Two brothers, one guitar: Local band Love Me Last releases album
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on Love Me Last, the band has profiles on MySpace.com, Facebook.com and Twitter.com.
Their album, "Sorrow Filled Skies" is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/lovemelast.
One writes poetry. The other plays guitar.
When they get together, they are Love Me Last, a local acoustic indie band.
It all started three years ago when John Paul Ortiz was strumming his guitar and realized that the poetry his brother, George Michael Ortiz, writes would make great lyrics for his melancholy melodies. Working together, with John Paul doing the vocals and guitar and George Michael doing the lyrics and album artwork, the two are setting out to make a name for themselves.
Although they formed in 2007, Love Me Last, which is based in Victoria, has only recently started doing a lot of live shows, most of them in Austin and other surrounding cities. They also recently finished their first album "Sorrow Filled Skies" in March.
"The album was a birthday present to myself. A nice gift," John Paul, 22, said.
Filled with all original music, the album was described by the band as a combination of soulful harmonics, eclectic-styled guitar sounds, along with heart-wrenching lyrics. Naturally, with a name like Love Me Last, most of the band's songs center around love.
"They're dark, acoustic love songs, melodic and dreary," George Michael, 23, said. "They're just chill tunes that people can enjoy. They're all about heartache, breakups, dark love, longing and all the aspects of love. There are so many different ways you can talk about love. It's a topic that ceases to end."
Although during live performances, it's only John Paul on stage performing, George Michael is always at every show for support, he said.
"It's a treat to be able to hear the words you wrote being put out there," he added. "It's as though if you weren't able to speak, someone else saying your words for you. And they do it far better than I could."
While you won't ever catch George Michael singing, his brother's voice more than makes up for it, he said.
"It's not a voice you'd expect. He sings like an angel," he added.
"An acoustic angel," John Paul jumped in jokingly.
For John Paul, the best part of performing is the rush it gives him.
"You get into the moment and express what you're feeling and everyone else gets to hear and feel it," he said. "That's pretty much the reason why I do this. And, to hopefully make some people shed a tear."
While the two hope someday that they'll be able to share their music with a wider audience, even if fame and fortune never come, the two brothers of Love Me Last have gained something even more.
"We always used to fight, but now we're really good friends," George Michael said. "Best friends."
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Comments
Sir, I'll take my drivel over your superb portrayal of being an arse any day of the week.
Mind your head on the way out.
July 21, 2010 at 9:58 a.m.Kyle C, how long did it take you to come up with all that drivel you just typed?
July 21, 2010 at 9:51 a.m."These guys are just what the country doesn't need right now"," but the last thing the world needs is another reason for depression"- That is not speaking for yourself is it?
No, GForce, your prognostication is accurate - I can't say the same as you as I've been a musician for 20+ years but I wasn't blessed with an over-inflated self-righteous ego. I therefore humbly bow to your mastery, congrats!
July 12, 2010 at 5:19 p.m.Wow GForce, get over yourself a bit. I too have been a musician for well over 20 years...I don't understand your problem with these guys. It's not like a record company is pushing them down your throat. They probably recorded this on their own dime, and if people want to buy and listen to it then good for them.
I'm glad you know what mainstream listeners like, but many times it's the mainstream listeners that perpetuate hacks like Britney Spears, boy bands, etc. so I'm not sure making music for the mainstream is the way to go.
Every decade has it's share of good music and crappy music. I don't think there's any less talent now than there was in the 60s, you just have to look a little harder to find it. I think it's great that now musicians can record, distribute, and promote their own material without having to go through a major label. Ya it makes it tougher to find the good stuff, but when you do it's usually way better than anything you'd find 'off the shelf'.
So congrats to these guys on putting an album together and getting their music out to people. Where can I get your album, GForce?
July 12, 2010 at 4:25 p.m.Kyle C,
I never said that I was speaking for anyone but myself. I never mentioned that anyone else agreed with me or not. By the way, I can speak and critique music because I have been a musician for over 20 years. I have paid my dues and I know what mainstream music listeners like. When I compare the music of today with the music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s, there is a huge drop off in talent. Who am I to say what is good, I have two ears and 20 years of experience. Can you say the same? I doubt it.
July 12, 2010 at 3:58 p.m.GForce,
Music expresses and evokes every emotion known to man - who are you to proclaim that you know what we all need at any given point?
I enjoyed the song, well done Love Me Last!
July 12, 2010 at 10:19 a.m.These guys are just what the country doesn't need right now. Why do these disposable bands always play the same depressed angle. Good Lord, find something new for goodness sake. Every year it's the same thing, if it's not teeny boppers completely devoid of real talent, it's guys like this who are always pushing the heart break and depressed angle. Geez! When will it end. Also, really didn't care for the singer's voice. You can barely hear the words over the clanking of the guitar. I just am tired of this goth/emo type stuff that keeps surfacing in the music industry. Give it a rest already.
July 12, 2010 at 8:21 a.m.Does anyone remember hitchhiking? The guy walking along the road is hitchhiking but he's walking towards traffic trying to hitch a ride going the other way....guess he's not old enough to have done it for real.
July 9, 2010 at 2:08 p.m.Oh Lord. I'm all for pursuing one's dreams, but the last thing the world needs is another reason for depression. Why do these new groups always have to play the depressed, feeling sorry for yourself angle. Give me a break. Here's some advice, choose joy instead of wallowing in self-pitty. I don't mean to be harsh, but it's always the same thing, I"m so depressed, look at me. Give us something fresh and new.
July 9, 2010 at 10:52 a.m.Love Me Last is a great band. Very heartfilled music that makes you reflect back on past loves and heartaches. Both George Michael and John Paul are really great guys. I did an interview with them for my publication a fe wmonths back, if you wanna check it out, the website is www.crossroadsmusicmag.com. The pdf file is located - www.scribd.com/doc/32689673
Mark/CRM Publication
July 9, 2010 at 1:14 a.m.