If you
feel the music of today has no purpose, the so-called ‘soul
music’ is devoid of soul and the overall integrity of music
seems lost, then you will be pleasantly astounded to hear
the unrelenting soulful, funky sounds of Nu Soltribe.
In a
business where seemingly even the most untalented of people
can score a record deal these days; Nu Soltribe begs to be
heard.
Though in
recent months the group had been an ever-changing assortment
of instrumentalists, vocalists and percussionists, the core
members (Chad Redlight, Buddhaful Mike and Kimo) who came
together during an impromptu jam session a year and a half
ago, consider their current fusion of talent to be the right
concoction for success.
The
remaining members (Marto, Big D, FunkLove and Jesse) all
contribute to the writing, vocals and overall vibe of Nu
Soltribe.
Just
listen to the harmony and rhythm of their music, marvel at
the level of communication they exhibit as a group, revel in
the pure innocence of the end product and you will be hard
pressed to believe that the current makeup of members have
only been performing together for less than a month.
“…Each
of us brings a drive that got us here…you really feel it
when we perform,” Mike said. “It’s like an explosion…a high
that you need to come down from…”
The ‘7
Warriors of Soul’ is their moniker of sorts and per Kimo,
they believe wholeheartedly in the philosophy of “…battling
to be heard...”
In our
war-stricken times, it is not hard to find a number of
artists navigating through music and using it as a vehicle
for peace and love.
“…The
music we play has an intention to wake people up…so that
people can feel our message,” Mike said. “It takes a
warrior [of sorts] to do that...”
Nu
Soltribe’s offering of music is just that – a heartfelt
offering from the soul.
They not
only seek out “an overall acceptance” from their listeners,
they desire to be respected by other musicians as well
because to them that acceptance is “a beautiful thing.”
Ask any
of the core members to attempt to describe their music and
you will be met with a slight hesitation.
While
they have warranted outside comparisons to such legends as
Earth, Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone and even Kool
and the Gang their style is hard to describe.
“…[Though] you will hear eclectic influences from [the]
funk soul of the 70’s to progressive rock…,” Chad said,
“It’s really so far beyond that…we bring a sense of unity,
and serious business to our music…it’s simply music... ”
Music, it
is, simple to define it is not.
Due to
the fact all of the members of Nu Soltribe originate from
places such as Boston, Idaho, California and Minneapolis,
trying to typecast their brand of music is no easy task.
I had a
chance to listen to a few tracks from their upcoming album
(presently untitled) due out later this year. With all of
the chaos running rampant today, Nu Soltribe is an enticing
diversion.
It is
merely not enough to say they develop their music from a
deeper sense of purpose.
A montage
of R&B, soul, and funk interwoven with underlying messages
of love, peace and unity makes it difficult not to sense Nu
Soltribe’s groove.
If you
have never seen a Nu Soltribe performance, then Chop Suey
(April 19) is the place to be for a proper introduction.
Prepare
to be enlightened and uplifted.
“…It
seems like a party where you are comfortable with
everybody,” Kimo said. “It’s definitely a multi-cultural
experience…”
In past
shows, Nu Soltribe has been known to incorporate elaborate
themes such as fire dancers and fashion shows into their
production. Though Chop Suey does not allow for such
an extravagant presentation, Nu Soltribe promises to make it
“palatable for the masses.” So, if you need a respite
from the world at large, you won’t find a better escape than
at Chop Suey this Saturday, where they will be performing
with special guest vocalist Piece, co-headlining with
Darrius.
If life
truly does imitate art, then Nu Soltribe is well on their
way to mimicking an incredible masterpiece.
For more
information about Nu Soltribe, you can also visit
www.Nusoltribe.com. On top of all of that, they
manage to find time to be clothing designers as well.
Check out
www.buddhaful.com for more information, or visit any
Urban Outfitters location and pick up one of the buddhaful
design t-shirts with a complimentary CD, featuring other
local artists such as Maktub and Too Loons For Tea.
Tracyera L
