the StereoFidelics

The StereoFidelics are a high-energy, original retro-alt-rock band that blends mind-bending improvisation and extreme instrumental choreography to deliver an exciting show for both the eyes and ears. By showcasing their multi-instrumental capability, they are able to operate completely as a duet and deliver a full sound.  Chris shreds solos and lays down the groove on the guitar, tickles the synthesizer, sings lead/harmony vocals, and pounds out synth basslines on a floor keyboard while Melissa contributes lead/harmony vocals, holds down the rhythm on the kit, and throws in string pads and raging violin solos.  Extreme touring over the last three years (500 shows, +/-) has given their live show an intense tightness, both technically and emotionally. There is more than just sounds coming from these two musicians... "the level of emotional dedication that pours out of the music is extraordinary. They are the definition of Indie." -- Lindsay Van Osten, The RED BANANA.   

Chris Padgett
Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, synth bass, loops, vocals

Melissa McGinley
Electric violin, drums, vocals (Melissa uses an NS design CR-5 violin)

You Are Having A Wonderful Time (7/2010)

Blazing instrumental prowess, lush and organic sounding vocal harmonies, pop sensibility with the hard driving, raw-natured theme of music from yesteryear…  The album blends the energy of a live performance with the refined quality of working in the studio.  After one listen you will find yourself humming one of the melodies while at the same time wanting to see how it all can be done with only two people.  You are Having a Wonderful Time is a testament to the resurgence of the power duo.

You Are Having A Wonderful Time was written, performed, and produced by the StereoFidelics. Much of the recording was done at the StereoFidelics' home base, Nowhere Studios in Asheville, NC, with five tracks recorded at Southview Arts Studio in Middletown Springs, VT and much of the pre-production done at Sole Sounds in Conifer, CO. Because most of the album was recorded live in studio, You Are Having a Wonderful Time conveys the energy and feel of a live StereoFidelics show. It was released on Rubberneck Records on 7.18.10.

Only Sleeping (12/2008)
Only Sleeping was written, performed, recorded and produced by the StereoFidelics. After releasing and touring two singles from Only Sleeping earlier in 2008, the StereoFidelics completed production of their debut album during a break after their coast-to-coast summer tour. Only Sleeping was released on the indie label, Rubberneck Records on 12.10.08.

"We Are? Awesome! Although the music created by the Asheville, N.C., band the StereoFidelics is impressive in and of itself—with a retro-rock vibe, tight rhythms and sinuous vocals—more impressive is the fact that this sound is created by just two people. Performing on seven instruments between the two of them, Chris Padgett and Melissa McGinley create the rich sound of at least a five-piece band." --Flagstaff LIVE!, Flagstaff, AZ

"The StereoFidelics are like a five-hour energy shot for your ears. I just finished listening to "Spanish Radio'' off Asheville, N.C., duo The StereoFidelics' debut album, Only Sleeping, and boy are my ears spent. The track opens with Chris Padgett's acoustic guitar and Melissa McGinley's violin trying to one-up each other in an ultra-hyper flamenco-like showdown. As it advances, the song feels like a soundtrack of young lovers in the early days of a whirlwind romance -- there's intensity, passion and a little drama. It's a powerful sound to come from four hands." --John Liberty, Kalamazoo Gazette