Like a number of modern hard rock bands, Framing Hanley has had to overcome their fair share of challenges on their musical journey. A falling out with their original label left the band in flux as they had to work traditional jobs to pay the bills. Unable to finance their latest record, they reluctantly turned to their fans to help fund the album through a Kickstarter campaign. The goal of $40,000 to record the album and video for the first single, “Criminal,” was easily reached and then some, finishing at over $60,000. With some very creative incentives, Framing Hanley had more than enough money to make the long-awaited follow-up record to 2010’s, A Promise To Burn, which featured their hit song, “You Stupid Girl.”
“Criminal,” the first single off of their latest release, The Sum Of Who We Are, has been getting regular airplay on SiriusXM’s Octane, and is likely to be featured on Octane’s Big ‘Uns Countdown before long. One of the catchiest, melodic hard rock songs of the year so far, “Criminal” features a tight musical backdrop that allows singer, Kenneth Nixon, to shine as he seamlessly transitions vocally from a smooth, modern-rock sound on the verses to a higher register on the powerful, anthemic choruses.
Framing Hanley never planned on having to rely upon their fans to crowdfund their album and video, but judging by the overwhelming support of their Kickstarter campaign, and songs like “Criminal,” there is no doubt that it was the right decision. The long layoff between Framing Hanley’s sophomore release and their latest release is certainly not how the band envisioned their career, but as the saying goes…“anything worth having is worth waiting for.” With the release of “Criminal,” Framing Hanley has proven that you don’t need a record label to make great music in this day and age.
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