The genesis of Venetian Effect can be found in the spring of 2002. When Nik placed an advert on the web seeking likeminded musicians to collaborate with, he was sick and tired of hearing the usual rubbish on the radio and wanted to make a difference. Julian replied and within a few months the two guitarists were joined by Steve on vocals, who shared their ambition to create new, fresh sounding music. Christmas 2002 saw the band record their first EP as a three-piece. Called Utopia Falling it drummed up a lot of interest locally. With the line-up completed in Spring 2003 Venetian Effect did their first full gig at The Casbah in Sheffield in the summer, quickly followed by many more. Highlights so far have been headline slots at The Deepend, (Sheffield), The Boardwalk, (Sheffield), The Falcon Inn (Lincoln) and The Life Café (Manchester).
In November the band went back into the studio to record their second EP. Silent Echoes was received well by the media and fans alike, getting airplay on the BBC raw talent radio show.
In the spring of 2004 the demanding gigging and recording schedule was too much for Neil and Rads. The band parted ways with two key members but was keen to regroup and look to the future. Good fortune was on their side. Liam Godfrey, a regular player on the Yorkshire band scene, joined the band on bass duties. Liam added his own unique blend of camaraderie, vision and talent, which was just what the band needed to get itself going in the right direction again. Not long after the new line up was completed by the young and talented Frazer filling the vacant drum stool.
In May 2004 the band began working on a new mini-album. Originally planned for release in autumn 2004, this self-funded, home-recorded acoustic album took on a life of it’s own. Ambitious as ever even before the release of the acoustic album, Venetian Effect were back in the studio again recording 5 new songs in December 2004.
Unfortunately things came to a head just after Christmas 2004 when Nik announced he was planning a year out from music to go traveling the world. The band decided to split and the last gig, performed at the Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield, a few days after Christmas was an emotional event.
The band now have an 18 track best of due for release. This compilation covers re-mastered tracks from the Silent Echoes as well as thirteen new songs recorded during 2004.
Venetian Effect Members
Nik Gill - Guitars
Nik's Been in Venetian Effect right from the start and
has penned a few of the songs himself, whilst writing lyrics for Julian
to put music to, as well as coming up with the cover and graphic design
of the Utopia Falling EP and the bands logo and Website.
Nik likes his music, though his main influences are Ride, The Verve, Hurricane
#1, Animalhouse, Oasis and alot of contemporary and past bands like the
Buzzcocks, Wire & Pink Floyd.
Julian Shaw - Lead Guitar
Julian likes writing and playing equally, and has been the steady influence
with Nik in the type of music being put out. He is a fan of music such
as Midnight Oil, Crowded House, Manic Street Preachers, Neil Finn and
Mark Seymour to name but a few
Julian has been a member of bands previously on the Sheffield music scene,
most recently Newspeak
as well as Crome
Yellow and Pyrrhus
(along with former Newspeak guys Rob & Dan).
Steve Spray - Vocal & Guitar
Steve has been in the band from the early days, coming in to the fray
with very little background or knowledge of the music world. It has been
a very steep learning curve and one well worth taking as he has grown
to enjoy life in a band. As well as the vocals, Steve now writes music
& lyrics and plays acoustic guitar live on a few songs, so watch out
for that! Steve likes music from a wide variety of genres but centring
around the indie scene of bands like Stereophonics, Travis, Coldplay,
David Gray Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to more rock influences like Bon Jovi
and also some quite cheesy pop rock which we won’t go in to!
Liam Godfrey - Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals
Liams been in the band only a short time now but got his teeth straight
into things when after only 1 practice he agreed to feature on Venetian
Effects new record Square One. Although he didn't have chance to play
on all the tracks he still managed to learn and play bass lines to 4 songs
that he had never heard before, all within the space of a weekend! Liams
been in numerous bands before, playing bass and lead singing and will
add valuble backing vocals to our songs.
Frazer Smout - Drums & Percussion
Replacing Rads on drums is Venetian Effects newest recruit, Frazer is
also the youngest in the band. Frazer showed his ability in a couple of
early practices and was keen to play on Square One, and provides all the
drumming on the record. A talented drummer, we all look forward to seeing
what Frazer will bring to the band.