Winners of "Best New Artist" at the 2011 Malibu Music Awards, Chris Amodeo and The Modern Minds deliver smart, transcendent lyrics with strong hooky melodies, layered guitars and lush B3. With a world-class band including backup singers from Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones, Amodeo puts together a transformational musical romp that uplifts. His recent burst into music has been mythic. As a Rolfer®, Shaman and voiceover artist, he already lives an unusual life. But a few years ago he bought a guitar at a fundraiser, started playing for fun, immersed himself in shaman training and things got really wild in the creativity department. 
Something that had been dormant inside of him cracked open in a big and unforeseen way. He, along with his band The Modern Minds, have released an impressive first album of 14 original songs called Homo Luminous, meaning, "man of light". Music reminiscent of classic folk-based 70's rock merges with lyrics that are soulful and smart. 
The Modern Minds, led by veteran drummer/producer Ray Weston, is rounded out by members who've worked with Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and TheMotels. 
Two shows at The Coach House last October and November followed by a show at LA's legendary Whisky A Go Go on Jan 2nd and a spectacular performance at the 2011 Sunset Sessions featuring legendary artists K.D. Lang, Daniel Lanois, and Stevie Nicks have launched Chris Amodeo and The Modern Minds out into the world. The group just played Worldfest 2011 and were invited back to play the first ever Sunset Sessions Rock. They killed it, along with phenomenal new bands like Kopek, Givers and Dead Sarah as well as good friends Larisa Stow and Shakti Tribe. Next, Chris Amodeo and The Modern Minds play one of the coolest venues anywhere, the Hotel Cafe on July 28th. They're also slated to play the Malibu Music Awards in September. 
"My learning curve has been fast and fun. If anyone had told me a few years ago that I'd be writing songs and recording an album and then playing in these incredible venues right off the bat, I'd have said they were crazy. I think people are hungry for what's real, soulful and transparent now more than ever, especially in this jaded, post-meltdown world. Music always has room to offer more." Chris's shows begin with his shaman brother Jon Rasmussen opening "ritual space". Underlying the melodies and music is an energy that brings everyone listening to a more open place with themselves and each other.

Music reminiscent of classic folk-based 70's rock merges with lyrics that are soulful and smart.