“internationally acclaimed pop rock band PAINTED ON WATER announced today they will kick off their 2014 North American Tour at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Avenue on Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m. This engagement will be followed by performances at Toronto’s Mod Club Theater at 722 College St. on Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m., Washington DC’s Tropicalila at 2001 14th NW on Thursday, March 20 at 8 p.m., New York City’s Drom at 85 Avenue A on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m., and Boston’s Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club at 17 Holland Street on Sunday, March 23 at 8 p.m. The tour will promote the band’s upcoming album, to be released this spring.”

“Demir Demirkan and Sertab Erener fused Turkish folk with modern jazz on their debut album, which also featured performances from Al DiMeola and Dave Weckl. The duo known as Painted on Water, from Turkey and now based in Chicago, has ventured into new territory with the release of a rock EP called Chicago Issue. The lead off single “Why Do You Love Me” showcases the couple’s polished approach to pop rock music in the vein of Evanescence, for example. And yet Painted on Water takes the occasional melodic left turn, making the music richer than standard radio fare. Listen to a preview below, and look out for a long player to follow later this year.”

“Based in Chicago and steeped in Turkish influences, Painted On Water is a duo project from long-time friends and collaborators, Sertab Erener and Demirkan. The new release is a five-track album with rock beats, swirling rhythms, punchy elements, and English vocals by Sertab. There are symphonic rock moments on "Hating You Loving You" and "Why Do You Love Me." The heavier tones do not interrupt the clear vocals. "Despite Ourselves" opens with a melodic and down-tempo introduction, but it is quickly interrupted with loud guitars, swishy percussion, and evocative vocals. "When I Need You The Most" is a punchy rock tune with a Garbage-esque instrumental arrangement and Shirley Manson-esque vocals that add an element of grunge and dance. "A New Me" includes a punchy beat, giddy guitars, funky bass lines, and Sertab's direct and catchy vocal repertoire. The music is engaging with a hard edge that is not too heavy or unnecessary.”

“Review by G. W. Hill I really like this EP a lot. It’s got an intriguing set of sounds. The female vocals often bring an epic metal texture. That said, the music also touches on that. Then again, there are times when it feels tied to modern pop music. I can even hear No Doubt and Gwen Stefani as references at one point. Still, there is even some electronic dance styled music here. While that combination of sounds might not be an obvious winner, it works extremely well here. This is definitely a winner.”

“internationally acclaimed pop rock band PAINTED ON WATER announced today they will kick off their 2014 North American Tour at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Avenue on Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m. This engagement will be followed by performances at Toronto's Mod Club Theater at 722 College St. on Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m., Washington DC's Tropicalila at 2001 14th NW on Thursday, March 20 at 8 p.m., New York City's Drom at 85 Avenue A on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m., and Boston's Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant & Music Club at 17 Holland Street on Sunday, March 23 at 8 p.m. The tour will promote the band's upcoming album, to be released this spring.”