The Procession profile picture

The Procession

Born in Detroit

About Me

About the Band:

Hi, we are The Procession. Two of us (Paul and John) started this whole thing back in Michigan, in 2003. We spent a long, fun time recording a handful of songs on an eight-track, which became an E.P. The E.P. then found us a manager and a publisher and a label and a whole slew of other exciting things that sound like they are important. It also found us a sixteen-track, which sounds like it isn't important, but it is. Anyway, time passed, and we started to think that we were pretty clever, so we made a record called Musique Magnifique. Shortly thereafter, Musique Magnifique, in conjunction with Manager and Publisher, gave rise to other important entities and alliances, such as California, British Record Label, and Two More Of Us (Greg and Jesse). Before we knew it, we were us and we had a lot more than we had when we started. Now, we are playing a lot more music than we used to--which is a good thing--and we are, most certainly, having a good time. We are also meeting a lot more people than ever before, and we'd love to make your acquaintance, too. Come out to a show and hang with us or leave us a comment or a message. We will try our best to get back to you. Thanks for stopping by and, please, stop by again. Best wishes and thanks for reading.

News:

Stay tuned. Stay very tuned.

U.K. fans:

Look for the Procession's first full-length album, Musique Magnifique, in stores MONDAY, APRIL 9th! Or, order the album by clicking on any of the retail logos below:iTunes (U.K.)Purchase the single for "Major and Minor," featuring special "power mixes," "Major and Minor (acoustic)," and the never before released track, "Lady Post." Ask for it in stores or purchase now on iTunes U.K.Purchase The Procession's first 7-inch, "Don't Let Go" / "Don't Hesitate," online !!! Or request it at your local record retailer!

U.S. fans:

Purchase The Procession's first full-length recording, Musique Magnifique, on iTunes now!!!
If the link stalls, be sure to search for "Musique Magnifique" when in the iTunes store.

Mailing List:

Sign up for Procession e-mails below! Name: E-mail:

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/16/2006
Band Website: theprocession.com
Band Members:

Members:


J. Paul Zawacki
John F. Schreffler Jr.
Greg Jong
Jesse Carmichael

Honorary members, living legends, & tambourine wizards:


Brian Sadler
Jesse Taylor
Ashley Taylor
Pagoda
Aaron Ballard

Press:

"This debut album from the L.A.-based band beams full of Sixties sunshine, charm, and simple melodies...It's the summer harmonies from start to finish on this magnificent that make it such a great first offering."
-The Sun"Anglophiles in love with the Zombies and the Prisoner, the Procession reflect the two extremes of the Beatles' career, from the melodic whimsy of Merseybeat to the baroque intricacy of Abbey Road. They also have a bit of the wacky nerd about them, of Weezer and They Might Be Giants, Beatles-worshippers who coat their pastiches in layers of smug irony...<[/i>Musique Magnifique is] accomplished and impressive in its technical mastery of the minutiae of song construction..."
-The Guardian"[The Procession] have channeled into Musique Magnifique both The Shins' melodic pop complexity and the punk-rooted perkiness of Weezer."
-Uncut"The Procession’s debut album <[/i>Musique Magnifique] arrives with a welcome jolt, all shimmering melodies, upbeat guitar riffs and more pop sensibility than you can shake a stick at. Its simplicity and stripped-backed appeal is all part of its charm and, given a couple of spins, the album’s highlights stick with the listener. Highlights, such as the debut single ‘Don’t Let Go’ and ‘Living Alone’ possess the effortless radio-friendly feel of Sixties pop and will ensure this band build by word of mouth."
-Music Week"Wallowing in the glory days of bands such as Raspberries and Big Star, this American/British trio flirt with pastiche and new-forms-from-old – and new forms just about edge it. You’re unlikely to press 'play' on your MP3 gizmo in, say, 2010 and marvel at how perfectly Musique Magnifique sums up 2007 – 1966, more like. Yet there is something so winning about zip-along, close-harmony songs such as 'Don’t Let Go,' 'In the Least' and 'Sandra' that the Procession’s nostalgia fest is one you want to celebrate rather than shun."
-The London Times"<[/i>Musique Magnifique is] a disarming experience that just keeps getting better with each listen."
-IndieLondon.co.uk"...'Musique Magnifique,' could beam sunshine into even the most rain-drenched Brit resident...Not to investigate this LP would be like losing out on a full day's UV rays...."
-Clash Magazine"The Procession is a Los Angeles-based trio producing rock so fun it's impossible to ignore...These guys obviously enjoy singing and bopping along to their music. If life seems a little too stiff, loosen your neck with the melodies of The Procession."
-WithoutSound.com"...There are few bands around that essay as much untempered joy as The Procession do...Every song here shimmers with a self-assured mastery of harmonising, major chords and the ELO back catalogue...You owe it to yourself to hear this at least once in your lifetime."
-HighVoltage.org"The Procession have found the balance of perfect harmonies and catchy melodies to produce pop gold. The influences of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Weezer are all clearly apparent, and add to the whole retro-pop feel of the record. 'Musique Magnifique' is a wonderfully refreshing summer album."
-ThisIsFakeDIY.co.uk"This Los Angeles-based band conjures up the sounds of favorites like the Beach Boys and Squeeze in a 21st century way. A band to keep an eye on."
-Nic Harcourt, KCRW FM
"[Major and Minor/Lady Post is a] big hitting new single. It's hard to believe these guys are newcomers, given how accomplished and settled their sound - a composite of influences including Ben Folds (in the bouncy electric piano verse) and the likes of Weezer, They Might Be Giants and OK Go (in the nerdy rock-out chorus). Exceptionally sunny stuff..."
-VirginMedia.com"This intriguing trio from L.A., part U.S., part U.K., are masters of power pop. Yes, The Procession make music like they used to, in the 60’s. Having said that, ‘Major and Minor’ (previously titled ‘Major and Minor (What She Wants)’) places an organ-fuelled foot firmly in the 70’s. Slap a Brian May solo in the middle of this vaguely Beatlesque number, and you should be getting the idea pretty soon...In these heady post-emo days, there is a lot to be said for jaunty little numbers that are heavy on the melody, high on vocal harmonies and just good fun. If the recent success of The Shins is anything to go by, then the sun-soaked harmonies of The Procession should be catching on anytime soon."
-DisorderMagazine.com"[The Procession's] debut seven inch, Don't Let Go/Don't Hesitate (Nude/V2), shimmers with honey'd harmonies and Abbey Road whimsy..."
-NME
"Don’t Let Go, comes over all Zombies and Herman’s Hermits... As a marker for their forthcoming album, Musique Magnifique, the single does its job flawlessly...."
-The Sunday Times"...This is just about that most positive song ever recorded."
-Time Out"Don't Let Go is sonically sophisticated and minutely arranged Californian pick-me-up magnificence. Feel the sunshine stream in through your ears. Double A-side Don't Hesitate comes across like a Beach Boys bittersweet shanty, with seaside-bright guitars and metronomic piano. The band whistling floats over the outro. The Procession are a US indie band marching through their own world of harmony and melody; time to join the cavalcade."
-ContactMusic.com

Videos:

The Procession's video for "Major and Minor," directed by L.A. filmmaker/wizard, Luke Asa Guidici

Thanks, Luke!The Procession's "Don't Hesitate" video, shot entirely on super 8 and edited by Dave Bullivant! Thanks, mate!
Influences: Melody, Harmony, 1960's England, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, E.L.O., tape machines, The Zombies, Squeeze, and Weezer.
Sounds Like: A really great record, sixteen tracks, 80% analog/20% digital, and (maybe) the new Foreigner! ;)
Record Label: Retone (U.S.) & Nude/V2 (U.K.)
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Tiara Touring Diagram, Ode, and History

Think anybody wants a roundhouse to the face when we're driving this bad boy? Think again.Yes, friends, we've prepared this helpful diagram that you might glean even an inkling of the sweet features ...
Posted by The Procession on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 03:10:00 PST

ClickMusic.com Live Review

Hey there!Here's another live review from our first show in London at the 100 Club.The review can be read on site at ClickMusic.com or by scrolling down.Hugs,Paul"LA's The Procession are here as main ...
Posted by The Procession on Fri, 04 May 2007 01:46:00 PST

Live Review from This Is Fake DIY!

Hi all,We recently received a live review of our show at the 100 Club in London, on April 17th. Click on the graphic below to view it at This Is Fake DIY.co.uk or scroll down for the less visually int...
Posted by The Procession on Fri, 04 May 2007 08:14:00 PST

Six Eyes Blog Interview

Hi everyone,Check out the latest Procession interview on Alan Williamson's Six Eyes Blog! If you are looking for a good, unbiased place to find out about new music, you really ought to check out Six ...
Posted by The Procession on Fri, 04 May 2007 06:56:00 PST

Stylus Magazine Review for Musique Magnifique

Hi all,Here's a pretty cool/honest review of Musique Magnifique from Stylus Magazine. Click on the graphic to read it on their site, or simply scroll down--I've pasted the text below. Thanks people ...
Posted by The Procession on Thu, 03 May 2007 07:09:00 PST

Living it up in Birmingham

Please check out the new picture of us kind of meeting Richard Ashcroft. The man has the biggest cheek bones ever. We're currently in Birmingham - due to play at The Barfly tonight. Last night's gig ...
Posted by The Procession on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:34:00 PST

UK Tour - Southport

Hello there - this is Greg - back in my home Country of England. We've been here a few days now, and are particularly enjoying the fish & chips, Wetherspoons pubs, and BBC television (Can't beat a...
Posted by The Procession on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:51:00 PST

PROCESSION ALBUM OUT IN UK TODAY!!!

Get yourself down to your local record store and buy "Musique Magnifique" the debut LP from The Procession. It's a purchase well worth making... There are links to buy it online on our Myspace page to...
Posted by The Procession on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:50:00 PST

PROCESSION UK TOUR!

Hello to all our friends in England. We are very excited to announce that we'll be coming to your fair shores within days... UK based band Switches have kindly allowed us to support them on various da...
Posted by The Procession on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:05:00 PST

Change to UK gig dates...

Hi there,Just wanted to inform those in England that our gig dates in April have changed.We will not be coming across the pond until around about April 11th.This means the previously posted shows at t...
Posted by The Procession on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:23:00 PST