We’re excited to announce the newest Center Stage artist, Boy + Kite (“Boy Plus Kite”).
Formed in 2009 when Darvin Jones and Beth Puorro met while lounging in a hot tub, of all places. Wrapped in bathrobes and discussing band break-ups, Jones and Puorro realized a mutual connection and point of view that would eventually lead to the creation of “Go Fly”, Boy + Kite’s 2011 debut album. Since the release of “Go Fly,” the band has been flying, opening up for acts such as Ume, An Horse, Quiet Company and The Toadies, as well as playing at SXSW 2012 and the Center of the Universe Festival in Toronto, Canada.
The band hit the Top 10 Charts on KUT 90.5 in Austin, TX. Their first follow up to their full length “Go Fly” is the EP “We Can Go Anywhere We Want,” which is a 5-song charmer full of dreamy, ghost-pop, glistening and pulsing at the same time. The EP demonstrates a new depth and maturity departing from their first breakthrough album. In December 2013, Darvin Jones suffered a traumatic head injury and spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital. With a broken synapse, Jones wasn’t sure he would ever play again. Fortunately, things have only gotten better for Jones and Boy+Kite in 2014. The band recorded two new singles at Public Hi-fi Studios in Austin, which are expected to be released in June. Boy + Kite now consists of Darvin Jones (vocalist/lead guitarist), Beth Puorro (vocalist/guitarist), Giuseppe Ponti (bassist), and Marc Henry (drummer).
Describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence
A melodic mix of melodies and vocals that has an atmospheric pop quality that is accessible but different.
What inspires you to make music?
Being able to take a listener on an emotional journey within a song, we like to use a lot of dynamics and melodies to grab an emotion and keep interest. Also being able to entertain a crowd and feel the energy in the room, when all of us are on, it can be show worth going to.
What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
Right now we just came out with a new EP called blueprint. We are so happy with these songs and it shows our growth. I think writing Blueprint and recording it together has excited us the most recently.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a musician?
Not being 20 and juggling regular life with practice, shows and the road. Remember you are married to the other members of your band and that can cause the biggest challenges if everyone is not on the same page or as we go throughout the obstacles of life.
What's one of your all-time favorite recordings?
So many to list but since this is Beth writing I am going to give you mine and it sounds nothing like our music- Miles Davis Kind of Blue.
Name three people who have influenced your music, and tell us why- Living or dead. Miles davis- because ..well cause he is an amazing musician and brings the emotion when he plays.
The Pixies- life changing and paved a way for the kind of music we make.
Radiohead- because they are so very good at melodies and weaving guitars together in such a complementary way.
Do you have any recent or upcoming projects you'd like to share with us?
Yes our new album Blueprint- you can purchase it on itunes and many other digital outlets
What is your ideal or target audience?
I would say the indie alternative listener that likes a sound that stimulates with a side of pop.
Do you write/compose your own songs? Briefly describe your songwriting process.
Oh yes! all of them. Darvin and Beth usually come up with different melodies and get together separately to work out the bones of the song. They separately work on lyrics and vocal melody When the entire band gets together, Giuseppe always adds a melodic tasteful bass part and Marc always nails the perfect drum part for the mood of the song. Vocally it becomes a mix of Darvin and Beth ideas and usually it makes for a interesting and harmonious mix of vocal melodies and ideas.
What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?
We really like all the fans that like and comment on our songs- it means the world to us.