Without making too big a sweeping statement, Bristol, as a general rule, hasn’t had too much to get excited about. True enough Portishead, Kosheen and the entire trip hop movement came out of the city but aside from that and an impressive suspension bridge, it’s been quiet for a little while.
Enter HiFlyer, the Southwest’s very own answer to Fleetwood Mac. Imagine a sweeter than sweet Coldplay if Chris Martin got the boot and Aimee Mann took on the lead vocal. The vocal in fact is a high point of the HiFlyer experience and an interesting topic considering that, as a child, lead singer Elle had an illness that almost took away her ability to talk, let alone sing. Her vocal chords were damaged during a procedure to clear her airways after she contracted pneumonia. In spite of doctors concluding that Elle would be lucky to walk or talk, due to lack of oxygen to the brain, here she is today fronting the most promising of UK bands. Interestingly, an illness that should have stripped Elle of her voice has instead given her a stunning and instantly recognizable asset. Regulars on the Bristol music scene, HiFlyer have built up a loyal and active fan base. Following them from venue to venue, HiFlyer fans have built the band’s reputation in and around Bristol and are prepared to carry the name of the band across the country! HiFlyer’s debut album ‘Here Comes The Sunshine’ was released last year to rave reviews, and built the band a solid reputation within various music magazines and journalists. ‘Antarctika’ continued the band’s success, and new single and EP of the same name ‘Chasing Rainbows’ looks certain to push them forward into the mainstream. Elle’s voice has drawn comparisons to the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae, Nerina Pallot, Aimee Mann and Sarah McLaughlin, and the band themselves have had various comparisons to a whole host of artists such as Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow and even Fleetwood Mac.
Sounding every inch winners, HiFlyer are sufficiently different from the norm to be attention grabbing and extremely radio friendly. There writing is mature and poetic and is set to gloriously infectious music. There's nothing hit and miss here, nothing left to chance. HiFlyer are young and still at the early stages of their promising musical careers.
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Meet The Group
Elle Williams (Keyboards/Vocals)
Elle: Keyboards and VocalsAt seven she said she wanted to be a singer and at 14 wrote her first song. At 15 she had recorded: "Open up your Heart" on a home recorder and had it played on BBC Radio Bristol. She also recorded it in French for the Dordogne Disco Scene. At 16, she co-wrote the first album with her brother and at 17 wrote the second album, which is currently being recorded. Elle used to sing with a big band, who did a gig with the Bath based Silver Ring Choir that had featured Jamie Cullum. Elle is focusing completely on writing her third album, and finishing recording "HiFlyer's" e.p. Antarctika. Elle is an excellent front woman, with passion and charisma, which is obvious when she performs!
Henry Williams (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals)
Henry: Rhythm Guitar and Vocals As a great young sportsman, Henry had no interest in music, until the age of 15. This was when he first picked up a guitar and never put it down again. It seems it is permanently welded to his arms! From no musical knowledge to play the guitar, Henry began learning himself, with the full annoyance of family and friends, until he mastered his craft. Henry was taught to play by Joe Strummers an original song writing partner and Dan Kelleher. Henry has since developed his own great rhythm and lead style of playing. He wrote: "What Would Happen," his first song, at 16 and then soon teamed up with sister Elle, to co-write and produce all of the band: "HiFlyer" songs. Henry now fronts the band with rhythm guitar, along with Elle on keyboards and vocals.
Michael Edwards (Bass Guitar)
Mike: Bass Guitar Mike has been a close friend for many years. Elle Williams decided to contact him, when "HiFlyer" was being created and felt he would be a perfect fit. Mike has since been a major part of the band and has been a perfect puzzle piece. Mike has been playing bass for over three years and "HiFlyer" is his second major gig.
Andy Jones (Drummer)
Andy-Drummer: Andy Jones is the newest member of the HiFlyer team only joining in August 2007. But, already he is an integral part of the family. He has been in bands before, but, has just finished studying music at the University in Bristol. He was taught drums by: Ian Matthews, who drums in the well known British band: "Kasabian." His drums on HiFlyer's new recordings, really highlight the great and interesting talent that he has. He also does backing vocals, adding to the strength of the overall HiFlyer vocals.
Reviews And Releases
Hi Flyer – Chasing Rainbows Ever feel like you have spent your whole life “Chasing Rainbows”?Front lady Elle Williams delivers her lyrics that will lift your spirits to never give up your dreams with the following track “Is It Possible” with heart lifting instrumental melodic harmony by talented musicians Henry Williams. Mike Edwards, and Alex Browne. A Sara Mclaughlin or Aimee Mann sound?.....Absolutely not….Elle Williams has a voice of an angel with a style she can call all her own……and will deliver her vocal gift to the mainstream music scene with her own legendary appeal. Just lost what you feel was the love of your life?Elle will cry with you in High Flyer’s track 5…..” Lake of Tears ” and give you the soft touch of inspiration and comfort in melodic perfection…..then Elle shows you the way in track 6…..“He Doesn’t Know” that will help you move on with your life! Bravo “Hi Flyer,” this 6 track album is your own legendary sound that will reach the masses……see you backstage! -CD Pulse.Com Staff-
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Contact The Artist
HiFlyer is a high energy Soft Rock UK band that has their own unique sound and Alternative vibes. If you are interested in obtaining a complete Press Kit on this artist, please contact us at: (888) 404-1168 or use the e-mail form below. And you can use the form below, to voice your opinions, comments and questions about the artist, which are always welcome!
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St. Peter's Hospice
St Peter's Hospice is Bristol's only adult hospice caring for local people with incurable illnesses, usually cancer, as well as supporting their families and children.
