For a good time, call 1-366-SEX-TONE (1-366-739-8663).
Two weeks before the release of its debut album, The Sextones are offering callers an early opportunity to listen to the songs in a unique way. The retro concept is much like the sound of the Reno funk and soul band, which is influenced by Stevie Wonder, the Meters, Miss Cleo and “Dialing for Dollars.”
The band spent a year and a half to dial in the tracks for “Moonlight Vision.” Fans of the group will be familiar with many of the tunes that have been played live, and two of the tunes are featured in videos. Hardly phony, all of the tracks are originals and the album was recorded at Prairie Sun Studios on analog electromagnetic tape. It is self-produced.
Smooth operators, singer-guitarist Mark Sexton, bassist Alexander Korostinsky and drummer Daniel Weiss have been friends since they were in middle school. Formerly called the Mark Sexton Trio, the group has performed for more than a decade. After keyboardist Ryan Taylor was added, members decided to call themselves The Sextones.
In 2013, the band released a critically acclaimed album, “Young & Naïve.” During a sold-out concert in the Nugget’s venerable Celebrity Showroom, Sexton showed the world he has no hang ups, speaking as comfortably about his pubic hair as he did about the music.
Clearly enjoying their rising careers, the musicians have posted a number of humorous videos on the band’s Facebook page.
“We are digging every second of it,” Sexton said in a press statement that announced the Sextones Hotline.
“The band’s far-reaching eccentric personality leaks far beyond just the music, with a series of throwback ads to accompany the hotline’s launch,” the statement continued.
“1-366-SEX-TONE (1-366-739-8663) is now live and waiting for your call. Weeks ahead of the release date, this hotline provides an exclusive first listen for fans across the nation, without the billing hassle of the hotlines of yesterdecade. The Sextones have a lot to share, from the first track ‘Push on Through,’ – an anthem to keep using your gifts and not fall into the dreariness of societal norms, all the way through the heart-felt album closer ‘The End.’ The Sextones Hotline is sure to add some excitement to an otherwise dull night, with soulful music available for your ears all night long.”
The Sextones will have two album release performances. It headlines a show with fellow Reno band Jelly Bread and Hans! And the Hot Mess at Harlows in Sacramento on Friday, April 7, the day the album is released. On Saturday, April 8, the band will perform at The Saint in midtown Reno.
So let your fingers do the rocking, call the number to tune in “Moonlight Vision.”
Related story: The making of “Moonlight Vision.”
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