Calla

Calla was formed in New York City in 1997 by Aurelio Valle (guitar, vocals), Sean Donovan (bass, keyboards, programming), and Wayne B. Magruder (percussion, programming), adding Peter Gannon in 2003 and Sean Donovan departing in 2004. A four-track demo was completed in 1998, generating interest from the Brussels label Sub Rosa, which released the band's first album to critical acclaim in Calla's self-titled debut pried apart traditional song structures and reconfigured the components into subtly apocalyptic, cinematic pieces, at times evoking electronically processed Ennio Morricone soundscapes. Having been excited by the debut album, Michael Gira signed the group to his label, Young God Records and released the band's second album, SCAVENGES (January 2001). Understanding the mixture of indie rock and high concept art that their music represented, TELEVISE (January 2003) solidified their jagged indie pop sound. Calla entered the studio in late Summer 2004 to record their fourth full length with producer Chris Zane (Televised) and additional mixing by Victor Van Vught (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey). This album, COLLISIONS was released on Beggars Banquet late 2005 to critical acclaim. 2006 saw Calla playing shows across Europe, Greece, and Russia where new songs were written and rehearsed. Inspired by their travels and combining all aspects of their previous albums, Calla recorded their fifth album in NYC and Austin, TX."STRENGTH IN NUMBERS" was released in early 2007.