Concrete Sky Goes National Virginia's eclectic rock band, Concrete Sky is making waves from New York to Los Angeles. The band has entered an artist development agreement with long-time Director of A&R for Capitol Records, Loren Israel (Beck, Coldplay, Jimmy Eats World). Israel is working with Concrete Sky on their third album. Their second CD, "Every Face I Spend" is nearing completion at Windmark Recording in Virginia Beach. Concrete Sky's debut CD, "GLOW," is licensed for national release this summer by Statue Records in Los Angeles. Eight of the thirteen tracks form "GLOW" have charted #1 in multiple categories at Soundclick.com, the largest free MP3 download site on the Internet. Concrete Sky is also undefeated in the New York bands competition, Touring 495, a yearlong event sponsored by Inside Connection Magazine. They're competing with some of New York's hottest bands for a $50,000 prize. At this writing, the band is in New York for the semi-finals. Concrete Sky also received rave reviews for both their live show and for their album "GLOW" by Inside Connection. "We're staying busy." says Bob Hembree, "It's important to test our music away from home, especially in New York. It's very competitive up there, and we've learned a Southern band can hold it's own just fine. In Hampton Roads, we're playing festivals and clubs that don't usually hire original bands. I think it's because our songs are honest with strong hooks, and easy to identify with." Concrete Sky is also anxious to work with other Hampton Roads bands. "We have a very strong talent base in this area. The community isn't as supportive of local musicians as it is in other areas, which is unfortunate, because record companies measure bands by their local followings. I strongly believe we'd see more bands signed if radio stations, large venues and publications would do more to promote local music. We currently discussing steps to stir interest in local music and to build an effective network to make this happen." One of the steps Concrete Sky members are taking is opening Hampton Roads Music Center in July. Hembree says they will work with local musicians in several areas including bookings, recording, seminars and promotion. "We see a need, and know how to fill it. We've managed to make some significant connections in our musical careers, which is more years than I'd care to say - we know younger musicians have the advantages. When our songs began topping the charts at Soundclick, my phone was ringing off the hook with offers from management and recording companies. We've established good relationships with clubs, promoters and venues locally and out of town. There's a huge demand for something new out there, but bands in Hampton Roads are slipping under the radar. That's not necessary. We can change that with some teamwork and effort." Concrete Sky, founded by songwriters Bob Hembree (guitar) and Dan Foster (bass), grew from a recording project in 2000. In 2003, they completed the line-up with Bert Croswell (vocals), Chris Serrano (drums) and Mike Fellers (guitar). Hembree, was the lead singer of Washington DC area bands The Rhythm Rats, Ally, Warrior and Face-it before returning to guitar and back-up vocals. "When I heard Bert sing, it didn't make sense for me to continue lead vocals. Bert's has a world-class voice that's hard to beat. I'm happy playing guitar and giving him some backup." Although a relatively new band to Hampton Roads, only a year since their first paying gig at the old 24th Street Pavilion, Concrete Sky has performed over fifty shows. They return to the new 24th Street Pavilion at the end of the summer. "Things are moving very fast for us," says Hembree, "We've had some disappointments, broken promises from flaky club managers, misleading promoters, a disaster at an art show, empty rooms, but we keep pushing forward and don't let anything hold us back. We have a lot of faith in our music and our power to present it. We read all the comments and reviews we get locally and internationally and know we are on to something good. We watch the faces of people getting into our songs, singing the lyrics, having a good time. There's a lot of fuel for the soul when the audience and the band are clicking. That's what we all play for." Bands interested in working with Concrete Sky may call (757) 588-7681. For schedule and more information about Concrete Sky, including video and music downloads, visit www.concretesky.com.