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John Reuben
Track List
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| With a catalogue of creativity, and a knack for taking unexpected risks, Reuben has become predictable in only one area: unpredictability. Many try to accomplish the delicate balance between indefinable sonics and pop appeal, and very few are... |
 With a catalogue of creativity, and a knack for taking unexpected risks, Reuben has become predictable in only one area: unpredictability. Many try to accomplish the delicate balance between indefinable sonics and pop appeal, and very few are successful.
On Word of Mouth, Reuben proves that defying category is a musical imperative, and he does it with more candor, wit, and resolve than ever before. He came up on the seminal inspiration of pioneers De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Hieroglyphics, Pharcyde, and others who dominated early 90’s hip-hop. But as his career developed he diversified his influence base to include everything from Bjork to Sunny Day Real Estate to Daft Punk. The result is Word of Mouth—an eclectic commentary of spoken word verses with pop choruses atop a diverse collection of stimulating beats, samples, and real instrumentation inhabiting similar ground as experimentalists Beck and Gorillaz.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to make albums I believe in and still maintain a career “. In an era where artists are here today and gone tomorrow, Reuben has overcome that obstacle and put out his fifth and most enticing release to date. With an ever increasing cult following and over two hundred thousand records sold, Word Of Mouth is his most focused effort yet. Each song seamlessly flows into the other and packs in a wide range of emotion without sounding disjointed. Take the title track and first single, a poignant yet tongue in cheek song with an infectious hook and fairytale like beat that teeters simultaneously between dark and adorable. “Miserable Exaggeration” is no less a feat in it’s appeal, with ambient keyboard lines and an atmospheric emotional hook. “Good Evening” is nearly discotech, with a chorus that touches on the funk/alternative tip. Produced by Joe Baldridge (Beck, Family Force 5) you can bet on solid craftsmanship and sonics from front to back.
Perhaps Reuben’s chief accomplishment and area of expertise is in his role as wordsmith; He excels in crafting spoken-word poetry with hints of activism and social commentary, yet always with a hope-filled spiritual twist. He plays the adversary to hipster culture throughout the record, with double-edged lines like middle class kids glorifying poverty. Reuben is a lyricist first and he will make you scratch your temple and admit, “I’ve never looked at it that way before.” On “Sing It Like You Mean It” (complete with surf guitar and children backups screaming OHIO) he spits, “someday I’ll be your favorite artist. Dumb enough to be that confident. Beat the odds with a back-handed compliment.” Always self-deprecating and humorous in his portrayal of himself, there is no underestimating the comic appeal of this Columbus MC. On “Cool the Underdog” he paints a picture of himself as a cynic and critic, yet comments on how the temptation to think along those lines is a dead end: “I hate to interrupt your fantasy, but that chip on your shoulder is self pity. Self-awareness became unhealthy close your eyes and enjoy the scenery if genius can’t change the world he might as well leave it, if genius can’t change the world he might as well critique it.” Overall, the words of Word Of Mouth come across line by line with insight, at times with bravado, and always with cleverness.
In addition to his track record as an innovative recording artist, Reuben also has a history of communicating his art visually. With the latest online tools of distribution at his disposal Reuben will continue to push into this territory in new ways in support of Word Of Mouth. In early 2006 Reuben and his brother produced a 9-minute “pilot” using the resources from his already established career to create an exaggerated alter-ego. The clip, a mockumentary styled piece that recalls classic satires like “Waiting For Guffman”, found a large audience quickly, amassing over 175,000 views and setting the stage for future clips.
With Word Of Mouth, Reuben will have a number of videos created spanning several styles, and will expand his presence in online and broadcast video. The title track will be accompanied by a fully animated video directed by Reuben’s friend and collaborator Chris Oatley, while Reuben will work with his brother on further clips, as well as with Director Kip Kubin, a member of the noted electronic underground band Venus Hum.
Though thoughtful and philosophical, there is no doubt that Reuben’s ultimate end is metaphysical. As always, Reuben’s portrayal of faith amidst uncertainty—complete with vast amounts of illustration—is more than just a trite appeal to the faithful. It is the vulnerable reflection of an artist who has laid it all on the line. “Like most artists, I write from my own experiences with the understanding that my experiences can translate into other peoples lives. It all breaks down to hopes and dreams, human depravity and good times.” A hip-hop album with left of center pop appeal, “I wouldn’t want to make any other album right now.” John’s goal? To motivate anyone and everyone to uncross their arms, drop any attitude, and join with him in enjoying the music. In many senses, this is an album to incite a party across many barriers of genre and subculture.
As always, Reuben plans to play shows anywhere and everywhere he can to support his new release.
A national headlining tour is first on the list of many tours to come as the album drops.
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9/14/2010 - John Reuben's "Zappin: The Best Of" In Stores Today
Franklin, TN - Gotee Records is pleased to announce the release of John Reuben’s latest project, ZAPPIN: The Best Of, online and in stores today, September 14, 2010. In the coming weeks, Reuben will be taking his creative brand of music on the road as a part of the "Fly Me To The Show" tour, featuring Reuben alongside Hawk Nelson, Revive and Britt Nicole.
Spanning John Reuben’s career, ZAPPIN: The Best Of gives a snapshot of John’s last decade, including 6 albums and over 300,000 units sold. This project will be a digital and Christian Bookstore exclusive and will be an essential for old and new fans alike, containing 18 songs in one collection.
“John Reuben has always created music to the beat of his own drum. He's refused to confine himself to the shallow confines of "hip-hop rules" or to being anything other than himself,” explains Josh Niemyjski, editor of SphereofHipHop.com. “I'm always excited to hear what John does next and it's been awesome to watch his creativity expand from one project to the next. This ZAPPIN: The Best Of CD is an essential snapshot of his entire career to date, and will be a must have for both old friends and new fans.”
The project also includes a link in the packaging where fans can download all twelve of John’s acclaimed music videos. Since his start as an ice cream vendor in his debut album’s “Do Not” video, Reuben has made his name over the years as not only a compelling musical artist, but as a creative visual artist. Continuing with his male cheerleader in “Move”, and most recently, the traveling circus inspired “Town Folk” video, Reuben has developed a dozen iconic characters throughout his career. Gotee Records felt no greatest hits collection could be complete without adding in these classic videos that respond so well to the music.
Beginning in early October, Reuben will be joining Hawk Nelson’s "Fly Me To The Show" tour. Beginning in Texas and ending in Michigan, the "Fly Me To The Show" tour hopes to be a tour with purpose, introducing fans to the work of Mocha Club and The Grace Foundation. Also on the tour are Revive and Britt Nicole.
ZAPPIN: The Best Of Track Listing:
1. Him Her He She
2. Do Not
3. Doin'
4. Make Money Money
5. Nuisance (Featuring Matthew Thiessen of Relient K)
6. Move
7. No Be Nah
8. Gather In
9. Hindsight
10. All I Have
11. Word Of Mouth
12. Town Folk
13. Divine Inspiration
14. Life Is Short (With tobyMac)
15. Out Of Control
16. Jamboree
17. Thank You (featuring Manchild & Othello)
18. Good Evening
Upcoming solo tour dates:
9/18 - Corpus Christi, TX
9/19 – Port Lavaca, TX
"Fly Me To the Show" tour with Hawk Nelson, Revive and Britt Nicole
10-9 – Frisco, TX
10-10 – Longview, TX
10-15 – Indianapolis, IN
10-16 – Cullman AL
10-17 – Jacksonville FL
10-27 – Wise, VA
10-28 – Manheim PA
10-29 – Westfield, MA
10-30 – Charleston, ME
10-31 – South Portland ME
11-2 – Syracuse, NY
11-4 – Gladstone, MI
11-5 – Minneapolis, MN
11-11 – Monroe, MI
11-12 – Port Huron, MI
11-13 – Gaylord, MI
11-14 – Canton, OH
http://www.johnreuben.com
http://www.gotee.com
http://www.flymetotheshow.com
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8/17/2010 - John Reuben's Zappin (The Best Of) In Stores Sept 14
Gotee Records is pleased to announce the release of ZAPPIN (The Best Of), online and in stores September 14, 2010. Spanning John Reuben’s career, the project (a digital and Christian retail exclusive) gives a snapshot of John’s last decade, spanning 6 albums and over 300,000 units sold. ZAPPIN (The Best Of) will be an essential for old and new fans alike, containing 18 songs in one collection.
The project also includes a link in the packaging where fans can download all twelve of John’s acclaimed music videos. Since his start as an ice cream vendor in his debut album’s “Do Not” video, Reuben has made his name over the years as not only a compelling musical artist, but as a creative visual artist. Continuing with his male cheerleader in “Move”, and most recently, the traveling circus inspired “Town Folk” video, Reuben has developed a dozen iconic characters throughout his career. Gotee felt no greatest hits collection could be complete without adding in these classic videos that respond so well to the music.
When asked about the project, Reuben quickly replied, “Really a decade already?! Well, alright then. Enjoy!”
Today, Gotee has launched a pre-order so fans can guarantee receiving the project on release day. Fans are urged to visit gotee.com/store to pre-order.
ZAPPIN (The Best Of) Track Listing:
1. Him Her He She
2. Do Not
3. Doin'
4. Make Money Money
5. Nuisance (Featuring Matthew Thiessen of Relient K)
6. Move
7. No Be Nah
8. Gather In
9. Hindsight
10. All I Have
11. Word Of Mouth
12. Town Folk
13. Divine Inspiration
14. Life Is Short (With tobyMac)
15. Out Of Control
16. Jamboree
17. Thank You (featuring Manchild & Othello)
18. Good Evening
Upcoming tour dates:
8/25 – Atlanta, GA
8/27 – Atlanta, GA
9/1 – Omaha, NE
9/3-4 – Worthing, SD (Lifelight Festival)
9/10 – Three Rivers, MI
9/11 – Meadville, PA
9/18 - Corpus Christi, TX
9/19 – Port Lavaca, TX
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7/15/2009 - John Reuben Releases First of Four New Exclusive Singles and Videos Through iTunes
John Reuben and Gotee Records are pleased to announce the upcoming project Sex, Drugs and Self-Control with the release of four videos and audio singles monthly, exclusively through iTunes. The debut song “Town Folk”, launched today available in both video and audio formats. Shortly after, on August 18, the song and video for “Jamboree” will also be released.
Both videos, directed by Jeremy Hughes for Elevate Pictures, aptly show Reuben’s lighthearted nature, while exploring the ideas he paints in song. “Town Folk” visualizes several Old Testament stories, including Sampson, Daniel and Elijah via the imagery of a traveling circus. “Jamboree” features 4 humorous settings gone wrong.
“This album is full of many questions that I have been struggling with over the past few years,” explains Reuben. “It felt often like there was a tension. Artistry, career and faith seemed to be standing at odds with one another. Sex, Drugs and Self-Control is really about basic questions. Questions like ‘Am I talking about honesty more than I’m actually being honest?’ Everything seems to come back to these questions and trying to understand how art and faith can work together.”
Gotee has chosen to launch this project with these four single video and audio releases, as Reuben has made his name over the years as not only a compelling musical artist, but as a creative visual artist. Since his start as an ice cream vendor in the debut album’s “Do Not” video, to the Fight Club induced duck-duck-goose game in “Doin’,” to a male cheerleader in “Move,” Reuben has developed a dozen iconic characters throughout his career, and these 4 videos continue that track record.
Gotee Records will continue to release one digital song and video exclusive per month exclusively to iTunes on the following schedule:
Town Folk – 7/14
Jamboree – 8/18
Confident – 9/15
Nobenah – 10/20
These singles will be leading up to the release of the full project Sex, Drugs and Self-Control releasing worldwide on December 22, 2009.
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11/6/2006 - John Reuben In The Studio
John Reuben's been hard at work on a new album that's slated for an early 2007 release. The still untitled album will be released February 6th on Gotee Records, and features John's latest single, "Word of Mouth."
Reuben's team says that the album was produced by Joe Baldridge, mastered by Richard Dodd, and features a few guest songwriters including Brandon Harris, Gary Burnette, Solomon Olds (Family Force 5), and Seth Earnest (his current drummer), with John co-writing or writing all of the tracks. The ten song album also features an appearance by Ben Folds' drummer who sings on a song called "Miserable Exaggeration."
Keep an eye out for a new animated music video for "Word Of Mouth."
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5/24/2006 - John Reuben's latest endeavor needs your assistance!
John Reuben's latest endeavor needs your assistance!
The hip hop artist has been hard at work on a pilot for a potential new sitcom entitled The Professional Rapper. The artist released a newsletter today enlisting the help of fans to view the show's pilot online and vote for it on YouTube.com.
The following is John's letter to the fans...
"Hey Everybody, So you haven't heard from me in a bit. Well, I have an answer for that. I've been hiding away in the forest. I am a bad communicator. I have been a bad friend. I'm sorry. Forgive me please. I've been extremely busy working on some new stuff. I've been in the studio working on a new record that will be coming out shortly as well as something a little different. In November, me and a few friends got together to film what I like to call an "Altered Reality". You know as well as I do that Reality TV Shows are played out. So here's a fresh perspective. See my altered reality... "The Professional Rapper" ...not to be confused with the album Professional Rapper or reality at all for that matter. The real reality is that this show has the potentional to be turned into a tv show/movie/something else... the possibilities are endless. We've already been able to generate a lot of interest and this is where you can greatly help me out. Click Here To Watch "The Professional Rapper" and leave some good comments (only good comments!) and 5 star ratings. Bad comments and ratings are not accepted, criticism not welcomed, operators are on duty 24 hours a day to receive flattery, blind optimism and all forms of sucking up! Spread it around as much as possible. Watch it as many times as you can and send it to every one you know. If we get enough views than we get to make a show. Sign up at Youtube.com and make ReubonicPlague one of your friends. Hundreds of videos will then follow. Thanks for your support! - John Reuben"
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