New Religion

From "Guide To Bangkok"
Thailand, June 1998

"[New Religion's] Something Worth Keeping is one of those albums you like instantly but don't get bored of easily."

New Religion was formed in the early 90's. After disbanding his previous project and taking some time off, Scott decided to start work on something new ....something different. So he put this band together, based around the idea that not only would the songs be pop and danceable, but the show would be explosive. It took him a while to get the right ingredients together, so there were personnel changes, but the New Religion lineup that really clicked was: Scott McGinley on vocals, guitar, and keys, Lenny Barber on Bass, Mario Rivera on guitar, Tim Houseman on keys, Mickey D rapping, percussion, and head spinning, Shawn C. on percussion and energy, and Bobby DuAime on drums.

After gaining a following in the Philly/New York scene with their self releases: AFRO-ADESIAC & PHILLY PHUNK, and some interest from small labels (Roberta Flack's label and Bill Aucoin-Kiss's former manager), manager Jeff Deutch proposed the band to try a new approach; move to the other side of the world! Asia was (and is) the quickest growing record buying market....it made sense on paper-but it just was so scary to leave homes, friends and work and move indefinitely to the other side of the world.

Scott remembers it like this: "So off to Asia we went, leaving our friends family, jobs and girlfriends. It was a tough decision to do that, especially since things were going well for us around the Philadelphia/ New York area. We had some record deals on the table, but nothing was really happening fast enough. Our manager, Jeffrey Deutch, saw Asia as a great potential-being the fastest growing record buying market in the world. We were skeptical, but in the end Jeff convinced us to go, so we all quit our jobs and told everyone “we’re going on tour around the world.” Then we got some bad news....the government of Indonesia felt the name New Religion was inappropriate in a Muslim country, and would not approve our visas. We were all devastated. So Jeff and I bought tickets and got on a plane to go plead our case. We flew 36 hours to Jakarta, then to Singapore, then back to Jakarta having meeting after meeting, and as a last stitch effort, we offered to play under the name “Electric City.” Still no answer, so we flew back to the US where we were met at the airport by Jeff’s assistant, holding a fax saying “the visas are through-come to Asia!” So....back on a plane the next day, 36 hours to Jakarta. By the time we played our first show, I was so jet lagged, I didn’t know WHAT country I was in! The crowds were great and responsive to our show and the people were so friendly-yeah...we could get used to this!" In the end Jeff convinced the boys to take the chance, and after playing the 1st show, they knew it was a good decision.

New Religion toured many countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, and while playing 6 nights a week, they also spent time doing magazine, radio and tv interviews. In the midst of all this Scott was writing great new material, but there was a switch going on in the sound of the band. While the funk songs had an exciting stage show with choreography and alot of energy, the pop songs were getting radio attention. [Some songs from this time period can be heard on Asian Diary pt1] As the interest of radio turned to the pop songs, that became the focus of Scott's writing. "I always enjoy writing all different kinds of music, so I jot down ideas in my little book all the time" says Scott, "but if someone is interested in just certain songs, those are the ones that I work on finishing, producing, and recording."

New Religion went under the name Electric City in Indonesia and Malaysia, who's strict Muslim government deemed the name NEW RELIGION offensive.

After a few successful self releases in several of these countries, New Religion signed a deal with Modern Art records and returned to the US to record their first major release [music from this time period can be heard on Asian Diary pt2 Bali]. "Something Worth Keeping" was recorded in Connecticut at the Carriage House studios in between Electric Light Orchestra II's sessions. The album showcases a New Religion show in this time of transition: beautiful ballads, great pop songs and some down and dirty funk tunes. The cd was produced by Scott and went to #7 when they returned to Asia to promote it.

New Religion started out in Jakarta Indonesia, went on to play Malaysia, Singapore, China, and on to Bali Indonesia.

Even as the band was achieving more and more successes, there were strains within the band. Members were growing tired of the constant touring and spending so long away from their friends and family. By the time they recorded "Something worth keeping", Lenny and Tim had left, replaced by Tom Warrington and Pat McCabe. Soon after that, Mario and Mickey D left. ....and then there were 5! Which actually seemed to make more sense as a pop band, anyway. Shawn jumped on second guitar, and gone were the high energy dance routines from New Religion.

When "Something Worth Keeping" reached the top ten and the band was increasing their following everywhere they went, other larger labels became interested in signing New Religion. By the time they were playing in Thailand, a bidding war of sorts ensued. [music from this time can be heard on Asian Diary pt3 Bangkok] Between the friction and spreading discontent within the band, and the growing pressures of the business, Scott decided to disband New Religion and move on to the next project: BLISS. Most of the members are still friends and you can catch up with Tim and Mario playing around Philly as BLIND MAN's BLUFF or you may see Shawn, Mickey D or Lenny playing around if you happen to be in an Asian country.

with Steven Seagal

with Samuel Jackson & Gina Davis (who both sang with New Religion!)

with Kool from Kool & the gang

From the early 90's to '97 New Religion won over fans every time the played; from biker bars in Philly to exotic locations around the globe. After reaching millions of people, hanging out with music and movie stars, and playing seven different countries, New Religion was shelved. Scott remembers the band as "the closest thing to that dream band you always hear about where everyone is like brothers-I have really great memories of it. People still come up to me and say 'aw man! you guys had the best show i've ever seen!'"