Founding band members Richard Araiza and Clinton Van Arnam met in high school in Las Cruces, New Mexico and began experimenting with alternative genres like punk and metal. The two quickly discovered their own unique style by combining vocal melodies reminiscent of the pop music of the 50’s & 60’s with an edge of modern rock. Their debut self-titled EP, recorded in March 2009, reflects a sound surprisingly mature for their 18 years and solidifies the Northern Crowns as a much-needed change of pace for the modern music scene.
Danny and Mick, also New Mexico natives, were added to the band shortly thereafter, and the full band started playing gigs in southern California and New Mexico, establishing an impressive stage presence to back up their recordings. The EP was recorded with help from legendary producer-mixer Sylvia Massy (Tool, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers) at her studio in Weed, CA. The Northern Crowns are set to play SXSW 2010 and will embark on a full schedule of touring shortly thereafter.
For the members of THE NORTHERN CROWNS, writing new material is an ever-present constant. They hope to record their first album as a full band sometime this summer. In the meantime, the band is holed up in a mountain cabin attempting to deviate from the humdrum of their lives back home. “The cabin is designed for us to be as creative as possible with no distractions,” says Clinton, “It’s hard to try and think differently when you wake up in the same place everyday.” The Northern Crowns are focused on their music careers right now, offering their blood, sweat and tears to the group. With occasional re-appropriated pop covers such as “Hold Me Tight” (a surprisingly effective take on a lesser-known Lennon-McCartney gem), and catchy originals with a get-up-and-dance beat, The Northern Crowns have captured an imaginative sound that represents a glorious departure from typical rock music while simultaneously appealing to wide audience.

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