Los Angeles alternative band the Ceremonies landed its deal with Atom Factory Records primarily by way of social connections. The all-brother-band met producer Danny Garibay through a mutual friend. Together they recorded a number of demos over the course of three years. Garibay signed a deal with Atom Factory Music and shared the Ceremonies’ material––including the band’s cover of the Righteous Brothers’ classic “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”––with label head Troy Carter. It was the right song at the right time and it led directly to a deal.
“He brought our music to Troy Carter about a year and a half ago.”
“We hit it off with our co-producer Danny Garibay,” says Matthew Cook, guitarist and vocalist. “I had a bunch of demos we’d already done. We brought them to Danny and together we started to retool them. This meant re-recording the vocals and adding parts here and there. After we’d done about three songs, Danny signed a management deal with Atom Factory.” It was a solid move for Garibay and for the band.
“He brought our music to Troy Carter about a year and a half ago,” Cook continues. “Danny played him two original songs and our cover of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.’ It was an acoustic, simplified version and was a way to show our harmonies and vocals independently.”
Not long after the initial meeting, Carter and Atom Factory offered a contract. But it came with a sweetener. “Through osmosis, we’re signed to Capitol as well,” Cook explains. “Atom Factory had made a deal with them to team up.”
The self-titled EP The Ceremonies dropped last October. A full-length record is being recorded for release in 2014. Recently the band completed a U.S. tour with the Fratellis. Dates included New York City, Chicago and a hometown gig in Los Angeles.
– Rob Putnam
