The Outer Vibe

Artist Information

Biography

A vibe like no other.

Building on Michigan’s storied rock and pop legacy, The Outer Vibe has long pushed the envelope for live performances with its ultra-animated stagecraft, audience-involving antics, infectious beats and never-ending supply of resplendent stagewear.

But behind the flash and flamboyance of one of West Michigan’s most sought-after live acts, there’s a serious, experienced pop project that goes where few bands have gone before.

Between them, the five band members – Nick Hosford, Lisa Kacos, Sean Zee, Andrew Dornoff and Jeff Brems – boast eight college degrees. The teen Rock Camps they established in 2009 have exploded in popularity, with budding young musicians from Detroit to the Lake Michigan shoreline lining up to soak up the group’s advice on showmanship, teamwork and marketing.

This is a band that built its own cutting-edge recording studio north of Grand Rapids just so it could further polish catchy pop and alternative rock songs which echo influences as far-ranging as Maroon 5 and Muse to Queen and Led Zeppelin.

It’s a road-tested band with rare business acumen that plays more than 100 shows a year, sharing stages along the way with the likes of The Tubes, We The Kings, REO Speedwagon, Local H, Electric Six and more. It’s a band that boasts a walk-in wardrobe full of colorful stage attire and a trailer packed with duplicate sound gear that mirrors the equipment in its state-of-the-art studio/rehearsal space.

It’s a band that eats, sleeps and breathes its musical mission, with group members even embarking on cross-country motorcycle trips together as the White Lightning Motorcycle Club – an alter-ego family affair that pays tribute to Hosford’s late father, “Wild Bill” Hosford.

More than anything, it’s a band that never stops exploring and expanding the boundaries of its own pop music. The Outer Vibe’s three independently released albums (2003’s “Pretty Good,” 2006’s “Games We Play” and 2009’s “Monster EP”) have earned regional acclaim, growing radio airplay, a burgeoning fan base and a street team numbering 1,500-plus in eight states and five countries.

The band's latest studio album, “Hoka Hey,” flaunts an even bolder blend of pop-infused alternative rock – unafraid of horns, vocoders, electronic drums … whatever each song demands and whatever keeps The Outer Vibe in that rarified air occupied by dynamic, hard-working artists with something refreshing to say.

The album title appropriately borrows from a Native American adage that means “it’s a beautiful day to die.” Because for this band, it’s all about attitude: Live life and play music fearlessly, to the fullest, as if today’s your last.

Meet The Outer Vibe: Quite literally a band like no other.

- John Sinkevics, Spins on Music
www.localspins.com

Instrumentation

Nick Hosford - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sean Zee - Lead Vocals
Lisa Kacos - Trumpet, Backing Vocals, Percussion, keyboard, Synth
Andrew Dornoff - Bass Guitar
Jeff Brems - Drums, Percussion

Discography

"Hoka Hey" - 9 track album released July 4, 2012
"Monster EP" - 4 track EP released May 2009
"Games We Play" - 14 track album released April 2006
"Pretty Good" - 10 track LP released December 2003
Self-titled EP

Official Website

http://theoutervibe.com

Links

• Twitter
• The Outer Vibe Official Site
• MySpace
• Facebook

Audio

• Hoka Hey
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• Heart Motor
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• Crossroads of Desire
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• Move
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• Princess of Sin
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• Whatever You Like
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• Reset My Heart
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• Break Out
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Lyrics

• Hoka Hey

Video

OFFICIAL Hoka Hey Music Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Outer Vibe ...has created a monster. [+ Show ]
  

  The Outer Vibe creates music in a secret labratory in Grand Rapids, Michigan - deep dark in some str...The Outer Vibe creates music in a secret labratory in Grand Rapids, Michigan - deep dark in some strange castle on a hill. When they are not touring and filling up 900+ capacity venues, they are working hard producing ear candy. *insert lightning and thunder clap here*
  
  Ok, so uh maybe they don’t really work in a secret laboratory. Maybe they don’t own a strange castle on a hill, but we would like to think so.
  
  Immediately when you start to listen to The Outer Vibe, you are thrust head first into a mad scientist aquapod transducer, and your body is sent into various bits of anti-matter, which tries desperately to cling to a genre linking comparison. The style is so unique, that one almost receives a clean, refreshing, and almost surreal blend of sound. It stays crunchy in milk, and is packed with vitiman C.
  
  “Monster EP,” is the most recent creation from The Outer Vibe’s lab - which was struck by one hundred thousand millivolts, and delivered to the masses via various outlets including iTunes. The song “We’ve Created A Monster” provides ME (Jake Wheat) with obvious political undertones, which wreck into the past eight years - or - speaks about my love life, either way. The song is catchy, the instrumentation is devine, and frankly - I am inspired when it flows out of my iPod.
  
  My favorite song on the “Monster EP”? “Your Girlfriend’s A Witch,” because everyone knows she is.

• SonicBytes CD-Review - The Outer Vibe Monster EP [+ Show ]
  

  I am noticing that the current trend amongst indie bands is to go with an EP rather than a full CD r...I am noticing that the current trend amongst indie bands is to go with an EP rather than a full CD release. While this is likely attributed to our current financial crunch, the positive is that efforts are way stronger when they are concentrated to a 4 or 5 song release and of course less expensive for the consumer. The Monster EP by the Outer Vibe is a vigorous, well-recorded effort that is as strong as any release we have reviewed this year.
  
  The Outer Vibe's sound is an innovative take on rock music's most timeless elements, which pays tribute to the voice that screamed out in the 1960's and 70's for change and freedom.
  
  This is the third release for The Outer Vibe, following Games We Play, released in 2006 and Pretty Good which was released in 2004. Never has the band sounded more confident, combining an amped up, crazed-inventiveness with expressive and expansive range and a little more psychedelia than their previous releases. This is good stuff.
  
  The EP opens with "We Created A Monster", a faced paced, up tempo number that is pure fury and hysteria and includes a signature 'scream'. followed by a flurry of extravagance and spectacle that is breathtaking. Taking a stab at greed and the self-fulfilling prophecy that we have become, this song is by far the Outer Vibe's best effort yet. There is so much going on instrumentally but it all fits, from the marked changes in tempo, the pauses, tremendous percussion from Jeff Brems, and yes, the aforementioned scream. I can't imagine what it was like to create this arrangement but it had to be fun. This is what music should be.
  
  "On The Run" is a catchy song that fits perfectly following "Monster" - reminiscent of some of the best indie rock from the 1990's, but with a hint of 70's psychedelia power pop (think "Love Is Like Oxygen" by Sweet or ELO when they were at their symphonic apex). Again, the arrangement and instrumentation are top notch and Sean Zuidgeest is at his best vocally here, showing tremendous range and sustain. The song builds in intensity reaching an unparalleled crescendo and a very strong finish.
  
  "Dance Around" makes a great case for the EP's first single, built on and around a strong foundation of keyboards and trumpet, highlighting the tremendous musicianship of Lisa Kacos. That is not to diminish everything else that is going on here; indeed the guitar work of Nick Horsford is absolutely rousing and Zuidgeest is again stellar. If that is not enough, Andrew Dornoff's bass work is genuinely bloodthirsty here - he may need to be chained up! This is cabaret-style progressiveness that is definitely the highlight of the EP.
  
  The final song on The Monster EP is "Your Girlfriend's A Witch". Stunning. Nick is AMAZING on his guitar solo, which for lack of a better word is absolutely incendiary. A white-hot performance with all-star efforts from the entire band. Again, percussion and rhythm really stand out on this track.
  
  This is frenzied energy at it's controlled best. In fact, I am amazed at the way the Outer Vibe seems to be in control, with near surgical precision no less, of their own musical chaos. This is a five-star effort - all tracks are highly enjoyable and the EP carries a SonicJive.com MUST HAVE recommendation. You will absolutely love the single "On The Run". Get this EP right away.
  
  Written by: Michael Canter
  4/23/09

• Lansing Michigan Music CD-Review - The Outer Vibe Monster EP [+ Show ]
  

  Monster Indeed - and it's a big one. Everything about this record is big - the vocals, the guitars, ...Monster Indeed - and it's a big one. Everything about this record is big - the vocals, the guitars, the drums and keys - even the ideas are big on the newest release by the Grand Rapids based - MSU attending - Rock-N-Roll Dance Party that is The Outer Vibe. This band is not afraid to let it all hang out - there are bells and whistles and tweeters all over this puppy - and it works. Like totally.
  
  Each of the EP's four songs sound modern - yet all have been kissed by the 80's in some fashion - from the drum sound in "Dance Around" to the balls out Sunset Strip crackle of the guitars on the closer "Your Girlfriends A Witch" - which is sung from the perspective of the band - in dealing with they're own personal Yoko.
  
  The leadoff track "Monster" has a ska-rock feel - almost a "No Doubt" with a male lead singer - and a suprisingly challenging political/social message - that you can dance to - which seems to be a continuing trend as this EP plays out - the chiming guitars, hoo-hoo's and the soaring bridge of "On The Run" pulsate with energy. By the time the 3rd and most dance-oriented track "Dance Around" begins - the listener can be sure that The Outer Vibe like to have a good time - and shake some booty while doing it.
  
  All the players here are top notch - everyone in the band has great moments from Nick Hosford's nasty Guitar solo on "Your Girlfriends A Witch" to the rockin' Keyboard (and maybe Keytar?) solo played by Lisa Kacos in "Monster". Kacos also deserves special mention for her considerable Trumpet skills - which are peppered all over these numbers. Lead Vocalist Sean Zuidgeest also shines - sounding comfortable and confident in singing both the rock and dance songs. The creativity shown in the arrangments is equally impressive - same goes for the production - everything is crisp and clean - and as mentioned prior - maintains a sense of 80's nostalgia - without being such.
  
  Written by: J.K./LMM
  4/29/09

• Burn-The-House-Down Smoldering Good: [+ Show ]
  

  Often, obscure bands like Love or obscure artists like Nick Drake get pulled out of near-complete ob...Often, obscure bands like Love or obscure artists like Nick Drake get pulled out of near-complete oblivion and blown up to enormous proportions, with due cause, because they happen to be very good. But sometimes, critics, in an overcooked attempt to "dare-to-be-different" shove these artists down our throats simply because of mainstream artist media-saturation, which tends to leave quite a bit of "snobby" muck stuck to their heels. Thus, a great review for an obscure artist can often be the kiss of death.
  
  Not so with The Outer Vibe. This band is a true rock-n-roll revival, an avant-garde tribute to classic power rock and free thinking soul that is both complicated and extravagant without coming across as, well, complicated and extravagant. Indeed, Games We Play is a frenzied and energetic joy to listen to, building on musical themes of the 60's & 70's (I swear the percussion on the song Trejo Show would fit perfectly on any early Chicago CD) to create an innovative sound that is both timeless and refreshing. The CD isn't just very good, it is burn-the-house-down smoldering good.
  
  The band hails from Grand Rapid,MI and after establishing themselves as a top local act, they have begun to build a presence both regionally and nationally. I say, "World watch out!" The Outer Vibe is the real deal - mixing powerful guitar with great rhythm, vocals, percussion, keyboards and a kick-assed horn section. The slide work on the opening song, Anybody Home is positively scorching, the horns are phenomenal and in fact, it may be one of the finest singles overall I have heard all year. Sean Zuidgeest's vocals, no matter how frenzied the song, always seem effortless and though certainly unrestrained, Sean is never overbearing. That's a great thing because the rest of the band is equally great. Listening to Games We Play, which covers everything from progressive to psychedelia to trip hop to classic-alternative and everything in between, the following adjectives come to mind: rootsy, cutting edge, esoteric, fresh and unprecedented.
  
  The best tracks, in my opinion, are Anybody Home, How Did It Come To This, Balloon, Mr. Nobody and Trejo Show, as well as the title track.
  
  Often we use the star system to rate a CD, with five stars usually representing a standout release. But why govern something that is infinitely better with a system that is tied to limits? What if a CD is several times better than others that have been given the so-called standard of excellence. I cannot rate this CD because five stars is far too limiting and plainly put, way off base. Perhaps that will give you an idea of how good Games We Play is.
  
  -- Michael Canter, www.SonicJive.com

• New Sound, new attitude, new success! [+ Show ]
  

  The Outer Vibe is currently a six-piece band from Grand Rapids, Michigan coming at you with a no-non...The Outer Vibe is currently a six-piece band from Grand Rapids, Michigan coming at you with a no-nonsense approach to music. You couldn’t actually call them unknown and they’re certainly not new, but to say they’re "up and coming" is an understatment… and here they come!
  
  For a few reasons, defining this band turned out to be a task. There’s a lot to them and it simply cannot be summed up in a few words. Saying they’re simply a "rock" or "alternative band" would be doing them an injustice. Even saying they’re "a rock band with a twist," or "something more," doesn’t seem to do the band, nor their sound, the justice it deserves. What’s more is; somehow they seem comfortable with that. They don’t really want to be defined or pigeon-holed into some overflowing category.
  
  Perhaps their fan base is a little more evolved but ultimately you have to ask, “If you’re enjoying the music, who needs to categorize them?” The music gets you up and doing what the band wants you to do: dance and have a good time. At the same time the music is memorable and stays with the listener long enough to want to hear, and know, more. The result is all of the power and energy of classic rock while still being new and different.
  
  As you will hear, the band uses horns (trumpet and sax) as their lead instruments. They’re certainly not the first band to do this but there is a difference. They seem to do it more naturally than other bands. It just "seems right" all the way around. The songs themselves seem to be demanding the horns.
  
  So here we are, in a day when most music (especially rock, alternative and rap) sounds the same. Althewhile the general public is begging for someone with the guts to do something new and different, to go out on a limb and to remember what music, art and rock and roll was supposed to be. (A voice, a celebration of difference and a rebellion) It was supposed to be "a stand" and a proof that you could do your own thing, that you’d be heard and accepted. – Then it was like everyone lost their courage or everything had been done and said. – Now…. you have “The Outer Vibe” proving to everyone that it can still be done. – If that’s not something to celebrate then I don’t know what is.
  
  In 2000 “The Outer Vibe” was founded by Nick Hosford, who delivers the guitar riffs, Matt Alberts – the band’s percussionist and Sean Zuidgeest –the band’s powerful vocalist.
  
  Since then there have been a few additions, (Lisa Kacos – trumpet and keyboards, Dan Leonard –bass and sax, Andrew Dornoff – rhythm guitar and bass) a lot of rehearsing, a lot of press, 3 CDs and a lot of shows.
  
  As they continue to evolve and get better the band stays busy and, as the general public discovers them and demands more, they’re only going to get busier. They are gigging all over Michigan and remain booked for most of July and August. Through it all they are hard at work on their fourth CD. There’s no better gauge of a musician’s success than CD sales. To date the band has sold over 1500. Now with internet sales, and more songs and CDs being recorded, that number continues to grow.
  
  If that’s not enough to get your attention maybe this will: Over the years “The Outer Vibe” has been flirting with the big leagues. Amongst others, they have opened for REO Speedwagon, Kenny Wayne Shepard and Days of the New.
  
  Most of their press has come from winning numerous band-contests in Michigan. In that area it is us that is different. We simply stumbled onto the band’s MySpace page and liked what we heard, so we had Dan Irish inteview them. Unfortunately, Dan had some health issues and his interview would never be published. From there we went back for another listen and decided to re-interview the band. At some point we decided we’d be fools not to go all the way and feature “The Outer Vibe” in the July issue.
  
  We know their sound-difference, but there’s also another major difference that most bands tend to overlook or undervalue. In a live setting, the first thing you’ll notice is the band’s image and class. All well-dressed and well-spoken… there is no sloppiness and no drug or alcohol issues lurking within the band. – As anyone who has played music knows, your band is only as good as your weakest member and no member of this band wants to be held back. As someone who spends their life around music and musicians, I can tell you that it’s a refreshing, extremely professional difference that will continue to blaze their path.
  
  This is not the only difference. The band also videotapes their performances and is constantly critiquing and updating their stage presence. It’s not hard for their fans to see that they’re serious, ready, willing and able. At that the general fan knows they're getting their money’s-worth and everyone is happy.
  
  Reflecting on the band’s success; since building their MySpace page in late 2005 they’ve received 380,000 profile views and more than 8,000 friends with new people coming aboard everyday.
  
  Five songs can be found and heard on their MySpace page;
  
  Cut The Small Talk – is a dance song with a New Orleans feel. This song is Jazz-Swing with a perfect horn riff and a lead guitar that’s guaranteed to have the dance-floor packed.
  
  Fame Train – With it’s Zeppelin feel and conga drums, “Frame Train” starts kind of spooky. The keyboard accents, perfect drum-rolls and echoing vocals launch the song into a category we titled “The Select Few.”
  
  Anybody Home – Starts with a doorbell that soon gives way to pure, kick-ass rock and roll. The keyboard and Nick Hosford’s lead guitar work comes shining through, while the basswork and Lisa’s trumpet bring it all back home!
  
  The Looks She’s Giving You – The drumming of Matt Alberts hitting on 2 and 4 gives the song a reggae feel. This coupled with amazing rhythm guitar, the very playful Swing-attitude, a powerful chorus and we have the makings of a hit.
  
  How Did It Come To This – Another hit if you ask me. Again Matt’s drum work and Lisa’s horn set the stage as Sean asks the inevitable question, “How did it ever come to this?” The hook is unforgettable and the vocals and lyrics are powerful. The slowed quiet bridge builds the drama and then the band comes back more powerful than ever.
  
  Many more songs, information and merchandise can be found on their official site. You will also find “The Outer Vibe” store which sells their CDs, t-shirts, lighters, hoodies, buttons, stickers and, of course, the official Outer Vibe thongs.
  
  While researching the band I listened to all of their songs and decided that my personal favorite is a song they named “Balloon”…. The song has a serious “trippiness” and creates some sort of mood that is hard to define. But that’s how we started this article, isn’t it? A band that’s hard to define and a conclusion that we don’t have to define them. Let’s just enjoy “The Outer Vibe” experience.

• The Outer Vibe "In Your Ear Big Time" [+ Show ]
  

  GRAND RAPIDS - To paraphrase Outkast's king of cool, Andre 3000, "What's cooler than cool?" Robots ...GRAND RAPIDS - To paraphrase Outkast's king of cool, Andre 3000, "What's cooler than cool?"
  Robots
  At least, that was one of the crowd-pleasing factors The Outer Vibe had going for it at the final round of last year's Aris Hampers' Hometown Rock Search, where the Grand Rapids band took top honers. During the band's energizing set, several friends and die hard fans of the band took the stage dressed as dancing robots.
  The stund - which was not planned by the band - was a success.
  "It was a surprise _ we didn't know to expect the costumes. We didn't think (our friends) would be reliable joked Sean Zuidgees, lead vocalist and guitarist.
  Zuidgeest said the troupe of robots was such a hit the band - rounded out by Lisa Kacos (trumpet), Luis Trejo (percussion). Tyler Steimle (bass) and Nick Hosford (guitar) - may bring them back for an encore performance at The Outer Vibe's CD release party Saturday night at The Intersection.
  "The horn section might be a collection of robots," Zuidgeest said.
  The local rock band has been absent from the bar circuit in recent months, retreating to its home studio to finish work on "Games We Play", a collection of 14 new songs.
  The band wrote, recorded, tracked and mixed each of the songs, looking only for outside help when mastering the album. The disk is elaborate, with many over-dubs and layered instrumentation, a sound Zuidgeest said is "hard to recreate (live) with a five-person band."
  At Saturday's CD release party - a large scale event with four opening bands, food sales by Yesterdog and a slew of sponsers - the Outer Vibe will be joined by a three-piece horn section and an additional vocalist.
  "We want to bring the CD to life," Zuidgeest.
  The band's eclectic rock/world/pop/funk sound is a unique find, and Zuidgeest said the band's style often changes.
  "One song will be a jazzy/swing number, with lisa using a mute (on the horn)." Zuidgeest said. "The next will be a South-of-the-Border, salsa sound. It jumps around."
  Zuidgeest said the addition of Trejo - who comes from Venezuela - has helped broaden the band's sound, as has the presence of a trumpet player.
  "Luis' understanding of drums has added a lot. There's little drum fills not heard in rock a lot," Zuidgeest said. "We use the trumpet in a variety of ways, more as a lead instrument than as a rhythm instrument."
  In addition to the prizes and recognition that came with winning Aris' Rock Search, the band earned an opening slot at this year's Fox Fest. Zuidgeest said the band is excited to play for such a large crowd at the June 9 outdoor rock festival in Ionia, which is being headlined by REO Speedwagon and the Tubes.
  "We're always trying to outdo ourselves."

• The Outer Vibe returns to Start of Summer bigger, better [+ Show ]
  

  Describing The Outer Vibe’s band line-up sounds like the setup of a joke: Four college music student...Describing The Outer Vibe’s band line-up sounds like the setup of a joke: Four college music students and a steelworker walk into a bar… Or how about: Four hard-rockin’ dudes and a female trumpet player decide to start a band… Regardless of the set-up, the punchline is pretty obvious: The Outer Vibe mixes a broad spectrum of talents and influences into a uniquely textured sound as full of surprises as it is full of catchy riffs.
  The Outer Vibe has grown in a number of ways since its last Start of Summer performance. For starters, the addition of Lisa Kacos and her trumpet has rounded out the band’s sound and added a fresh perspective to the song-writing process. Kacos studies music at Grand Rapids Community College, along with singer Sean Zuidgeest, guitarist Nick Hosford and bassist Kyle Elkins. As the band’s knowledge of the history and theory of music has grown, so has the ability to synthesize new sounds. Distribution has grown as well; December’s release of Pretty Good, the band’s first full-length recording, has allowed the Outer Vibe sound to be heard beyond the bounds of its increasingly frequent gigs.
  Chronological growth is also important among the young band. Percussionist Matt Alberts—who, all kidding aside, is a steelworker by day—recently turned 21, the first in the band to do so. Getting into bars may be a welcome novelty among most 21-year-olds, but for The Outer Vibe, it’s a matter of business. “A lot of bars don’t like booking underage bands,” says Hosford. “Turning 21 will open a lot of doors for us.”
  Although their youth may be seen as a disadvantage by booking agents, the Outer Vibe crew is all grown up when it comes to the business of running a band. Hosford is the driving force behind the band. He handles most of the booking and publicity and also acts the producer and engineer for the band’s recording efforts. Zuidgeest creates art for promotional posters. Elkins maintains www.theoutervibe.com, the band’s website. “Matt’s in charge of bringing all the girls,” jokes Hosford.
  With three Rockford natives in the band, the Start of Summer Celebration is a natural spot for a gig. This year will be their fourth.
  “They’ve been great,” says Hosford, “even when we were like 16, they gave us a chance. We really enjoy playing there.”
  The Outer Vibe will play songs from the Pretty Good CD, more recent originals and a mix of classic rock-and-roll favorites Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Rotary Pavillion.

• The Outer Vibe: Hangin' together [+ Show ]
  

  The determination that drives The Outer Vibe is exemplified by drummer Matthew Alberts’ musical beg... The determination that drives The Outer Vibe is exemplified by drummer Matthew Alberts’ musical beginnings.
  Alberts, 21, began kicking out the beats on an overturned laundry basket before he was old enough to walk.
  “As long as you can bang on (stuff)—that’s when I started,” Alberts said during an interview in the crowded dining room of a bandmate’s house.
  Albers is joined in his musical dedication by Kyle Elkins, 19 (bass/ ‘terrible backing vocals’), Sean Zuidgeest, 20 (lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/lyrics), Nick Hosford, 20 (guitar/musical saw/ ‘atonal noises with my voice’), and Lisa Kacos, 20 (trumpet/organ).
  The four men have played together for more than three years and recently asked Kacos to join the lineup. As a classically trained musician, Kacos’ trumpet skills add a fresh layer to the already intricate sound of the band.
  Playing a diverse mix of funk, rock, pop and world, The Outer Vibe has captured a rich sound not often found in the local music scene.
  “Our music doesn’t sound like anyone else’s,” Hosford said, explaining the band uses its influences as ‘a tool’ but not as direct inspiration.
  Each member—except Alberts—is working toward a music degree from Grand Rapids Community College. Understandably, it’s an experience that has strengthened its sound by introducing classical music and improvisation elements.
  “We went to school and learned how to do it,” Zuidgeest said. “Every day, we go to school and we get shown up by actual musicians.”
  The Outer Vibe is a close-knit group and practices at least four days a week at Hosford’s Rockford home, which is also home to the band’s self-run studio. It is working on a follow-up to 2003’s “Pretty Good.”
  When faced with great challenges—Hosford has a genetic immune disease that sent him to the hospital for multiple surgeries in 2002—the band stuck together.
  “We’re like a family,” Zuidgeest said. “That’s why we sit at the dining room table.”
  

• The Outer Vibe [+ Show ]
  

  The Outer Vibe's debut disc is an oustanding example of what can happen when passion and talent come...The Outer Vibe's debut disc is an oustanding example of what can happen when passion and talent come together. Lead track "Charismatic" shows a great blend of styles (TOV's specialty) with a very smooth arrangement which manages to shift all the rock, funk and weird noises together rather effortlessly. Eclectic yet strangely accessible all at once, this disc will no doubt leave people scratchign their heads and wondering how a project this bright and promising could ever manage to stay hidden in Rockford. Up and coming--and how.

• The Outer Vibe - Grand Rapids band wants to get the crowd dancing [+ Show ]
  

  A rock band with a trumpet. That's how one might categorize The Outer Vibe's sound after a first li...A rock band with a trumpet.
  That's how one might categorize The Outer Vibe's sound after a first listen.
  But it's a lot more than that. It's a high-energy party all the way, with a style similar to the rock band Chicago, but with a furiously bouncy sound.
  "The horn gives us something new and different. You don't hear that often in a rock band," says trumpeter Lisa Kacos, 23, of Lansing. "It's all high energy. We like to get people up and dancing."
  The Grand Rapids-based seven-piece has cut two albums. Their latest, Games We Play, came out in 2006. It's their first with a horn.
  The sound can be a bit deceiving too, as some tracks start with scuffing rock guitar before giving way to a high-energy trumpet-fueled assault.
  Most of the band's members are classically trained and have varied influences. Kacos said they all dig classic rock and many like the sounds from the big band era and the 20s.
  "We never actually did settle on a sound. On the last album, people have said it's great because there are no filler tracks," Kacos said. "We're in the process of writing more songs. One of our best qualities is that we're creative, so we've been talking about tying the album together more with a concept."
  You'd think with a seven-person band it would be hard to write music that they can all agree on, but Kacos said it's not.
  She said they usually know what each other's ideas are, especially the band's two original members - guitarist Nick Hosford and singer Sean Zuidgeest - the latter writing most of the lyrics.
  On "Cut the Small Talk," Zuidgeest sings: "Let's cut the small talk and get to the point/Let's cut the small talk and leave this joint/We both know that we've got no time to waste."
  It's all pretty snappy, sort of like the way they dress. You won't find them bedecked in jeans and T-shirts on stage. Kacos says unless they're at a bar, the guys wear some form of a tuxedo with flamboyant shirts and she wears a dress.
  "We try to go for a snazzy look. That's how we try to separate ourselves from other bands," she said.
  The Outer Vibe also isn't a stranger to playing longer sets. So when most bands are downing Jager Bombs between sets, Kacos said the group is addicted to Rip It and Monster energy drinks.
  "We're kind of a clean-cut bunch of people. Nobody smokes and no one drinks when we play. Drinking is a bad idea, especially when we have to move our equipment after shows," Kacos said.
  Considering the collision of sounds and ideas, their music direction is constantly changing. Kacos said that won't stop anytime soon.
  "When the band first started in 2000, they probably never intended to be a seven-piece rock circus with a horn. We always joke about that," Kacos said. "The music has evolved, but that doesn't surprise us."

Setlist

We can perform whichever of the following sets suit your event:

30-90 minute set of all original music

Two 75-minute sets of originals and covers

Three 60-minute sets of originals and covers.

Our covers are top 40 hits from the 50's through today by artists such as: The Rolling Stones, The Black-Eyed Peas, CCR, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Sublime, and many more!

Basic Requirements

Calendar