Leslie Benson (Burning Veda) and Jason Reed Milner (Nimbus, Form 30, Seven Mile Radius), met in 2005 in Indianapolis, Ind., sharing an affinity for the industrial scene. In 2009, the musicians joined forces, forming the alt-rock/blues/Americana songwriting team known as Irene & Reed. Drummer Edward Venable (Placebo, Bone Daddie, and Second Fiddle) joined in fall 2010 on drums and backing vocals to launch the band's first live tour, which began in December 2010.

About the debut album: "Closer to Home" interweaves a raw American folk vibe with sultry blues vocals and pop sensibility by Benson, layered over a playful blend of melodic rock, ragtime and classical piano sounds from Milner. With their debut collection of 12 original tracks, Irene & Reed take listeners on an emotional ride of aural storytelling. With lyrics inspired by Benson’s poetic works, the songwriters present a humble first-take glimpse of pure Midwestern culture.

Download Press Kit here.

“In a nutshell: Vocalist Leslie Benson and keyboard player Jason Milner create a sonic playhouse for strong-willed love songs and dreams of better days. ... The ethereal and theatrical sounds of Sarah McLachlan are echoed here, with lounge-friendly passages allowing Irene & Reed a connection to the real world. Didn't see it coming: It's a rare treat to hear a music journalist take a commanding voice into the spotlight. (Benson helmed NUVO Newsweekly's music coverage in 2006 and 2007.)” - "Celebrated Sounds," David Lindquist, The Indianapolis Star, June 9, 2011

“[Leslie Benson of Irene & Reed] has a gorgeous, smoky voice... really sultry and with a kind of classic edge. …[She’s] a kind of mix between Sara Bareilles and Greta Garbo—modern meets the Golden Age of Hollywood... Track 7 [‘Good Medicine’] is hands down my favorite [from Closer to Home]; it's the song I keep coming back to (for its) engaging lyrics and unexpected melodic and chordal movement.”—Krista Detor, international singer-songwriter based out of Bloomington, Indiana, February 5, 2011

“The sultry, haunting lounge sound of Irene & Reed’s debut, ‘Closer to Home,’ comes naturally. Their optimistic lyrics speak of exploring your roots and the joys of home. Indeed, they do sound as hip and sexy as they look.” — Matt Conner, “Meet the Band,” in Metromix, The Indianapolis Star, Aug. 5, 2010

"Irene & Reed put their own sexy and sophisticated stamp on pop. 'Closer to Home' is full of impeccable arrangements and surprisingly sweet twists." — Eric Brown, President, Audio Recon Digital and Jazz Meridian Records

“'Closer to Home' has an antique ambiance.... The combination of the smooth, rich vocals and jazzy piano add to this old-time theme. The lyrical depth is striking, catchy and accessible. Perhaps the aspect most endearing is the intimacy displayed throughout. A feeling of vulnerability permeates many of these songs. By releasing their inner superheroes, the musicians have constructed a creative outlet through their songs. This is true art." — Emily Thompson, Stereo Subversion

“Irene & Reed create jazzy piano-based songs fueled by powerful vocals. They do what Tori Amos hasn’t done in a decade and what Fiona Apple doesn’t do enough of.”
— Josh Flynn, Nuvo and IndianaMusicProject.com

“Joyous, refreshing, soulful and best of all, from the heart."
— Chris Conner, Eden Promotions

"Irene & Reed have a great sound and much talent. I love Leslie's vocals and Jason's piano. Together, I get a vibe of early Fiona Apple — good and moody but not a copycat of anything. It's jazzy pop... Good, good stuff. I highly recommend catching them live and picking up their CD, 'Closer to Home.'" - Jennie DeVoe, singer/songwriter

“Fans of dark-tinged Americana need to make their way to this show.” - IndianapolisMusic.net, “OnTrack,” May 12, 2011, http://indianapolismusic.net/2011/05/11/imn-ontrack-irene-and-reed/

“They are classic versions of a time past, and they are humble. …[They are]  two people willing to be vulnerable and expose themselves for exactly what they are.” – Rue Volley, author of the Blood and Light series, as featured in an article in Fierce Magazine, “A Gift from Germany,” Summer 2011

“Jason Reed Milner is a force to be reckoned with. …It is refreshing to hear a piano played by someone who not only has the talent to make it sing, but also uses it to convey a message… one that truly comes across as an artist. He also understands the fine art of allowing the song to breathe. He does not ‘showboat’ and undercut the message of the song or overrun the words.” – Rue Volley, “A Gift from Germany,” Fierce Magazine, Summer 2011

Contact:
Leslie (Irene) Benson at echomag@hotmail.com

Learn more at: 
IreneandReed.com
ChubbySealRecords.com
myspace.com/ireneandreed  
twitter.com/ireneandreed
libenson.wordpress.com/
facebook.com/ireneandreedband
www.reverbnation.com/irenereed

Hear similar artists: Last FM

ireneandreed.bandcamp.com

youtube.com/user/ireneandreed

8/10 stars! Read the Stereo Subversion CD review of Irene & Reed's Closer to Home here.

Read "Celebrated Sounds: Irene & Reed Create Sonic Playhouse," CD review of debut, Closer to Home, by David Lindquist, The Indianapolis Star here.

Meet the Band! Read Irene & Reed's Metromix mention here.

VIDEO: Web exclusive "Easter Egg" for Irene & Reed fans... Use your QR code scanner on any smartphone to view video: http://tinyurl.com/67xgjmo
 

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