ABOUT
Simply put, the band is fronted by a powerful lead vocalist and driven by thrilling instrumentation, with a mix of psychedelic soul and accessible songwriting.
Council Ring began its formation at the end of 2020: at a time when the mood of the world was overrun with fear and uncertainty, guitarist Ty Mattox and bassist Matt Kavanaugh turned towards music and creativity. After the two wrote a handful of songs together during the early part of 2021, they found Quint Gallaher who would go on to join them on drums. Not too long after Quint became a permanent member of the band, he met Chris Jan who was brought in to do vocals and rhythm guitar. Shortly thereafter, Ian Hirsch was added to the band on keyboard in the summer of 2021. After several months of consistent practicing, they began performing their own taste of rock music that consisted of catchy originals and complimentary covers at various music venues, clubs, breweries and bars in the Charlotte area. After 3 years with the band, Ian decided to step away from the band to focus on school. April of 2024 is when the band added keyboardist, Tomi Gulden (formerly with Charlotte based funk band: Akita) to the lineup.
The music is rock and roll that’s been described as “Pink Floyd on steroids” by Kevin Vargo of music blog: Mic1Park out of Cleveland, Ohio. He named the band’s first album “Beyond The Door” Album of the Year in 2022 and our very own Ty Mattox as “Guitarist of the Year”. The sound of the band is a rhythmic pulse that throbs underneath a swirling mixture of instrumentation and vocals: tension and depth is followed by tenderness and relaxation. The goal is simple, but difficult: to bring the pressures of life out in the form of music.
After 3 self-produced studio albums and a live album, Council Ring has established a reputation as an unforgettable live experience, ensuring that no two shows are ever the same. The band has played all over North Carolina from Asheville and Boone to Wilmington, Greensboro and Fayetteville for the Dogwood Music Festival opening for Hoobastank, including countless performances in their hometown of Charlotte at several different venues, clubs, bars and breweries playing with bands like Spafford, Yam Yam, Dizgo, and Squeaky Feet just to name a few. The band has played at venues like The Visulite, Neighborhood Theatre and The Evening Muse amongst others, as well as an appearance at “Mantrabash”, The Mantras annual festival held in Prospect Hill, NC. Their fans continue to grow as does their experience and confidence, drawing recognition from a range of ages and musical tastes.
With a 4-track EP to be released in the fall of 2025 and a fourth studio album in the works; the band is always looking for new milestones to climb to and for Council Ring, the journey is the destination.