Like great new music? Well, here it is! Ken Oak is a talented new pop-rock artist who blends elements of rock, pop, folk, and classical into his own unique sound and style. Half Step Down is his first full-length albu... more »m! It contains 14 original compositions and 6 singles (Maybe, Wonder, End Credits, These Things, Half Step Down, and Analog Girl). Ken is classically trained at the guitar and the cello. He layers his mellow baritone voice, catchy guitar riffs, and soulful cello lines into subtle and complex chords and harmonies. His expertly crafted lyrics feature a dry wit, intelligence, and sense of poetry that he uses to paint personal stories about relationships and experiences that are meaningful and accessible. Although there are bound to be comparisons to artists such as John Mayer, Matchbox 20, and Jack Johnson, Ken's music also contains appreciative nods to other influences such as The Smiths, Oasis, and Sarah McLachlan. Maybe maintained the #1 position (out of 6,517 songs) at soundclick.com and End Credits maintained the #3 position (out of 5,883 songs). Wonder has also been featured on MTV's Surf Girls, NBC Sports' The Road to Ironman, and the WB?s High School Reunion. Half Step Down was mastered at Capitol Records in Hollywood, CA. The producers and engineers that worked on Half Step Down have worked with artists such as Sting, R.E.M., Lifehouse, Lisa Loeb, Audioslave, and Smashing Pumpkins. You can learn more about Ken and stay current with the latest news and info by going to www.kenoak.net. Sign in through the Leak Page to gain access to exclusive content! Also, be sure to check out Ken's online journal at www.kenoak.net or at www.xanga.com/kenoak! With 14 songs and 6 singles, Half Step Down represents great value for great new music.« less
Like great new music? Well, here it is! Ken Oak is a talented new pop-rock artist who blends elements of rock, pop, folk, and classical into his own unique sound and style. Half Step Down is his first full-length album! It contains 14 original compositions and 6 singles (Maybe, Wonder, End Credits, These Things, Half Step Down, and Analog Girl). Ken is classically trained at the guitar and the cello. He layers his mellow baritone voice, catchy guitar riffs, and soulful cello lines into subtle and complex chords and harmonies. His expertly crafted lyrics feature a dry wit, intelligence, and sense of poetry that he uses to paint personal stories about relationships and experiences that are meaningful and accessible. Although there are bound to be comparisons to artists such as John Mayer, Matchbox 20, and Jack Johnson, Ken's music also contains appreciative nods to other influences such as The Smiths, Oasis, and Sarah McLachlan. Maybe maintained the #1 position (out of 6,517 songs) at soundclick.com and End Credits maintained the #3 position (out of 5,883 songs). Wonder has also been featured on MTV's Surf Girls, NBC Sports' The Road to Ironman, and the WB?s High School Reunion. Half Step Down was mastered at Capitol Records in Hollywood, CA. The producers and engineers that worked on Half Step Down have worked with artists such as Sting, R.E.M., Lifehouse, Lisa Loeb, Audioslave, and Smashing Pumpkins. You can learn more about Ken and stay current with the latest news and info by going to www.kenoak.net. Sign in through the Leak Page to gain access to exclusive content! Also, be sure to check out Ken's online journal at www.kenoak.net or at www.xanga.com/kenoak! With 14 songs and 6 singles, Half Step Down represents great value for great new music.
CD Reviews
My favorite CD...
T. Kobren | Lorton, VA USA | 04/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What an amazing album. Ken's first full-length album is simply awesome. His lyrics are fresh and funky, with great work from his whole band. His voice is mellow and unique, and I find myself enjoying every single song. It's been a long time since I've heard something this cool. I highly recommend this album, so much, in fact, that I'm buying copies for all my friends. I haven't stopped listening to it yet. This is an awesome CD!"
Nouveau Tunes
Heidi S. Woan | Los Angeles, CA | 04/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've listened to many artists' music and not one artist caught my attention as much as Ken Oak did. His music is classic and it definitely shatters the current monotonous mainstream music windows. I'm Asian so I can say this: It's a relief to hear tunes from an Asian artist that isn't ear wrenching, eye wincing music. Oak is actually completely the opposite. His soothing, soft, and might I add, sexy voice is something you can relax to in your car, at your home, or even at a party."
Fresh, eclectic, and great from start to finish
Stephen Pu | Los Angeles, CA USA | 04/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album rocks! The music is fresh, the lyrics are real, and the mix of styles and sounds is amazing. Every song is accessible and easy to relate to. Ken's songs avoid cliches while staying musical. "End Credits" and "Half Step Down" have a great groove, and the cello and instrumental work on "Soma" is transcendent. This is a fantastically well balanced album from a genuinely gifted new artist. PICK THIS UP!!"
Every word belongs in each song
Peter Ghobrial | Philadelphia PA | 03/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken oak's album is one of the best I've heard in years. Nice melodic tunes with catchy memorable hooks..The lyrics are written so well anybody can relate to the music..good job guys"
Half Step Down
Danny Park | Orange Country, California | 03/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Half Step Down.. Ken Oak is definately on the right track to becoming the next big thing in the music industry. His self-titled EP had game, but when I bust this in my car with the ladies.. GAME OVER. All they want to do is listen to the MUSIC & ask "who is this?" Thanks Ken for ruining my game. Good tunes.. 5 stars -BTP Danny"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1