TURBULENCE PRESS RELEASE - AUGUST 26, 2003 The word turbulence is defined as an "irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents." The latest musical release by Chris Belsito, aptly named Turbulence, captures the essence of the definition, musically. Belsito's unique songwriting style weaves together stylized textures and musical experimentation with a folk-rock sensibility, and top-notch songwriting. Sonically, the CD evokes elements of U2, Gordon Lightfoot, and Peter Gabriel. While Turbulence challenges the listener with its intelligent presentation, it never loses sight of the song. Having successfully explored the folk-rock medium in the late 90's, Belsito wrote over 300 songs since his last release in 1996, August Mask. Of those, almost 30 songs were either demoed or recorded for Turbulence. "It was when I wrote and recorded a song called "Your Secret" that I knew the direction I wanted to go with this recording," says Belsito. "I narrowed the selection of songs to fit the mood and atmosphere of that recording. I am really proud of Turbulence, and feel it has captured everything I wanted it to. The album was meant to send the listener on a specific journey, full of ups and downs, light and darkness." Since his last full-length release, Belsito has been actively contributing songs to compilations, indie movie soundtracks, and making in-roads in the music industry. He was even invited to perform on the ill-fated Rita McNeil show shortly before it was cancelled. Belsito's songwriting skills haven't gone unnoticed. He has been invited to songwriting sessions with professional song scouts for both Celine Dion and Anne Murray. "It's an honour to have had my songs heard by big names in the industry," says Belsito. "It's also a good use of songs that I might not necessarily use in my personal recording projects. All it takes is one great song to take it to the next level." An avid music listener, Belsito approaches the recording process as a music fan. "I am a firm believer in the concept of creating album tracks, not just a hit single and some filler," notes Belsito. "Some of the songs on Turbulence definitely have commercial potential, but there are also tracks for the listener who wants to go deeper and get a bit more out of the CD." Turbulence was recorded in an ideal setting on picturesque St. Joseph's Island, Ontario at Red Gecko Studios with producer Larry Borek. "We took our time producing the record. We wanted to produce one of the better recordings to come out of Northern Ontario," laughs Belsito. "I might not be Avril Lavigne, but I think we definitely succeeded in making a solid, interesting record." While Turbulence has everything from fully orchestrated tracks to sitar, Belsito has been performing live shows with a full rock band in tow. "I think live, we bridge the gap between being able to play rock clubs to small folk venues. Our audience is varied in age and in tastes and I believe that they have in common a love of solid songwriting. There is so much fluff material out there today, which means that there is an audience looking for options. I feel my music digs a bit deeper while keeping enough melodic hooks to keep the audience singing along." TO RETURN TO THE BIO PAGE, CLICK HERE