Thanks To Gravity

Thanks to Gravity’s spark of life took place in the long registration line for classes at UNH in the spring of 1990. (Yup, we used to wait in line just to not get in!) In the spring of 1991 “Gravity” became the first band in New England to release an album on an ancient form of recorded media called the “compact disc”. The band picked up steam, fans and friends by gigging relentlessly and by 1997 (after three more albums) were signed to Capitol Records and EMI Publishing. The band has ventured into atypical rock band territory before, including scoring and performing a ballet, performing an original orchestral work with the New Hampshire Philharmonic, performing Thanks to Gravity songs arranged for orchestra with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and more. Thanks to Gravity is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of their first new album in nearly 20 years, “Division of the Human Mind”, available on streaming platforms. CD’s and other new march will be available at the album release show on Sept 8th at Vinegar Hill Music Hall.

Andy Happel is the lyricist and primary songwriter for TTG, he plays the violin, acoustic and classical guitars, and sings. And sometimes jumps up and down during concerts because he can’t contain the love and excitement. He maintains a happy home studio where he sees nearly sixty students weekly for lessons on violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, piano, drums, voice, mandolin, banjo and ukulele. Andy lives in Scarborough with his wife, daughter, dog, cat, cat and cat.

Drew Wyman plays the bass. He is a force unto himself and is supremely well regarded and loved by all. His inventive techniques, tone, and range of style has inspired many a bass player. Drew has a unique role in the band as TTG has no electric guitar player. The onslaught of powerful rock music comes from their instrumentation that allows for massive, earth-shaking bass tone with top end overtones and textures. He can play quietly, on occasion depending on what the drums are doing. During daylight hours Drew leads the tireless team of dedicated staff and volunteers at the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter to serve communities statewide in his role as Executive Director.

Sean Daniels plays the drums. Also a force unto himself, he drives the TTG sound with passion, precision, accuracy, and jaw-dropping skill. The powerful blend of Sean and Drew make for a thunderous bedrock and help define the signature TTG sound. He also can play quietly and has masterful dynamic control of the band, which is amazing. Sean is an active member of the RSU 35 music program (Marshwood), where he is the current Music Boosters president, a staff member for the winter Indoor Percussion ensemble, and has been in the pit playing drums and pretending to be a high school kid for several recent theater productions including Matilda the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and the upcoming Maine High School premiere production of Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical. . Sean lives in South Berwick with his wife, son, daughter, dog, cat, cat and cat.

Duncan Watt plays the piano, Hammond B3 organ, and keyboards. He is a prolific composer and has scored multiple major title video game soundtracks. From the powerful B3 organ to the rich and ethereal sounds he creates with Thanks to Gravity and his other projects, he has incredible musical sensitivity and has a knack for finding just the right sound to complement the soundscape. Duncan teaches Games and Interactive Media Scoring on a part-time basis at Berklee College of Music in Boston.