood taste in using double vocals and small noises. I love that homemade air that lingers in your cd. - Giacomo Premoli, Varese, Italy


""Ghost-Hypnotic" Review #1"

Thanks to Divide and Conquer for reviewing our new album Ghost-Hypnotic! Some odd moments here, but good insights too! Yes, there is a spiritual or mystical element in many of the songs, but that is only one of many themes we address on Ghost-Hypnotic. For the record, "Racers" is not about religion, it's about the rabid pursuit of success at all costs. "Sea Shanty" has spiritual overtones that some, including our reviewer may interpret as religious. However, it is intended more as a general meditation on impermanence and the lure of the sea. Let us know what you think! - Divide and Conquer


Discography

December 2019 - released Songs for Holiday Living II: Magical Bells EP

December 2018 - released Songs for Holiday Living I EP

December 2016 - released album Ghost-Hypnotic 

April 2014- Coachella Festival:  "Love Song" Featured on Indie Anthems Vol. 5 Compilation- WIFI PR Group

Self-published:


2013 singles: Lemmings, Love Song


2012 singles: GoGoGo, Frankenstein


Here We Go album


2-Headed Monster demo


Smokescreen EP


Buzz demo


Cindercone album


Under the Rug demo (ACR  Studios mix)


Undercurrent album


Waterplanet album


 


Other releases:


Loopy Laura demo (24-7 Records, Joe Natoli remix)


Hive single (Alex Strama remix of our song)


Heedless/Headless, Buzzlighter 8, Natural Anthems
compilation, Shut Eye Records


Heedless/Headless was also recorded by the Baltimore-based
band Myracle Brah (released on Treblemaker, Rainbow Quartz Records,
2003)



Photos

Bio

December 19, 2019 - Waterplanet is happy to announce the release of their new EP, "Songs for Holiday Living, Vol.II: Magical Bells"! Continuing a tradition we started in December 2018 with "Songs for Holiday Living, Vol. I," the EPs were self produced and mastered by Mat Lefler-Schulman at Mobtown Studios, where we also recorded and mixed our last album "Ghost-Hypnotic" 

Primarily a duo, Baltimore’s Waterplanet is the work of imagistic songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Millie Landrum and James Hesser. Waterplanet creates psychedelic folk-art rock with a pop twist. Their cinematic storytelling has been compared to: She and Him, Courtney Barnett, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, Violent Femmes, Pixies, Patti Smith, X, and other ground-breaking artists. When Shelly Yakus, engineer to John Lennon, U2, and countless others, heard Waterplanet's recordings, he declared them ahead of their time, and said they conjured animated movies in his mind. 

With driving melodies, rich harmonies, and spare instrumentation, Millie and James share vocals, alternate on guitar, percussion, synthesizer and other instruments, and frequently collaborate with other musicians. Though their songs have been included on several compilations and self-released albums in the past, the last few years have been especially exciting for Waterplanet. Playing multiple shows in New York, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia, Millie and James have been growing their following and exploring new musical directions. In February 2016, their video for “Kingmaker,” self-produced for NPR’s “Tiny Desk” contest, earned Waterplanet a nomination from Washington, D.C.’s Deli magazine as one the “emerging artists” of the month.

Waterplanet headed to Baltimore’s Mobtown Studios to record their latest album, "Ghost-Hypnotic". Darker, dreamier, and more lush than their previous recordings, the songs are full of questions, contemplations, and emotions. Since its release, "Ghost-Hypnotic" has been getting radio airplay and licensing opportunities across the country.

In March of 2018, Wateplanet continued their tradition of entering NPR's “Tiny Desk” Contest! The video for "Under the Rug" might be their best yet!

Waterplanet has played:

Baltimore - Ottobar, Reverb Collective,The Corner, Paulie Gee's, Grand Voyager, 1919, Windup Space, Ruhlman's Brewery, Joe Squared Power Plant, Joe Squared North Ave., D'Agostino Studios, Brass Monkey Saloon, Sidebar, Golden West Cafe, Metro Gallery, Talking Head, Cafe Tattoo, Mojo Room and Lounge, 14 Karat Cabaret, Paloma's, Wolford's Bakery, 8x10, 13th Floor, The Bank, Sowebohemian Festival, Where the Buffalo Roam, house shows

Elsewhere - Pianos (NYC), Bourbon & Branch (Philadelphia), The Local (Boone, NC), On Pop of the World (Greensboro, NC), Flicker Bar + Theater (Athens, GA), The Back Corner (Nashville) The Melody Inn (Indianapolis, IN), Moe's Tavern(Chicago) Mulligan's Pub (Grand Rapids, MI) Arsenal Bowl (Pittsburgh), Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge (Annapolis, MD), Shakemore Festival (PA), Rock Shop (NYC), Shrine (NYC), Silvana (NYC), Tree House Lounge (Washington, DC), Union Hall (NYC), Tea Lounge (NYC), Grog and Tankard (Stafford, VA), The Delancey (NYC), Mid City Caffe (DC), Artomatic (DC), Big Art Show Brooklyn (NYC), East End Cafe (Newark, DE), CODE Space (Philadelphia, PA), The Catbox (Philadelphia, PA), Galaxy Hut (Arlington, VA), Harrisburg Spring Festival (PA), Philadelphia Music Conference (PA), Millenium Music Conference (Harrisburg, PA), Independent Music Conference (Phildelphia, PA) 

 







Band Members