Artist Profile: Riff Parade

The next artist is the seemingly odd yet musically amazing group Riff Parade. Don't let the Muppet imagery fool you (apparently Big Bird has a posse), the group's unique sound is well worth listening to, which can be heard at their MySpace along with this quick bio:

It's really just a collection of musicians from New England who grew tired of playing in bands looking to get signed. Past groups included all sorts of genres: from progressive hardcore to children's music to granola bar rock, but all were too heavy into themselves.

So, on a sloppy night built on a solid foundation of shitty beer, the founders of the collective, (let’s call them strob, streev, and ice pak) decided to forget the bands they played in to form a spontaneous, experimental jam project that boycotts everything that being in an aspiring band is about, except for blowing men.

Rehearsals, songwriting, identities, song names, the hole heap is out. The purpose is to create music for the sake of music, meaning that it must be made right on the spot live with whatever means available and then never be played again. Furthermore, it is important to invite those in the audience to join in, because they could have something more to offer to the mix.

If Riff Parade is the sound you are looking for, vote for them to return this July.

Artist Profile: Sweet P Blues

Up next in our artist profile is Sweet P Blues. Here is a quick bio taken off of the official website:

Paul Alexander Williams (AKA Sweet P) was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. He started gigging in local bars and night clubs at the age of 19. By the age of 23, he had played guitar in the nine piece show band- "Pain & Pure Pleasure"; and he had served an apprenticeship in "Brotherhood", -a jazz quartet that featured band leader Richard Lee on the B3 organ and vocalist Candy Brown.

Subsequently, he met the late George (Coots) Thomas who brought him into the "Providence Spiritual Singers" gospel group. Eventually, Sweet P formed his own blues trio in which he became the lead singer. Along the way, he has also performed with wedding bands and at recording studio sessions. More recently, he has been acting, singing and playing guitar-performing onstage, in theatrical productions.

Check out the website for some samples of Sweet P's music, and then head on down to the online poll and vote for Sweet P and other artists you want back at this year's Sound Session.

Artist Profile: Tevellus

Next up in the Sound Search is Tevellus.

Tevellus describes their music as "sounds of the world", including many elements such as middle eastern gypsy funk, acoustic twelve-string guitar, electronic and acoustic percussion, vocals, and dance. As natives of Providence, RI, Tevellus has performed at local venues such as Tazza, and if they secure enough of your votes they will be at Sound Sessions 2009 this July.

Check out their MySpace to hear some of their entrancing music and watch some videos from live performances. If you like what you see and hear, vote for Tevellus.

Artist Profile: Lee Wilson

Our next featured artist in the PBRC Sound Search is Lee Wilson.

Lee Wilson is a twenty-four year old singer, songwriter, and performer from Boston, MA and has been called the "Top Unsigned Artist in America" by Vibe Magazine in their January 2006 issue. Wilson's music is a fusion of Pop/R&B and his live shows can be summed up as "emotional roller coasters, electrifying, and inspirational". Lee has worked with BET (106 & Park), The Fox 25 Morning Show (Boston), and MTV (True Life). According to his MySpace, Wilson takes pride on his music consisting of "no hype, no gimmicks, just the truth". Be sure to check out his page, which includes great tracks like BREAKDOWN and Far Away.

If you are a Lee Wilson fan and would like to see him at the 2009 Sound Sessions event, go to the Sound Search website and vote for Lee Wilson.

Artist Profile: Big Dude Crew

Our first post profiling a Sound Search Artist is Big Dude Crew, who performed on our stage back in February.

Big Dude Crew brings their own style and attitude to the stage, complete with a Big Dude mentality. Big Dude artist GUTTAH 1 explains just what a Big Dude is:

BIG DUDE - is an individual, who lives their life on the notion that everyday is a day to do it BIG. You don't have to be rich, famous or even have a job. Being a Big Dude means you live your life, and everyday you use the opportunity that is given to you to do it BIG.

BIG DUDE is also a state of mind. I mean, who wakes up and says "I'm gonna slack on everything I do today." Hell No!

So, remember, No matter who U are and no matter where U are, keep it real and don't let your opportunity pass to DO IT BIG !

So ask yourself, "Have I done it BIG today?"

Judging from such tracks like UnStopAble and Not Ur Girl, the crew lives up to their words and does it big every time.

Be sure to check out the Big Dude Crew MySpace to hear some tracks and see what they bring to Providence.

Welcome to Sound Sessions 2009

Welcome to all,

Sound Sessions is a genre-defying, week long summer music festival brought to you by The Providence Black Repertory and The City of Providence's Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism. Currently, Black Rep is still holding the Sound Sessions Sound Search, which showcases a different artist every Thursday night through June 11th. Audience members can then vote for their favorite acts, who will be featured at this year's Sound Session 2009 festival, taking place July 5th - 11th. Vote at the Sound Search website, and check out past festivals at the official Sound Session website.

This blog will showcase the various artists taking part in this year's Sound Search. Be sure to check them out, and then come join us for the festival in July.

Hope to see you there, and thank you from The Providence Black Repertory.