California’s rock scene is about to experience a seismic shift with the advent of The Project, a supergroup led by James Davis, renowned as the lead guitarist of the Cali-rock scene’s celebrated band Shameless from the 00s. The Project has recently dropped their second single, “Over You,” following the resounding success of their debut release, “Best Days,” which has garnered over 260,000 streams and nearly 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify within just six weeks.
James Davis, a prominent figure in the music scene, gained acclaim as the lead guitarist for Shameless, a band that secured accolades such as Best Hard Rock Band at the Southern California Music Awards in 2006, Best Hard Rock Band Rock City News in 2005 and 2006, and Best Metal Band at the Inland Empire Music Awards in 2006.
Despite Shameless amassing a devoted international following, James Davis is now steering his musical journey into a new direction with The Project. The supergroup is not only influenced by the best of pop but also draws inspiration from the realms of metal, creating a unique fusion that promises to captivate a diverse audience.
The Project has exciting announcements in the pipeline, teasing surprise members set to join the ranks in the coming months. For now, the lineup boasts Shameless’s powerhouse vocalist Jeff Plant, and drummer Andre Bonter from Pump5, who emphasizes the tremendous talent within The Project, stating, “When I see a friend with THAT much talent, and doing nothing with it, it hurts my rock and roll soul, so I put my super drummer cape on to save the day!”
“Over You” marks the group’s second single and builds on the anticipation generated by “Best Days.” Both tracks offer a taste of what’s to come from The Project’s debut album, set to release early in 2024. The album promises an exhilarating ride through classic hard rock and pop rock, embodying the essence of California living.
The debut album was recorded at Arrowhead West Studio in Rancho Cucamonga, California, produced by Dennis Hill (known for his work with Face to Face, Sammy Hagar, Montgomery Gentry, and others), co-produced and engineered by Steven Barnett of Pump5, and mixed and mastered by Mike Troolines (credited for his work with Los Lobos, Ignite, and the Righteous Brothers).
The lead single, “Best Days,” showcases the breadth of The Project’s musical influences, blending vocals reminiscent of Sabbath, guitars that channel the spirit of Smashing Pumpkins, Rush-style breakdowns, and the infectious pop hooks reminiscent of Blink-182. It’s a track that seamlessly weaves together elements from various corners of the rock world, delivering a nostalgic yet contemporary sound.
As The Project continues to unveil singles leading up to the album release, the anticipation among fans of good rock and the allure of California living is set to soar. “Best Days” and “Over You” lay the groundwork for what promises to be a remarkable debut album, solidifying The Project’s position as a powerhouse in the ever-evolving landscape of rock music. Get ready to embrace the sandy beach mosh pit when The Project’s “Best Days” album arrives on all major platforms early next year.
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