SOCIETY 1 Singer Announces New Project With Renowned Classical Cellist TINA GUO

Frontman Matt Zane of the industrial band SOCIETY 1 has joined forces with world-renowned classical/electric cellist Tina Guo for a new project entitled LOTUS RISING.

Tina Guo is considered a prodigy for her unparalleled interpretation and performances of history's most respected classical composers. Having played her first concerto at age nine, Tina continues to travel the world, performing to thousands of classical fans and regularly receiving standing ovations. In addition to her classical abilities, Tina is one of the most sought-after studio musicians, having recently been featured and credited as soloist on the Hollywood blockbusters "Iron Man 2" and "Sherlock Holmes". Within the last year the rock world has taken notice of her genius and Tina was featured on Courtney Love's new album, "Nobody's Daughter", and Derek Sherinian's "Molecular Heinosity" with Zakk Wylde.

After accomplishing a lifetime of achievements at such a young age, Tina once again redefined herself and shocked the classical world by performing concerts with an amplified electric cello while combining multiple effects such as distortion and a wah pedal. The sounds she is able to produce draws reactions that are reminiscent of what people said upon hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time. Recognizing Tina's groundbreaking unique style in electric cello, Yamaha signed her to an exclusive endorsement. Tina is now an official Yamaha performing artist and clinician, and plays a custom Tina Guo model SVC-210 electric cello.

"Classical music to me is ethereal, beautiful, holy... and metal is something carnal, visceral, orgasmic," says Guo. "I've always felt metal in my gut but was locked in a room practicing classical cello and was never allowed to express these desires. Now I finally have the opportunity."

With LOTUS RISING, Tina will combine the feel of metal with the melody of classical and a healthy dose of acoustic and screaming electric cello.

Zane will be taking on frontman duties as well as additional writing.

Matt Zane had this to say of his new partnership: "It is rare within the metal genre to have the opportunity to work with someone of Tina's ability. It has been a very humbling experience."

LOTUS RISING is headed to NRG Studios with producer Wade Norton (WHITE ZOMBIE, KYUSS) and film composer/producer Craig Marks (A&E's "Intervention", FoodNet's "Iron Chef America", ESPN's "SportsCenter") to record its first single, "Breathe In Me", which will also be used for a concept music video.

"My vision for LOTUS RISING extends to a full sensory experience," says Guo. "The best way to relay the entire concept of the band to labels, managers, etc., is through a music video rather than just a typical four-song demo."

Tina Guo's virtuosic playing on the Yamaha SVC-210 electric cello can be viewed in the video below.