By Noe Gutierrez
Sometimes there are greater things at work than what we are witness to. Things that are intangible and unseen. Sean Michael Lenhoff has a faith in his music and vision that can only be respected and gleamed upon. Guiding Lenhoff is none other than the desert’s own power elite music producer Ronnie King at his Chateau Relaxo Studios in Thermal, California. King is pioneering the desert’s proliferation of recording music for locals, transplants and “out-of-towners” like Lenhoff. Lenhoff has used King’s navigation and prominence to his benefit. “Where do I begin? Ronnie’s background in punk, rap, metal and electronica make him so well versed on how to bring the best out of anyone in different genres. For instance, if he doesn’t believe the story you’re singing to him he will definitely let you know. He’ll give it to you straight which as an artist leads to an education on delivery, attack, approach and most importantly that the feeling conveys through your vocal and music. He really works hard for you to be as good as you can be.” With King’s support Lenhoff is expanding his limits towards distinction.
Lenhoff’s newest project is the conceptualized musical project Atomflower. “An Atomflower has to do with the fact that we are all atoms bouncing off one another like ideas for songs, styles and melodies and how a structure can begin to form through that collision. Sometimes when you collide with something or someone there’s a natural attraction, that’s the flower part. The music starts to blossom; a point of creation. What I do has been called dark pop with electronica, rock, with 80’s and 90’s sensibilities.” Lenhoff’s perception is indeed at the threshold of greatness as I was able to witness some of the recording process and listened to some of the music off of the album. Atomflower includes a unique array of musicians. The day I visited Chateau Relaxo the drums were being recorded.
Drummer Chad Szeliga has performed as a member of Black Label Society, Breaking Benjamin and in Scott Stapp’s solo band. Lenhoff and Szeliga hit it off immediately. “I met Chad through Remetee Clothing while we were both endorsed by them. As a drummer the guy is seriously insane. He has a huge family background in music. I have been a fan of his previous bands Breaking Benjamin and Black Label Society for a long time so I knew what his capabilities were. I just really dug his playing and his understanding of songwriting beyond his drumming expertise. Man he just killed it on every song. He came with three different variations for every part and in the end if you love music, you kind of know what feels right, and so did he. He nailed it!” Szeliga is as diverse as drummers come. He has power as well as grace. He was extremely prepared completing the drum tracks in just a few takes.
Singer, song writer, guitarist and producer LVictoria (Laura Victoria Bustillos) also guests on the album. “What is there not to say about LVictoria? She’s a Venezuelan/American force to be reckoned with. She has a beautiful voice with a strong pop and rock feel for song writing. She also has that star quality and heartfelt vocal that you look for. I had been looking for a female voice to collaborate with for a long time.” Having heard her vocals on the Atomflower track that she sings on, you hear the depth and soul she conveys. King expressed much praise for her musical gifts and contribution. Lenhoff sees her participation as predestined. “Believe it or not it, it just happened. I’m a true believer in the power of attraction, the universe put us together.”
That gravitation also pulled in some other big guns. “I met Matt Harris through Chris Hollas, the owner of Texas Jesus Records. We are label mates and I know all about his background in Palm Springs, The Posies, Ian Moore and Overwhelming Colorfast. The guy is seriously a monster on bass and amazingly open-minded towards all types of music. We just really clicked and everything fell into place.” Clinton Calton from punk greats D.I. has been playing guitar on the current collaboration tracks. “I’ve known Clinton for quite some time from playing shows in different bands together. His work ethic is incredible. He’s a constant student which makes for a well thought out writing process. He is truly solid and on top of that a good soul. Ronnie has used him quite a bit.”
Currently engineering the album is producer Darian Rundall who has worked for over 20 years with bands like Pennywise, Suicidal Tendencies and Yellowcard.
Atomflower’s label is Texas Jesus Records owned and operated by Chris Hollas. Hollas has previously worked in several record companies including Loud, Relativity, Sony, and London Sire Records respectively. “Chris was already working with Matt who had introduced him to Harper Hug at Thunder Underground Studios in Palm Springs where I was recording Core 10’s first EP. Harper played Chris some of my solo stuff and he dug it and things went from there. I am very blessed and honored to be with such an artist involved label.”
Lenhoff has a history too. He remains an active member of the hybrid rock band Core 10. They recently performed on the Queen Mary in Long Beach for the ‘Rock the Boat Music Festival’. “Core 10 is like an animal metal jam band with hyper hooks ‘in the now’ pure heaviness that deals a lot with the ‘pull yourself out of the hole you’re in and rise’ mentality.” Core 10 will be performing at the Karnival of Kaos on 11/8/14 at Fuzion in Huntington Beach.
Lenhoff describes the introduction to his involvement with Core 10. “The previous project I was in played with Core 10 quite a bit. They were killing it in Los Angeles and we were in Orange County so it was cool to bring them down here and for them to reciprocate. We quickly became friends. When they went on hiatus Duncan their singer called me after discussing it with the band to try a dual vocalist deal. I’ve always loved what they do musically so we gave it a shot and it took off crazy last year. We were nominated for best metal band at the Orange County Music Awards in 2013 going up against eventual winners Avenged Sevenfold. We’ve opened for Fear Factory, KMFDM, Misfits, Taproot and that didn’t suck.”
The multi-faceted Lenhoff likes to shy away from single-mindedness. He links worlds and unites others. “I love marketing and cross marketing. Being a singer and former pro surfer my whole life I’ve always combined music with action sports, clothing labels, optical companies, etc. It’s just freakin’ fun to connect the dots and bring people together.”
“I absolutely am attached to surfing. If you think about it they call surfing ‘The Sport of Kings’. In Hawaiian culture only the Warriors were allowed to surf. As in music only the aware and strong have long careers. Every time you perform for your fans you owe it to them to be on top of your game whether it’s the ocean or a stage. If you do not stand strong you won’t last. You won’t be performing for too long and with surfing every wave could be your last.” Lenhoff speaks candidly to others while at the same time advising himself through his declarations. “Sing and surf like you mean it. Use that within whatever you do. You’re only one atom among many. Collide with intent, strength and the will to make it happen.” He is making the music come into existence.
During his visit we talked about the serenity of the desert and his perception on the place we call home. I enjoy speaking with visitors to our area who are not preoccupied with the temperature. A fellow visitor he brought along was his friend Ronnie Lyon, a senior staff photographer at vintagerock.com. Lyon captured to film some awesome pictures that remind you of why we love it here. Lenhoff was astounded by the desert region and his experience. “My time in the Coachella Valley has been unbelievable. The desert has a mystique and warmth all its own. Chateau Relaxo is by far the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life recording. Being able to stay and discuss with Ronnie about the day’s recording and prepare for the next day is invaluable. I mean, you never get that after hours with your producer, having dinner together? Come on now! When does that happen? Just hanging out trying different things musically, it just doesn’t happen that way anymore. Sure, it’s a business, but in reality the people and the environment will affect the overall outcome of your art. To me it’s the premiere desert recording experience. Eat and sleep music all day, all night without interruption.”
I hope Lenhoff and friends return and that Ronnie King and his Chateau Relaxo Studios continue to welcome our out-of-town guests to record their music and add that character that only the desert can provide.
Atomflower
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atomflower/168741979864172
Ronnie King
http://ronniekingmusic.com
Chad Szeliga
http://www.chadszeliga.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/Baggsiv
LVictoria
http://www.lvictoria.com
https://www.facebook.com/lvictoriarocks
Matt Harris
http://theposies.net
Chris Hollas
http://www.texasjesusrecords.com
Darian Rundall
http://darianrundall.com
Ronnie Lyon
http://www.ronlyonphoto.com
http://www.vintagerock.com
