| Provision Biography Provision is an electronic musical group based in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. Provision was founded in November 2000 by Breye Kiser (aka Breye 7x - Formerly of U-N-I and Bamboo Crisis) and Leslie Hyman (aka Sonitis - Formerly of U-N-I and Wraith). Provision's music is self described as "Electronic Dance Music with an Edge". With 10 years of experience in former electronic acts under their belt, Leslie and Breye chose to infuse elements of classic electronic dance (Hi-NRG, Italo Disco), industrial dance (EBM) and synthpop to create the Provision sound, truly a unique formula of their own. Provision is widely know for their live shows which combine live synthesizers and electronic percussion, non-stop energy, an incredible intelligent lighting show, and powerful vocals with lyrics that tug at the heart. At barely over a year old, Provision performed at Synthcon 2002 where they won "Best New U.S. Artist" in the American Synthpop Awards; thus solidifying their name and sound in the American Synthpop Scene. Provision's relentless self promotion and performances during their Liberation (Regional) and Evaporate U.S. Tours, quickly gained the attention of Electronic Record Labels in the U.S. and abroad; and they proudly signed with U.S. Label A Different Drum in late 2003. In their first 2 years of existence, Provision was performing numerous live shows with incredible energy and frequency; and quickly winning new fans wherever they toured. From 2001 to 2006 Provision released 3 albums, 4 E.P.'s, appeared on numerous compilations; and produced remixes for other electronic artists. During this 5 year time period, Provision toured the U.S. for the albums Evaporate and Visualize. Provision toured regionaly in support of their Innocence and Devotion E.P.'s; and has always continued to support other electronic artists on tour in the U.S. Provision has established themselves as a popular support act in the U.S. electronic music scene having shared the stage with Red Flag, Anything Box, The Human League, When In Rome, Cause & Effect, Imperative Reaction, Icon of Coil, System Syn, Assemblage 23, Cesium_137, Clan of Xymox, The Hunger, Christopher Anton (Information Society), The Cruxshadows, and CTRL among others... Provision has also performed live at many electronic music festivals during this time including Gothcon II, Synthcon 2002, ADD2K4, ADD2K5, ADD2K6, SiNthetik Sk13s II, III & IV, Electro-Nexus, Summer Synthpop Festival 2003, Synthfest 2004, and appeared as a vendor for A Different Drum at Convergence 10 in Chicago, IL. Evaporate Provision self released their first E.P. Innocence in March of 2002. It was limited to 100 copies. 65 copies were sold at Gothcon 2002, the night it was released. It sold out in May of 2002, only having been out 2 months with the only distribution being through live Provision shows. Label interest to release Provision's debut album was high in early 2002. The problem however, was that all of the release schedules offered; would not have the album into the hands of the public until the end of the year; or early 2003. Provision made the decision to self release their debut album Evaporate in May of 2002. Evaporate was mastered and guided by Mark Reynolds of the band Red Flag. Provision's debut album quickly drew comparisons to Information Society, Anything Box, Depeche Mode, Moskwa T.V., and Cetu Javu; as the album burst onto niteclub and independent radio playlists. Evaporate showcased the Provision message and sound through intense vocals, intricate analog programming, and expressive percussion. Mark Reynolds of Red Flag called Evaporate "The album Red Flag could have put out after Naive Art". With Evaporate, an album of love, heartache, and emotional dance floor energy was born. Tracks such as My Only Question, Breathe, Sacrifice, and December Morning have dominated numerous club, college and independent radio D.J.'s play lists since it's release; and continue to be spun to this day. Evaporate was listed at #44 in the Top 100 best sellers on A Different Drum's website for 2003. Quite a feat for an unsigned electronic act, but due largely to Provision's relentless promotion and touring. Provision sold more than 2000 copies of Evaporate in just 2 years, re-issued it in September 2004; and it sold out again in early 2006. In March of 2003 - Provision embarked on their Evaporate U.S. Tour, and self released their 2nd E.P. Devotion. Limited to only 100 copies, just over 80 Devotion E.P.'s were sold in only 2 weeks on the road. By mid 2003 Provision had completed 1 national, and 2 regional U.S tours in support of their releases Evaporate and Devotion. Visualize In November of 2003, with 3 pending record deals on the table; Provision was honored to license their 2nd album Visualize for release with U.S. record label A Different Drum. The album was released in September of 2004. When Visualize was released it came as a "2 C.D. Limited Edition" featuring a 2nd disc with remixes and bonus tracks. Picking up where Evaporate had ended, Visualize expanded on Provision's signature sound; pushing the boundaries of emotion and longing, even further. Filled with songs that tug harder at the heart, than on any previous efforts released; Visualize proved to be Provision's finest effort to date. Performing tracks from their 2nd album Visualize, along with hits from their debut album Evaporate; Provision once again took their music to the masses. With their self booked, self promoted, 2 month U.S. Tour in December 2004 / January 2005 Provision took the U.S. by storm. Visualize continued to make waves as reviews, interviews, and Dj's playlists justified what was called Provision's best work ever. Tragedy In spite of success, it has not been easy. Provision has faced many obstacles as a band. Provision has always performed as many live parts as possible on stage. They've constantly fought against the stigma that many electronic acts face as credible musicians who really perform Live. Provision's opposition to Synth bands who prefer to perform "Fake To DAT" shows, has often caused controversy in online forums and open debates. But no matter what some other acts choose to do, Provision will always stand behind the fact that it is a band in every since of the word. Ultimately, retaining serious band members who want to tour, write music, contribute, and be a part of Provision full time; has hindered Provision's progress. But despite the trials and tribulations they have faced, Provision realizes that this happens to many bands. With each hurdle they overcome, they grow stronger and more determined than before. In the first 5 years of Provision's existence, there had been more than a handful of tragedies that made Breye question the future of the band... In Breye's words... "When Keyboardist / Vocalist Matt Coker left in 2001, it was the goal of Finishing "Evaporate" that kept us going. When we had to let Alex Virlios go in August of 2003, it was Carlos Covarrubias and a record contract from A Different Drum that saved us. When Carlos moved away in August of 2004, and the announcement by Leslie Hyman that she would not be able to tour the U.S. in support of Visualize; it was the offer from Jen Foxx and Randon Harris to join the band that made me move forward." Provision sadly lost founding member Leslie Hyman in September of 2005, due to demanding career and lifestyle changes that no longer allowed her to be a part of the magic she helped create. Provision leaves her Bio page here on the Official website as a reminder to all who knew her, and the fans who never got a chance to. We miss you Leslie. All may have seemed lost after Leslie's departure, yet Jen and Breye were already working on new material. And it was inevitable that "The Consequence" would become the third chapter of the Provision story. Breye wrote the last track on The Consequence - "Everytime" about Leslie, when she took her leave of absence from the band to start her Medical Career. The Consequence September 2005 became the most uncertain time ever for Provision as Breye questioned the release of Provision's upcoming 3rd album. After moving back to Houston in the fall, Carlos Covarrubias rejoined Provision. In consulting with several personal advisors, and seeing that Jen Foxx and Carlos Covarrubias were now at the foundation of Provision; Breye's decision to begin recording The Consequence was solidified. In November of 2005, Provision had 2 label offers on the table to release their upcoming 3rd album. Yet they once again were looking at a delay until late 2006, before their album would be released. After much consdieration regarding the future of Provision's albums and how it's releases had been handled in the past, the band decided to pass on both pending offers. Breye formed new U.S. label Section 44 Records with fellow U.S. electronic / synthpop bands Tristraum, and Eloquent. Provision had continued to invade dance floors, college and independent radio, live stages, and the hearts of fans across the world since the release of their debut E.P. "Innocence" in 2002; and then unleashed their 3rd and finest album to date on March 11th 2006. The wait was over, The Consequence was here! The Consequence was recieved by many as Provision's most mature and polished album to date, and C.D. Release Party / Performance shows followed in their home state in Houston, TX at Numbers; and in San Antonio, TX at The Venue. Former Keyboardist and Percussionsist Randon Harris returned to the band after the Offical C.D. Release in Houston, and the band played Live shows to support The Consequence throughout the spring and summer of 2006; ending with their final show that year in Salt Lake City at A Different Drum's 2K6 Synthpop Music Festival. Provision released their Dual Single Ideal Warfare at A Different Drum's 2K6 Synthpop Music Festival on September 2nd 2006. The E.P. included the Singles Ideal & Perversions of Conventional Warfare from their 3rd album The Consequence. In November of 2006, Jen and Breye welcomed their son Simon into the world. After almost 6 years of non stop performances, writing and recording; early 2007 saw Provision finally taking a break to spend time with their families. This time was also important for band members to work on personal musical endeavors such as Randon's band "P for Flamingo's" and Carlos's solo project "Straynge". In mid 2007 - Despite upcoming shows with Assemblage 23, and talk of a new single and album by years end, Breye's discussions with each band member began to result in the end of an incredible 6 year journey. In late 2007, after almost 6 years of non-stop performing, writing and recording; the line up of Breye 7x, Jen Foxx, Carlos Covarrubias, and Randon Harris amicably disbanded as Provision. The decision was made so the individual members could focus on solo endeavors and spend time with their families. 2008 / 2009 - A Rebirth In August 2008 Joel 313 of Asmodeus X approached Breye during a CTRL show at Elysium in Austin, TX with regard to working together on new music. After 3 months of toying with the idea of doing new music and performing live again, Breye held 2 private meetings at Red Square Digital with Joel 313 of Asmodeus X and Matt Willis of Splendor Projekt regarding the formation of a new band. On January 5 2009 - Breye, Joel, and Matt held their first official rehearsal, and decided unanimously against moving forward as a new band, and to proceed forward as Provision. Provision performed their comeback show on August 1st 2009 @ Scout Bar in Houston, TX with When In Rome. 4 more shows followed as the band continued work on writing their 4th album for release in 2010. 2010 and Onward On January 16th 2010, Joel Schafer stated that he was "calling it quits" and officially left Provision. As there was no falling out or warnings of his impending departure, the remaining members Breye K. and Matt W. can only assume by his exact wording; that this means Joel will no longer be pursuing music in his life. On January 26th 2010, former Provision member Jen Kiser rejoined Provision. Having already written lyrics for half of the new songs being performed by Provision in 2009, her return as a full time member was imminent. Provision performed numerous shows in 2010 sharing the stage with such notable and established acts as Assemblage 23, Anything Box, and Chris Anton (Information Society). Provision entered their studio Red Square Digital in Houston, Texas on August 25th 2010 to begin recording their 4th album "Paradigm Shift". Recording was completed in October and Provision's 4th L.P. was released worldwide on 11-20-2010. Belief Since November of 2000, Provision has come further than anyone ever could have imagined. It could not have happened without each band member who has been a part of the group. It also could not have been done without the staff at Red Square Digital, and the Record Labels – Todd Durrant at A Different Drum, and Randall, Steven & Pierre at Section 44. Their belief in Provision, allowed the music to be released to the world. But most of all, Provision owes it's success to all of the wonderful fans who have supported them over the years. To each and every one of those fans, Provision extends it's eternal love and gratitude. Stay tuned to this site, along with the other online entities that exist regarding Provision. The band truly appreciates your support, and hopes to see you soon at a live performance! Alan Valcic Provision Webmaster |
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