Monday, Oct. 27, 2008 | 11:49 a.m.
Mr. Sun - The Kristina and Tuna Band
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In the words of a famous Henderson band, The Killers: “It’s indie rock and roll for me.”
Three musically inclined teens from right here in Henderson are proving that indie rock is can definitely be for them, too. The Kristina and Tuna Band, with its freshly upbeat indie-folk sound, played its major show at the 2008 Bite of Las Vegas. They earned the chance to play after winning the Band Battle for the Bite.
“It was a big thing, when we won,” band member Carlos Perez said. He went on to praise the local competition at the Battle for the Bite, saying, “We played with some amazing bands.”
Perez, who sang in middle and high-school choirs for 8 years, joined The Kristina and Tuna Band after his friend Sean Counihan invited him to practice with the then two-member band.
Counihan and friend Kristina Antuna (lead vocals) started playing music together after meeting at Coronado High School in guitar class just a few months ago. Since then, it’s been a high-speed whirlwind of shows. The band has been playing at homes and the coffee house, Rejavanate (Flamingo & Pecos).
Antuna’s vocal sound can be compared to that of Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson -- clear, controlled, and melodic. However, after hearing her sing her heart out, you no doubt know that this girl has even more than talent; with her ambition and vocal control, monstrous things await her.
Counihan said that Antuna had taken voice lessons from a young age, hoping to pursue Broadway. But I’m guessing her band just may take her for a ride you wouldn’t normally get on a Broadway stage.
Counihan and Perez have had minimal formal guitar training and are mostly self-taught. “It was really surreal,” Counihan said on winning the contest. When asked if they hope to continue this path in the business, Counihan said “We are really hoping to get signed, and from that, go far.”
Check out the MySpace page of the band and listen to “Mr. Sun” (currently on rotation on Mix 94.1), “Heart for Rent,” “Some People Say,” and “Goodnight.”
Their self-described “like a ray of sunshine” sound is sure to put a warm smile on your face.
Mandy Walton is a community member and blogger for the Home News. To send her an e-mail, visit this link, or leave your comments below.
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