Instrumental rock music which appeals to a wide audience is rare to come by anymore. Usually this kind of music falls into one of two camps: it’s either too cerebral or there isn’t enough meaningful content to keep it interesting. Whatever the combination of musical elements that make this occur is not easy to define. Yet, Choose To Find has seemed to find a unique sound that draws in fans of both pop music and art music. “My songwriting is greatly influenced by film music, so most of the songs are like a soundtrack for my life,” says Todd Marston, pianist/songwriter for the group. “Everyone appreciates a good story and all of Choose To Find’s songs are based on stories.”

For the most part, Choose To Find’s music is melody-driven. It draws on far-ranging influences including classical music like Henryk Gorecki and Steve Reich, afro pop and world music like Thomas Mapfumo and Balkan music, rock/pop like Beck, Bjork, Radiohead and Mogwai, and drum n’bass and electronica like Squarepusher and Aphex Twin. A lot of the songs are in odd meters, but not intentionally says Marston. “They just happen to come out that way because that’s the way I hear the melodies.” Their songs keep listeners on their toes, but they don’t go over their heads with endless amounts of meaningless notes or musical academia. The melodies have more of a pop-like catchiness while the rhythms gain momentum in one’s subconscious, sticking with the listener long after the song is over. The resulting sound is electrified, emotive, and powerful. “I love to rock out, and I feel that this music is bringing me back closer to my roots as a punk rock musician.”

Conceptually, the name Choose To Find is about making conscious decisions to seek knowledge, truth and to act on improving one’s awareness; another aspect conveyed in the music that listeners easily latch onto. Marston says, “It’s about not being complacent, but instead, choosing to move forward in life and do what you’ve wanted to do for a long time.” Even without lyrics, the message is clear and resonant on a deep level. Choose To Find’s sound inspires optimism and hope in musical form to each person that comes within earshot of them.

Choose To Find is:
Todd Marston - piano
Colin Sapp - guitar/fx
Dmitry Ishenko - bass
Mike Daillak - drums Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.