"itso"
A Cyber Band
Joining forces in 2019, SM productions (Smoke & Mirrors),
began a music production experiment.
No "talking about" music. Making songs purely instinctively.
Working unseen & entirely online, they found their process.
Scobie Ryder & Martin Hanisch are now performing as "itso".
Recording in 2 different countries; relentlessly honing their eclectic Fresh Retro signature sound, to razor sharpness!
"itso" bring a new perspective to 21st Century Rock Music.
Guitars, Drums , Bass & Vocals.
itso simple. itso music. Itso Fresh Retro.
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The music world has changed beyond recognition.
Fewer events. Less "live " performances.
As artists /professional songwriters & producers...Where can we turn?
Our mission is impossible without the energy & input of music fans.
We are "itso", currently an almost unknown band, floating in cyberspace.
In a vast Digital ocean of music.
Amidst the 60,000 + songs each and every day are uploaded to Spotify.
Here We Are. "itso" Alone.
No Record Industry Executives required.
Weirdly "itso" have never physically met each other.
Never even been in the same room at the same time.
With only the creative synergy , we've found in the music we have made together.
"Itso". Simple. "itso Music".
All of these noises and notes ...and the silences in-between them.
We live in hope of finding our own supportive audience
Are we insane? Can it be done?
Going from ZEROS >>><<<< TO HEROES .
"OUTSIDE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY"
Only time will tell of our special kind of madness is contagious!
Our ongoing mission is to release X1 song every single month; for the next 24 months.
On this digital music journey we will discover if "itso music" has power.
IF we can we find our audience as we go?
Will you join us on our journey?
ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
OUR MISSION & THE REASONS WHY
We Are Available For Hire, Or Placements. Film, TV, Video Games.
Call / Email, To Discuss Your Project.
The Production Team
SCOBIE RYDER & MARTIN HANISCH CREATE TOGETHER AS:
"SMOKE & MIRRORS"
A studio-based Recording / Production Duo.
Their Cyber Band "Itso" consists of just x2 core members.
Working exclusively online, they collaborate on all aspects of their creative process. As "itso" they write, arrange and create a very eclectic brand of 21st Century Rock Music.
Based in Japan & Germany. Actively creating since early 2019.
"itso" prefer to use only Guitars/ Bass / Drums / Vocals.
Breaking all boundaries with their fresh, yet Retro Rock compositions.
"itso" pride themselves on their songwriting capabilities.
Blending many influences, melding them into a fresh fusion.
"itso" MUSIC YOU WILL FEEL.
JUST WE TWO
Testimonials
Online Reviews
WE LOOK TO THOSE WHO HEAR OUR MUSIC TO TELL US WHAT THEY FEEL...
itso Cool. itso Free. itso You. itso Me. itso = Fresh Retro.
What strange madness is this??
itso blew me away from bar 1...
Terrific melodies and wonderful words
On their latest single, “Perfect Puppets”, itso switch the template to a grittier, harder hitting form of rock. Driving guitar riffs, soaring vocals and incessant drums, march forward relentlessly, in what is essentially a protest song. It’s a musical portrait of a band that continues to deepen and diversify its sound
Perfect Puppets” sets up retro rock aesthetics with the technological genius of modern musical production and produces something both credible and demonstrably well crafted.
"EMPTY MAN" boldly declares the theme explored, which delves into the transition from childhood dreams and aspirations to the harsh realities adulthood. “As I wonder through this maze of possibilities. Start to wonder who I am, why am I here,” recites the opening lines, as Scobie Ryder unfolds the narrative.
His voice is the perfect foil to the ever-evolving arrangement. Ryder’s engaging croon, the urgent attitude of Martin Hanisch’s guitars and the heavy bellow of the sound in the chorus section are all anchored by confidence.
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A whole new way to make one feel the music again...What I have been waiting for!
FEARLESS: This song oozes swagger and ownership, once again showcasing the band’s phenomenal songwriting and performance prowess. It’s hard to find anything to dislike about this track. It just puts a smile on your face with the persistent optimism of the lyrics, the upbeat tones of the music. The muted strumming throughout ‘Fearless’, gives it a punchy and urgent feel, and there’s a real passion to the way the vocals are presented in this piece. The track explodes when the huge power-chord strokes ignite the arrangement.
Yet again, itso have stepped into exciting musical territories, and they’ve pulled it off at even greater heights. “Empty Man” is more than just an exercise in cashing in on the hype of rock nostalgia; it is a mission statement and a path forward.
Beautifully adorned with their heartfelt grit and charm, as well as dazzled with the brilliance of their guitar-driven energy throughout, the single shows us why itso are masters at what they do in the rock genre.
It is incredibly gratifying to hear itso continue to challenge themselves and sound in tiptop form on “Empty Man”. The magic they create on this track is undeniable.
I thought I'd never get so excited
about new music again.
I was so wrong. Itso ARE Fresh.
BEAUTIFULLY BAD:This band’s singles are all well-polished songs with catchy choruses and unchained energy.
Following the release of ecologically infused single “MOTHER EARTH (For What It’s Worth)”, and the harder hitting rock aesthetic of “Perfect Puppets”, itso once again vary the template on “Beautifully Bad” which affronts the theme of sentimental obsession. The agitation in the vocals as he sings about downshifting from fantasy to reality comes in a form of realism.
It’s great to have a band that we can watch and hear develop into something great. "itsocoool!"
“MOTHER EARTH (For What It’s Worth)” is excellent, regardless of context. What is most impressive and constantly compelling, is how itso tweak their sound just enough to make it feel unique, organic, and yet that much more cinematic.
The sound is one you’d expect from an epic post-rock band with a full vocal section. The guitars shimmer and jangle, while the lead vocals whisper and soar between huge waves of layered harmony.
With all those elements thrown into the sonic stew, a flair for the overwrought and dramatic is to be expected, but, impressively, itso never go down that road. There’s a sincerity here that transforms everything into sounding down home and grounded.
From the very beginning, “MOTHER EARTH (For What It’s Worth)” launches listeners into a completely different orbit than what they’re currently listening to on the radio. Which may seem odd, considering how perfectly mainstream sounding the song is.
PLEASE DO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT FANS
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TAKES THE TIME TO REACH OUT IN CYBERSPACE.
itsorocks!
