tag:hemisphereband.com,2005:/blogs/news-blogNews Blog2023-11-18T09:10:27-12:00Hemispherefalsetag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/73056642023-11-18T09:10:27-12:002023-12-09T13:14:25-12:00Humphrey's Live - Nov 11th - Live Video Singles...<p>Hemisphere plans to release three live singles starting Dec 10th, 2024 starting with ‘Church Street Blues’ from the electric night at Humphrey's! Stay tuned for mre release dates…</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/413331/86af8b9bf865491f4860f192d6c758c4e0a29753/original/new-singles-web-page.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/72440752023-07-18T20:57:49-12:002023-10-16T02:55:03-12:00San Diego Pride Parade - 2023<p>Hemisphere rocked the house for over 250,000 parade attendees on July 15th, 2023!</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://fb.watch/lTnvp49pRr/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Click here to see some photos!</a></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/413331/96573ad0559c7604650e9420b9a06f60f86f6383/original/1111980.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/70758592022-10-06T06:33:47-12:002022-10-09T12:54:04-12:00Troubadour covers the American Dreams arc...<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sandiegotroubadour.com/hemisphere-positively-energized-and-ready-to-rock/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/0a1b7924eb27bce02670302e1debd9e6e1f505b4/original/troubador.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Click the image for the article!</p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/69475072022-04-13T06:34:03-12:002022-04-13T06:36:08-12:00The 'Unity' album recordings<p>Some picts from this weekend's session, I was going to take the day off but here they are... a magical time at Spragueland studios, the Unity album drops WW July 1st 2022 with Tinderbox Music!</p>
<p>We are so excited to share it with the world, more updates coming soon (including our two night album show at Humphreys)! </p>
<p>The band: Don Bowman, Mike McQuilken, Max Zape, Nathan Brown, Rob Shinno </p>
<p>Unity album guest artists: </p>
<p>Vocalists: Leonard Patton, Rebecca Jade, Janet Hammer, Donna Larsen and Janice Edwards </p>
<p>Horns: Paul Seaforth and Chris Klich </p>
<p>Percussion: Tommy Aros </p>
<p>Keys: Jayson Tipp </p>
<p>String arrangements: Peter Sprague </p>
<p>Strings: Spragueland String Quartet </p>
<p>More to come... : )</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/63658da2cc98e44dc6a4a585609ef5a51084f734/original/img-0079.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/68833132022-01-29T10:23:09-12:002022-02-02T20:55:33-12:00When we discuss Japanese American internment, stories like my family’s aren’t often told...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/c7d88687a9828519438e94285c58ac8eb5bad0d2/original/rob4.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Shinno is a third-generation Japanese American. He’s a director of the Japanese American Citizens League, composer/musician for Hemisphere and a technologist for Dassault Systèmes who lives in Hillcrest. </p>
<p>As we honor Fred Korematsu, who fought against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, I thought I could share my own story and family history from that time — tales that are often not told.</p>
<p>My parents grew up in Hilo on the island of Hawaii. Both were from large families, and they both often told me of their struggles to survive, splitting a package of hot dogs and sometimes not eating if there was not enough food to go around. My mother was the oldest of the clan, and often had to take care of her siblings during the day as her parents worked. Later, my parents moved to Honolulu to work at the Dole Pineapple plantation, which was backbreaking work. Then Pearl Harbor happened on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base on Oahu, killing more than 2,300 Americans. Afterward, in California, Japanese Americans like Fred Korematsu and his family were rounded up and incarcerated. It was authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 of Feb. 19, 1942. </p>
<p>To this day, it still stands as one of the worst civil liberties violations in American history.</p>
<p>In Hawaii, since most of the population was Asian, and many were Japanese Americans, the men of the family were allowed to enlist in a branch of the military, certainly a better fate than Japanese Americans on the mainland. My father enlisted at the age of 20. According to what I was told, he spoke Japanese well enough to be an interpreter, and listened to Japanese communications during the war and wrote down what he heard every day. </p>
<p>After the war, my mom and dad moved to Chicago where my mother went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My father went to Northwestern University, where he was the valedictorian of his class and subsequently moved to Detroit to work for the Ford Motor Co. for 25 years. </p>
<p>Why is this history important today? First, it tells how Japanese Americans, and others, have struggled to achieve the American Dream. My father was a hard worker, but I could see and hear from him and my mom, that as the only Asian in the office, promotions and advancement were few. He was often passed over in an environment that looked past Asians as leaders. I learned from his experience as I went out into the world to speak up when I thought I had earned raises and promotions and to challenge the status quo. Second, although I had a good childhood in the Midwest, I did and do experience discrimination and bias. Even as recently as during the pandemic when someone spit in my face during the lockdown, which I am sure was potentially aided by calling the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 the “Wuhan Virus” or “China Virus,” which is inaccurate and xenophobic. </p>
<p>Finally, many third-generation Japanese Americans (Sansei) have been distanced from their heritage, and the history of what happened to Fred Korematsu certainly has contributed to losing that connection, as businesses, homes and connections were lost. Teaching Japanese American history to our children in schools can help connect to the past to our joint futures. </p>
<p>While Fred Korematsu married, had kids, moved back to California in 1949 and worked as a drafter, it seems like his struggle for equality limited his work options for most of his life. In 1983, Korematsu returned to federal court, seeking vindication. In 1983, a federal judge threw out his conviction. That was the year I moved from Detroit to San Diego. </p>
<p>History continues to be written. Today I am a successfully working in technology, lead an original music band (Hemisphere) and serve on the board of directors for the Japanese American Citizens League. While the future is ours to write, will we learn from the past or ignore it? If we do not teach our true past history to future generations, we seem doomed to repeat it. May we live in an America that celebrates diversity, equality and unity for future generations. </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/68813112022-01-27T10:38:37-12:002022-01-27T10:40:20-12:00Big World Live Hits 100K+ Views...<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/9uvGBzWDXtE" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/14545d32cfd9b1e4af80fdb23ca55a13e4f1776e/original/big-world-video.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>We are excited to share that our second music video to hit 100K views is the live version of ‘Big World’! … a big shout out to everyone who watched/shared/liked and commented on it… thanks to Sam Sprague/PEMDAS for the video shoot and editing, and Peter Sprague for audio tuning… launching Feb 1st is our live version of ‘Dance Club’ and announcements in Feb for the upcoming Unity album! You can see the video at the link below, and it really helps us if you can subscribe to our channel. Thanks again for support. - Best, Rob and Hemisphere </p>
<p><a contents="Big World - Hemisphere Live - Explore it!&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/9uvGBzWDXtE" target="_blank">Big World - Hemisphere Live - Explore it! </a></p>
<p>#musicvideo #indiemusic #music #live #livemusic</p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/68612282022-01-06T09:37:35-12:002022-01-06T12:39:19-12:00San Diego Reader - Hemisphere Update...<p>Click the Unity album cover (releasing June 2022) to read the update in the San Diego Reader...</p>
<p>Hemisphere is Rob Shinno: Guitars, Backing Vocals and Vocorder, Don Bowman: Lead Vocals and Sax, Michael McQuilken: Drums, Nate Brown: Bass and Groove, Max Zape: Keys.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2022/jan/06/live-five-we-are-our-computers-genitalia/?fbclid=IwAR3bLZGIUCpZyubhvqyVyjhp9Bk_ITrYMEZ3rK4VPp3JitxzSuypz6TgrM4" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/2b94a45184aa683fc4cbb0b1f35d631a3f657844/original/unity-v3-band-and-title.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/68567832022-01-01T09:50:16-12:002022-01-11T17:02:01-12:00Local San Diego - Musico Musings <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/869be34dad1fa267a0194c8551dbe12123f6a34b/original/review-blogs-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I wanted to start a series of blogs on local original musicians that I ran into, saw live or just liked their work! So let's get started..</p>
<p>1) Donna Larsen & Messengers - Donna and the group are a bit rock n' roll, definitely a story-teller's band. Her latest album 'Messengers' has a new-age feel that I really like. Songs like these that are positive messages really resonate with me (I've always thought sad and/or angry songs are easier to do). If you look for some recommendations to start, try 'Solitude' as a ballad or the more up-beat 'Every Song is a Miracle'... the whole album holds together well. Click the album to take a listen:</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/59N4073MVPwap9JcqTAtdr?si=ZxECQ_a3RsaqKINXrB_MIQ" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/18c56f42dd6305d9db76c7229de9e41e52504059/original/messeners.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>2) Guild of Brothers (Tom Wallace) - "Otherside" is the first single from hard rock/progressive metal artists Guild Of Others' self-titled debut album. (Released: February 18, 2022.) The album features guest musicians Derek Sherinian (keyboards) and Tony Franklin (fretless bass) throughout. This is full on Rock with a Prog bent... great production and vocals stand out here. Think Dream Theatre with a splash of Disturbed swagger... The video imagery is also cool, take a whirl on the like below to the video 'Otherside':</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/g8G1pfrpSGM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/0c3a4ce54a4158ebab0da9f74c9e2ae120d04f1a/original/guild-o-brothers.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>3) Rebecca Jade - What's It Gonna Be video. Ok, most of you might have heard of Rebecca, who just came off the Dave Koz Christmas tour, or seen her singing with Sir Elton on the 2020 Academy Awards show with vocals as smooth as silk... it's no surprise that her new video release is introspective and uplifting. Truth in advertising, Rebecca was on the AD album, and will be singing on Unity in 2022. Hear the new single here: </p>
<p> <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/N8MrEOyjXQA" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/eccc5efeafa3a8fd0b5b7a60708fbc5ef53af6e8/original/rebecca.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>4) January Berry Band - Linda Sings, John Plays Guitar along with Doug White, Brian Bannock, Mel Hintz and Donna Larsen and David Green guest vocalists! — with Donna Larsen and 5 others, this album is rock solid, bluesy-rock with a whole lot of soul. The opening track 'Think About it Drink About It' sets the stage, other stand-outs for me were 'Standing at Your Back Door' and 'Luck Don't Live Here Anymore', but the whole album is solid, no throw-aways here. Click the pict for the album download and samples...</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://januaryberryband.com/home" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/7483d265ca23a14702912af0ee6255beaea9af01/original/cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>That's it for now... I'll be back with more musings as they come along! XXOX - Rob </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/67462412021-09-14T17:07:01-12:002021-09-14T17:08:19-12:00PixelatedGeek Interview - Peter Sprague and Rob Shinno... Guitars and more...<p>An interview on PixelatedGeek with San Diego guitar legend Peter Sprague and Rob Shinno from Hemisphere on composition, recording, inspiration and future plans... see Hemisphere live at Humphrey's BackstageLive Oct 2nd... </p>
<p>https://pixelatedgeek.com/2021/09/a-conversation-with-peter-sprague-and-rob-shinno/</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/b5dd0ff9d089b911f2a642c251f29be19bd008ce/original/peter-and-rob-logos.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/67125712021-08-10T09:31:39-12:002021-08-10T09:31:39-12:00Home - Video and Streaming Sleeper Hit!<p>I had asked Peter Sprague what track he liked the most when we finished mixing the AD album, and after a pause he said 'probably Home, yes Home...' well 10 months after the album release, Home is a sleeper hit, climbing to 20,000 streams and views on Spotify and YouTube... take a listen or look here... </p>
<p>https://open.spotify.com/track/2XJAmxsQp4KwZpVi7GBKkn... </p>
<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PHVhULcLJ4</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/3cbde711876be0748bc5f4f1c3dff7d6235ae305/original/home-video-thumnail.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/67046872021-08-02T06:05:48-12:002021-08-02T06:05:48-12:00San Diego Reader - Oct 2nd Show Coverage<p>Promoting the spirit of unity, diversity, and equality, Hemisphere features openly gay members Rob Shinno (guitar, vocoder) and Don Bowman (vocals, sax), as well as Mike McQuilken (drums), Nathan Brown (bass), and Max Zape (keys). The band draws on rock, pop, jazz, fusion, and metal for inspiration and has played at prestigious events such as the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Tracks from their new album American Dreams, nominated Best World Music Album at the San Diego Music Awards, have scored over 400,000 YouTube views and streams since the October 2020 release date. It includes guest players such as Grammy winning drummer and percussionist Tommy Aros(Fattburger), singers Rebecca Jade (2020 SDMA Artist of the Year) and Leonard Patton, trumpeter Derek Cannon, and a guitar solo from Patrick Yandall. Local jazz star Peter Sprague served as engineer and mixer, and the album was mastered by Bernie Grundman (Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Prince). A video is streaming online for the album track “America,” shot during the pandemic lockdown using social distance precautions, and an American Dreams collector’s CD edition is available with a 16 page pamphlet of liner notes, images, and lyrics. The band recently booked three nights at the 2022 South By Southwest music festival. Their album release party happens at Humphreys Backstage on October 2, for a bill that includes the Grant Clarkston Trio and Wolftrane.</p>
<p><a contents="San Diego Reader - Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2021/jul/29/live-five-joyous-fantasy-realm-gas-station-hot-dog/" target="_blank">San Diego Reader - Music</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/da34bcfb3530fe13f347e4b19144fed4dd79c436/original/reader-band.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/66547322021-06-09T12:34:41-12:002021-06-09T12:34:41-12:00SXSW 2022<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/141f1d8d6ba253a1b56297936b06e2d8a4219d7f/original/sxsw-hemi-2022.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We are super excited to announce our appearance at SXSW 2022... details to follow soon!</p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/66528982021-06-08T03:31:29-12:002021-06-08T03:31:29-12:00Hemi Prep for Go-Live... Oct 2021!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/caa7ba40b098c6674c94bc7d18a6a8a35d3d256b/original/hemi-060821-rnr.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We had our first full band rehearsal for the 'American Dreams' live show, look for us in October for this special performance in San Diego!</p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/66497242021-06-04T06:27:36-12:002021-06-04T10:11:27-12:00Home - Official Video...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/3cbde711876be0748bc5f4f1c3dff7d6235ae305/original/home-video-thumnail.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here is the Friends and Family preview of the 'Home' video from Hemisphere, just a few days before it's official release. Sometimes you write something and you don't know where it came from and it takes on a life of it's own. The song 'Home' is one if these. I was so upset one night about the separation of children from their parents at our border and homelessness that I got up at 2:30am and scratched out the idea that became this song. A month later I took it to Don Bowman and he finished the chorus chording... so here it is, with the video I imagined at the time. I hope you will like it, share it and most importantly comment on the YouTube video itself (as that helps us share the message). Love and Peace, Rob & Hemisphere. </p>
<p>Watch the video here: <a contents="https://youtu.be/8PHVhULcLJ4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/8PHVhULcLJ4" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/8PHVhULcLJ4</a> </p>
<p>PS - I will match the first $100 in donations to Voices of Our City, Voices of Our City Choir is transforming the perception and experience of homelessness through the healing power of the art and music. XXOX - Rob </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.voicesofourcity.org/donate" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.voicesofourcity.org/donate" target="_blank">https://www.voicesofourcity.org/donate</a><a contents="https://www.voicesofourcity.org/donate" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.voicesofourcity.org/donate" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<p>PSS - Please vote for Hemisphere in the San Diego Music Awards (category #14), you can vote daily if you wish... <a contents="https://dosd.com/p/sandiegomusicawards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dosd.com/p/sandiegomusicawards" target="_blank">https://dosd.com/p/sandiegomusicawards</a></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/65734772021-03-14T06:41:17-12:002021-03-14T06:43:30-12:00San Diego Union Tribune Interview<p><a contents="My last gig: Guitarist and band leader Rob Shinno: ‘It all seemed unreal’" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/music/story/2021-03-14/my-last-gig-before-the-covid-19-shutdown-guitarist-and-band-leader-rob-shinno" target="_blank">My last gig: Guitarist and band leader Rob Shinno: ‘It all seemed unreal’</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/95c5690d59c9780ff47c8b89a3cd9e43da2e3483/original/img-5804.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The band’s most recent gig, in 2020, was a fundraiser for then-presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg </p>
<p>MARCH 14, 2021 5 AM PT </p>
<p>Guitarist Rob Shinno, 62, is the leader of the San Diego alternative-rock band Hemisphere, which he founded in 1996. Hemisphere’s newest album, “American Dreams,” was released in October. hemisphereband.com </p>
<p>Hemisphere’s last gig, with a trimmed-down lineup, was a fundraiser for Pete Buttigieg, America’s first LGBTQ+ presidential candidate, on Feb 20, 2020. I was very excited about the event, having had the pleasure to meet Pete in person at his only campaign stop in San Diego earlier in the year. Pete’s local committee folks, led by longtime San Diego political advocate George Biagi, helped to officially set up the event I hosted, and we proceeded to invite folks to attend. </p>
<p>Because the fundraiser was held in my home in Hillcrest, attendance was limited to around 50 people, and I was pleased to hear, prior to the event, that it was in fact “sold out.” Since we had some space limitations, Hemisphere lead singer/saxophonist/ keyboardist Don Bowman and I played live as a duo. ... The fundraiser included a personal video from Pete to the attendees and then we performed several songs from our new album, including “Transmission,” which is a YouTube hit with around 60,000 views so far. … </p>
<p>We all felt wonderful. In the back of our minds, we thought COVID-19 might disrupt things for a bit, but I personally thought: “Oh, well, maybe we need to push back a few dates and things will certainly be better by June 2020 at the latest.” We even met with our recording engineer and producer, Peter Sprague, on March 15, thinking we would all be in the studio. Then the lockdown happened. </p>
<p>It all seemed unreal. Studio recording session dates and planned performances, including a huge float for San Diego Pride 2020, were all canceled. We were able to book an Oct. 15 album-release show, but lockdown number two hit and our sold-out show at The Lot in La Jolla was canceled two days before it was to be held. </p>
<p>To make matters worse, our ticketing service, Brown Bag Tickets, never refunded our money so we paid ticket-holders back (ourselves). We did put our “American Dreams” album out on Oct. 1 and received radio airplay on over 55 stations. Our singles, “Transmission,” “These Are the Days” and “America” garnered over 200,000 streams and views, so we have been fortunate on that front. </p>
<p>I am lucky to be able to work at home from a day job in software technology to provide my income. But isolation is hard on me as well as everyone else, and it’s been over a year since I’ve seen a co-worker in person. Three of my bandmates are full-time musicians — Don Bowman, (keyboardist) Matt Zappe and (bassist) Nathan Brown — and have been heavily impacted. They have basically been unemployed because of COVID and not being able to perform. They’re trying to be as optimistic as possible that we can hopefully get back to normal this year. </p>
<p>I was watching a large recorded “live” concert the other night, and I felt sad, wondering when I could be in a big audience again, let alone perform safely with my own band. Meantime, I am adding new skills to be productive ... and learning new social platform skills ... (TikTok here I come ...). </p>
<p>Still, venues are shuttered — including Martinis Above Fourth in my own hood of Hillcrest — and musicians are hurting, and we all hope the public will come out in droves to support live music when this is all over. I just want to perform again and have folks come to our show and have a good time.</p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/65150452021-01-06T12:05:47-12:002021-01-06T12:09:27-12:00Hemisphere Interview - Grab Magazine<p>Check out the latest in Grab Chicago. Print and Digital pages 30-32: </p>
<p><a contents="Grab Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://85bf4295-3249-4fe9-ab8f-8d45d27a01c5.filesusr.com/ugd/4a3c29_7264b43bc0db45f4aa459632a8834c26.pdf" target="_blank">Grab Magazine</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/295f75b50dcb91bbb3758cc6194d48462586cb49/original/grab-magazine.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/65009232020-12-16T07:16:47-12:002020-12-16T07:16:47-12:00These Are the Days - Video Launch Jan 1st, 2021<p>The second video single 'These Are the Days' from the American Dreams album. The only song on the album written during the first Covid lockdown, it was written to highlight the injustices that we still face for BLM, LGBTQ+ and Women's Rights that have been fought for over the decades in America. Although progress has been made, there is still so much more work we need to do together. The official WW release for the video will be 01-01-2021! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/be85c55373e9d64593be26ce74627c5edfe08df7/original/days-thumbnail.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64918512020-12-04T07:17:05-12:002023-12-10T05:44:32-12:00San Diego Music Awards - World Music Album of the Year 2020<p><a contents="American Dreams Nominated for Album of the Year from the San Diego Music Awards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2020/dec/03/live-five-postmodern-eclectic/?fbclid=IwAR3XttEWw-hRddAGsLC_MXbp8dhrt1ZDTxgkRxudcZi76ZqycdL0dT6a60g" target="_blank">American Dreams Nominated for Album of the Year from the San Diego Music Awards</a></p>
<p>San Diego Music Awards nominee for Album of the Year, Hemisphere draws on rock, pop, jazz, fusion, and metal for inspiration. Their new album American Dreams includes guest players such as Grammy winning percussionist Tommy Aros (Fattburger), singer Rebecca Jade (2020 SDMA Artist of the Year), singer-trumpeter Leonard Patton, trumpeter Derek Cannon, and guitar soloist Patrick Yandall. “If you listen to the end of the opening track ‘America,’ you get the sense of unity, diversity, and equality that we are hoping to convey on the album,” says band founder Rob Shinno. “From there, you get right into the track ‘Dance Club,’ which speaks to diversity and inclusion for marginalized groups. We all have someplace we go to feel comfortable and relaxed, regardless of our views or differences.” The first single “Transmission” concerns the influence of social media. “If you really break it down, there is a different dynamic to stating an opinion online and having a real conversation with someone. Whether it’s about a specific topic, or in some relationship, it’s so much healthier to have the conversation than a one-way communication. We can all get along if we are willing to communicate.” A collectors CD edition is available with a 16 page pamphlet of liner notes, images, and lyrics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64763522020-11-12T13:40:43-12:002020-11-12T13:43:13-12:00VENTS Magazine Interview<p>Check out the band interview at </p>
<p><a contents="Hemisphere Interview - VENTS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ventsmagazine.com/2020/11/11/interview-hemisphere/?fbclid=IwAR3gWN94pT0ClWekXQ-SM70DFsXa9CxoHDF-6G8Wm-u5dG5LwRUKZY8_8kk" target="_blank">https://ventsmagazine.com/2020/11/11/interview-hemisphere/?fbclid=IwAR3gWN94pT0ClWekXQ-SM70DFsXa9CxoHDF-6G8Wm-u5dG5LwRUKZY8_8kk</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/0e29575ff2c37f6afeb8f3b6078b04f9c39883d1/original/vents-collage.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64614452020-10-22T10:39:23-12:002020-10-22T10:40:11-12:00American Dreams - Up the Charts!<p>Sandwiched between two of our favorite artists! Gaga and Chrissy...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/65fb115c89c15276341af4093751ad4add72d959/original/ad-102220-radio.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64525702020-10-09T06:33:05-12:002022-05-11T05:20:52-12:00Pixelated Geek Blog - AD Interview<p>Elizabeth here: I’ve known my friend Rob Shinno for almost 20 years, but I had no idea until recently that he’s a professional musician, and his band Hemisphere has just released a brand new album, American Dreams. So I sat down with him on October 1st (the album’s release date) so we could talk all about it: his fifteen-year break from recording, why he came back, who he’s working with, and what the songs mean to him.</p>
<p>https://pixelatedgeek.com/2020/10/binary-system-podcast-bonus-episode-interview-with-rob-shinno-of-hemisphere/</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/6f42a7b2bdfb0cec60e990143d7d8745cbbd18ce/original/elizabethtemplate.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64456312020-09-29T11:46:05-12:002022-06-01T13:34:21-12:00#9 with a Bullet - American Dreams Non-Comm Radio!<p>American Dreams debuts at #9 for the most radio downloads 5 days after shipping to radio!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/abff6d406b71a063a3ec777d8de1f7fa2086f24f/original/mdd-09-29-2000.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64294022020-09-09T10:48:50-12:002020-09-09T11:21:11-12:00Bernie Grundmann - The Art of Mastering Tracks<p>Bernie Grundman On The Emotional Experience in Mastering</p>
<p><a contents="Click here for video..." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a9W_FG1St0&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a9W_FG1St0&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
<p>As we wait for our tracks to be mastered by the legendary Bernie Grundmann, it is amazing to hear his take on the mastering process, as well as his background in jazz and classical music. If you don't know who Bernie is you have heard him on Carole King, "Tapestry", Steely Dan's "Aja", Michael Jackson's "Thriller", Prince's "Purple Rain", and Dr. Dre's "The Chronic"... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/48835e58313ee3eac8852a5359863665457dc4b3/original/bernie-grundman-1-credit-danny-liao.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64186692020-08-27T07:48:00-12:002020-08-31T04:30:43-12:00It's all in the Mix!<p>Well today’s milestone, played the last lick for the new album, and we are safely in the hands of the mix by Peter Sprague, followed by mastering September 10th with the legendary Bernie Grundmann. I can’t wait to share the magic with everyone on October 1st, launching WW with TinderboxMusic. Thanks to our guest artists Rebecca Jade, Leonard Patton, Tommy Aros, Derek Canon, and Patrick Yandall !</p>
<p>See you October 1st with ‘American Dreams’... every song tells a story...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">America <br>Dance Club <br>Big World <br>Transmission <br>Home <br>Where Do We Go Now <br>Sky Full of Stars <br>Letter from NYC to SF <br>One Life <br>These Are the Days <br> America Reprise</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/e8d6524031fdcfb10906c88567e27db128d40f41/original/ad-reprise.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64160692020-08-24T06:42:49-12:002020-08-24T06:42:49-12:00Headed for the Home Stretch...<p>Three more days of sessions, mixing on September 5th, and mastering with the legendary Bernie Grundmann on September 10th!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/aa28962e507609f57b3962e141a4db43c3b0a320/original/img-1081.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64109612020-08-16T14:04:36-12:002020-08-16T14:04:36-12:00Tommy Aros - Mission Accomplished!<p>What a great day tracking with the one and only Tommy Aros! So happy to hear him light it up on the ‘American Dreams’ tracks!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/fd97fb1c9a9e85f8548f41b8633460d78ce20591/original/tommy-aros-session.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64086802020-08-13T05:31:32-12:002020-08-13T05:34:17-12:00Guitarist Patrick Yandall on American Dreams<p>San Diego guitar legend Patrick Yandall will be ripping it up on the tune 'These Are the Days'! Looking forward to trading licks with Pat on the new album!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.reverbnation.com/patrickyandall?fbclid=IwAR1chc06ZEGd_HIec9619EZ6Sk1XG0iUWqLgyaX7471TaoHmg7zC2n09rbg" target="_blank">Click the photo to see Patrick's site!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/8ca8c087402f6b2b3c9617ca05ede59c2237c67d/original/patrick.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64069952020-08-10T18:17:30-12:002020-08-12T17:05:31-12:00San Diego's Groove Master - Nathan Brown's New Single<p>The single's out, and it's funky, solid, and in the pocket! Take a listen! Click the picture to go to stream the song....</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://linktr.ee/NathanBrownOnline?fbclid=IwAR2OdL3e34zSVegEywZlfWChSFWCHEZSK4tjQXUOWBj3E8xEnD1BZLC2q8c"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/495b904c45e9e6e75e866bcf7a85cff78cac7a04/original/nathan-oxygen.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/64048452020-08-07T11:02:33-12:002020-08-07T11:12:56-12:00Derek Cannon - Trumpet in American Dreams<p>We are pleased to announce the addition of Derek Cannon to the American Dreams project, for the solo on 'America'!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/0ce1f2ac9908c7932b1a4c345f7dab9d94769ceb/original/derek-cannon.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><a contents="Check out the video!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=derek+cannon+trumpet#id=3&vid=36195117cf4207a442abb9dc2b0f5d72&action=click" target="_blank">Check out the video!</a></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/63990122020-07-31T12:36:24-12:002020-07-31T12:36:24-12:00A week out from the studio...<p>Reviewing final arrangements with the band this week!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/55285bce74da5650165822125cd6e70686b9ce7e/original/rob-don-mike.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/63693752020-06-28T08:29:01-12:002020-06-28T08:29:01-12:00American Dreams - WW Release Oct 1st, 2020<p>Excited to be lined up for an Oct 1st WW release of 'American Dreams'!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/aa28962e507609f57b3962e141a4db43c3b0a320/original/img-1081.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/62791652020-04-10T14:03:38-12:002020-04-10T14:06:44-12:00Help the homeless during the Coronavirus crisis<p>https://www.facebook.com/Hemisphereband/videos/1124420431232764/</p>
<p>I had written a song called 'Home' for American Dreams, it was dedicated to draw attention to the homeless crisis in America. The homeless remain at elevated risk of Covid-19, as well as almost all other health problems. Here is a clip of a practice solo for the song I did last night. Donate if you can to help in this time of need to Father Joe’s and I will match to a total of $500.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/cc056f55b82ed409dc13bda2f2a664ecb8180ce2/original/father-joes.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/62538082020-03-18T07:32:41-12:002020-03-18T07:33:10-12:00MemoryMoog Twiddly Bits...<p>The 1986 MemoryMoog Plus is adding a lot of texture to the American Dreams album! Analog synths have their own place in developing a sonic landscape for the band.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/e7ecd4052c229d861c46e462de5b032362ca7b49/original/thumbnail-img-0606.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/62023242020-02-21T07:12:57-12:002020-02-21T07:19:13-12:00American Dreams - Line-up<p>In addition to the band (Rob Shinno, Don Bowman, Mike McQuilken, Max Zape and Nathan Brown), we are pleased to announce for following guest artists:</p>
<p>1) Rebecca Jade - Rebecca Jade has performed with the most sought-after musicians and at some of the best venues across the nation and the world. Rebecca’s versatility has allowed her many unique opportunities to perform: she has been touring with percussionist and musical icon, Sheila E. since 2017; She performed on the 2016 Soultrain Party Cruise and the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Dave Koz Cruise, which included singing with Kenny Lattimore and Larry Graham; She has done multiple concerts at Spaghettini and the House of Blues (San Diego, Anaheim, Boston, Las Vegas); She has also performed the National Anthem for many professional and collegiate athletic organizations.</p>
<p>2) Tommy Aros - Percussionist Tommy Aros is an in-demand session percussionist who has played on well over 60 albums by artists as diverse as Freddie Hubbard, Al Dimeola, David Benoit, Dan Segel, Mark Lessman, Charo, Trini Lopez, Tom Barabas, Luis Miguel and many more. Although he may be best recognized for his work with Grammy Award winning superstar Luis Miguel, Tom is also well known as a member of popular San Diego based band Fattburger, and Brazilian all-star band Brasilia.</p>
<p>3) Gilbert Castellanos - Gilbert Castellanos is a nationally renowned San Diego-based musician, composer, curator, educator and arranger, and one of the country’s top-call jazz trumpeters. He has been highlighted by internationally acclaimed DownBeat Magazine as one of the country’s most innovative jazz trumpeters in their “25 for The Future” feature. For over a decade, Castellanos has been a member of The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, performing around the world and recording with the renowned big band led by bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/892c692559e4605bd5d4835559237fac707e2d0c/original/max-in-band-pict.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/62223682020-02-20T14:48:07-12:002020-02-20T14:50:45-12:00Maz Zape is back for American Dreams<p>Max Zape has re-joined Hemisphere for the American Dreams album! We have the original line-up + Michael McQuilken on drums + Tommy Aros, Rebecca Jade and Gilbert C Castellanos as guest artists, so exciting!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/cd1fdc81d663447349e70d1359068936ff0144fa/original/max-and-rob-crop.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/62168222020-02-15T18:06:48-12:002020-02-15T18:08:16-12:00Rebecca Jade (Feat. on American Dreams) with Elton John<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/fa4a2be1faf0b810fb80b6b11884935f7f82dbf0/original/rebecca-jade-copy.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><a contents="Elton and Rebecca at the Academy Awards 2020!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIhBSeg2C4&amp;feature=emb_logo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIhBSeg2C4&feature=emb_logo</a></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/60349882019-10-19T12:00:00-12:002020-02-21T07:18:02-12:00Production session with Peter Sprague<p>Production session for the 'American Dreams' album with Peter Sprague, good times! </p>
<p>http://petersprague.com/spragueland/</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/c6cdfa2ef34a171abb1ee033ad1b834e6a46e595/original/peter.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/60349872019-09-25T12:00:00-12:002019-09-25T22:18:11-12:00Transmission 2.0
<p>Sometimes re-working old material can be fun! We are taking the messaging of our original song Transmission to the next level for the new album. Updated musically, it feels new and fresh, with a modern twist on the lyrical message for 'American Dreams'.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/5039aa981e961f7fc31ace701100d493706214ac/original/structures-front-printable-edited.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQ3OHgyMzY0Il0%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="2364" width="2478" /></p>
Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/60349862019-09-17T12:00:00-12:002020-01-27T18:55:41-12:00Adrian Belew - Guitar Wizard!<p>Perhaps best known for his long stint as frontman and co-guitarist for the progressive rock group King Crimson from 1981 to 2009, Belew is widely recognized as an "incredibly versatile player"who has released nearly twenty solo albums for Island Records and Atlantic Records, blending or alternating Beatles-inspired pop-rock with more experimental fare. An amazing talent!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413328/cee75b48060ca5126ab642165a57eb4ff03c2c68/original/adrian.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzIweDk2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="960" width="720" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/60349832019-09-10T12:00:00-12:002020-01-27T19:06:51-12:00One last trip down 'The Yellow Brick Road'<p>Thanks to everyone for the wonderful Birthday wishes! Tonite I end a lifelong journey with Sir Elton John. From the beginning with Madman, Honky Chateau, Don’t Shoot Me, I was a childhood fan... it was ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ that really changed things for me. I would listen to the songs, and look at the pictures in the LP jacket (a lost art), and use my imagination to dream! So after decades of shows and music, it’s time for one last night together! One door closes and another opens, as oddly enough, I am feeling inspired to write with my band-mates in Hemisphere again... see you with a shiny new album and show in 2020! <span class="_5mfr"><span class="_6qdm">❤️</span></span>Rob</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413329/f4ad745f962519407869a3b770ddef783b3032b0/original/elton-copy3.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6OTYweDgzMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="832" width="960" /></p>Hemispheretag:hemisphereband.com,2005:Post/60349852019-09-08T12:00:00-12:002020-02-21T07:21:29-12:00Nathan Brown's Solo EP!<p>Nathan will be releasing a solo project that is in production and Hemisphere and our followers are excited to hear EP that is in production, so stay tuned!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/413331/407685e98300f15a7281d48ad627442ca23f3593/original/img-5901.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Hemisphere