54 Seconds album coverGlenn McGregor, Spencer Gibb, Stewart Cochran, and J.J. Johnson are 54 Seconds, dubbed "electronically ubiquitous" by the Austin American Statesman. They have built a following in Austin because of their regular Monday night gig at Speakeasy. These guys are so popular now, they have several fan sites to their credit! They have several albums, EP, Promo 1, and Promo 2, as well as a promised Best of Speakeasy. In 2002, they released Coma.
ComaWhen Gibb first moved to Austin, he was performing as Jez Spencer (a solo project under a different name). The original members of this band were singer/songwriter Spencer Gibb and well-known Austin drummer J.J. Johnson. After playing with various Austin musicians, the two found bassist Glenn McGregor and finally keyboardist Stewart Cochran. They had no name, but their manager pitched them to a London producer who said, "a perfect pop song chorus comes in at around 54 Seconds." They didn't get the contract, but they liked the idea and the group finally had a name.
54 Seconds album coverAll veterans of the Austin music scene, the four nonetheless came from radically different musical backgrounds and this diversity translates into a distinctly compelling sound experience. Spencer Gibb is the son of Bee Gee Robin Gibb and seems to have inherited the family's gift for great vocals.
Here's how they describe themselves: 54 Seconds' music is at once ambient, melancholic, large, characterized by unexpected chord progressions and strange, catchy hooks. The band is spacious-almost experimental, but disturbingly accessible, with unusual harmonies floating above lush, vintage keyboards and the elegant guitar and voice of Spencer Gibb. Combining the best elements of electronica, pop and classic rock, 54 Seconds is late night headphone music at its best.
Ben's LetterIn 2004 they released an ambient single, Ben's Letter, which at this time is only available on iTunes: The world's best digital jukeboxiTunes.
