The Pennies Up and Coming Atlanta Band Ready to Take it to the Top

The Atlanta based band, The Pennies, named after the lead singer Pennie Marie, describes themselves as an ambient, alternative rock band with dark overtones.  They have been together since 2004; their first gig was at Smiths Old Bar in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Penny Marie met the band’s bassist, Jeff Amodio, four years ago.  Penny was a singer songwriter working in Nashville.  Starting with a folk-like sound, the band’s music slowly evolved into something darker with the addition of new members.  They attribute their sound to the various influences contributed by the band members.  While describing their music, many terms were mentioned, from metal to trance to goth industrial.  In the end, there was no one term.  There’s a little bit of everything that makes their music. 

When it comes to writing music, Penny is the lyricist.  She often works with Amodio to develop the direction of the piece which is finished in collaboration with the band.  Rehearsals run on an unofficial schedule, usually every Wednesday or Thursday, or more accurately, whenever everybody isn’t working. 

The biggest challenge for the band so far has been finding the right members.  They had no set criteria for potential new band members, commenting that they just knew when someone was right for the band.  Whether it was the person’s musical influences or just from talking to them, they just knew.

The Pennies recently released their first album, This World Unknown, May 20.  The project took two years to complete but the group is proud of their work and are already working on their next.  The second album is expected to release within a year, although no release date has been set.  Previously, three of the band’s songs were featured on the feature film The Caretaker which released February 14, 2008. 

The band has high hopes for the future, saying they’re ready to “take it to the top.”  Working with various agents and continually submitting their work to sites like Taxi and SonicBids.com, they are continually pursuing more exposure while touring throughout the east coast this year.  They are currently unsigned but will consider signing with a record label if the terms were right.   

The Pennies recently played at Sportstime Bar and Grill in Duluth, GA Saturday, June 14 with local band Seven and Alabama based band AZ.  They will play next in Orange Park, FL at The Liquid July 3.

The band would like to thank Bruce Bennet for his genius mind and dedication to the group and the production of This World Unknown.