Though millions already appreciate former Tonic frontman Emerson Hart’s poignant lyrics, smart songcraft and evocative voice, Hart’s debut album, Cigarettes & Gasoline, will be released on July 17th 2007 on EMI/ Manhattan Records. The first single “If You’re Gonna Leave” from the album marks Hart’s return to mainstream radio debuting at 37 on the Hot AC chart on May 27, 2007. The 12-song debut disc was recorded in New Orleans and in his current hometown, Nashville, with producers Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi), who produced the final, Grammy-nominated Tonic record; Grammy-winner Jason Lehning (Guster, Steve Forbert), and Mike Napolitano (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Joseph Arthur). As lead singer for alt-rock radio and concert favorites Tonic, Hart enjoyed platinum sales, chart topping singles and albums--including the 1 hit “If You Could Only See”--and two Grammy nominations in 2003.

Cigarettes and Gasoline marks the culmination of a journey that began when Hart, who moved to Los Angeles and co-founded Tonic in the mid-‘90s, relocated to Nashville in 2002. In the Music City, with a refreshed perspective and introspection, Hart wrote for himself and outside projects, including the song “Generations,” the theme for TV’s American Dreams, the tune earning Hart the 2003 ASCAP Award for film and TV. For Hart, Cigarettes and Gasoline is an album that had to be made, going solo a leap of faith that was crucial in order for Hart to be true to his art. Hart’s forthcoming solo release continues his relationship with television as both ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and WC’s One Tree Hill have already featured music from the upcoming album.

Emerson Hart has been a familiar voice at modern rock radio for nearly a decade. Tonic’s first release, Lemon Parade quickly became a mainstream success - selling multi-platinum and scoring enormous radio success with the hit songs, "Open Up Your Eyes" and "If You Could Only See" (penned solely by Hart) which became radio’s most played Rock Song in 1997. In 1999, Tonic returned with their 2nd album and the 3 Mainstream Rock hit “You Wanted More.” In 2002, Tonic released their 3rd LP, Head On Straight including the modern rock radio smash "Take Me As I Am." In 2003 Tonic received two Grammy nominations - one for best Rock Performance By Duo or Group With Vocal for "Take Me As I Am" and the second for Best Rock Album. Hart also co-wrote the 2005 Ingram Hill hit “Almost Perfect” which reached top 25 on the Hot AC chart.
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Though millions already appreciate former Tonic frontman Emerson Hart’s poignant lyrics, smart songcraft and evocative voice, Hart’s debut album, Cigarettes & Gasoline, will be released on July 17th 2007 on EMI/ Manhattan Records. The first single “If You’re Gonna Leave” from the album marks Hart’s return to mainstream radio debuting at 37 on the Hot AC chart on May 27, 2007. The 12-song debut disc was recorded in New Orleans and in his current hometown, Nashville, with producers Bob... (read more)