OLIO

Artist Information

Biography

Three brothers from other mothers (and fathers) got together, from the OC, LA and DC, to create a miscellaneous collection of musical works aka OLIO. Inspired by everything from Black Sabbath to Barry White these guys stir up an eclectic blend of rock/pop/funk music and serve it up hot!

Whether it's songs about break-ups, make-outs, shake-ups or four letter words, Olio produces electrifying, positive music from their studio in Los Angeles, CA. On stage Arif Hodzic sings and breaks strings (sometimes his right hand gets heavy), DeHaven Carrington grooves on drums and croons (when the lights are low and the mood is right), and the newest member Kelley Hill is a fireball of energy, bouncing on one leg and just tearing the bass up (you may even see metal shavings come off the neck).

The guys are currently recording new songs with legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Beatles, Stones, Santana, Woodstock, Kiss, Frampton, Robert Randolph, Grace Potter) for an EP titled "Comeback Kings" scheduled for a 2012 release.

They celebrated the release of their 2010 single "Get It Good" following the success of their 2009 11 song album "Living The Dream." The songs are dynamic ranging from the nylon stringed sweetness of "Completely Beautiful" about the profound impact of becoming a parent (received an Honorable Mention Award in the 2008 West Coast Songwriters International Competition) to a hard rock/rap collab that already has 20,000 NJ Devils fans shouting "Here We Go" at the Prudential Center. Their homage to the mamacita de futbol aka "Soccer Mom" inspired one impassioned UK critic to call them "sexist and subtle as a sledgehammer." (Olio still thinks Benny Hill, John Cleese and Ricky Gervais are funny) The sound created is rich and packs a punch reminiscent of the John Mayer Trio while thematically aiming for Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life."

Plans to tour the U.S. are in the works including dates through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, California and Oregon. To experience Olio only on recording is like Vader without the Darth. Whether it's 30 minutes or 3 hours, the energy generated by these three could power a small town (or even the lesser known planet Zeta-Reticulan5). So, maybe the question isn't Who or What is Olio but rather When and Where?

Instrumentation

Arif - vocals & guitar
DeHaven - Drums and Vocals.
Kelley - Vocals, Bass

Discography

"Comeback Kings" EP 2012 (AD4 Records)
"Get It Good" single 2010 (AD4 Records)
"Living the Dream" 2009 (AD4 Records)
"Here We Go" featuring Young Crew single 2007 (AD4 Records)
"This Town" single on "Port Town" film soundtrack 2006 (AD4 Records)
"Colour of Music" 2003 (AD4 Records)
"3P" 2001 (AD4 Records)
"ain't no party like an Olio party...live" 1999 (AD4 Records)

Links

• Official Olio Site
• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Last.fm
• Reverbnation
• Youtube

Audio

• Boxspring
  Listen  
• Do It All
  Listen  
• Completely Beautiful
  Listen  
• One Last Goodbye
  Listen  
• Get It Good
  Listen  
• Here We Go
  Listen  
• Comeback Kings
  Listen  
• Hello...Goodbye
  Listen  
• More Than That
  Listen  
• Saturday Night
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Boxspring
• Do It All
• One Last Goodbye
• Get It Good
• Here We Go
• More Than That
• Hello/Goodbye
• Comeback Kings
• Saturday Night

Video

One Last Goodbye

Photo Gallery

Press

• Living the Dream:Review '09 [+ Show ]
  

  Olio is an interesting concoction. They span multiple genres, reflecting their multiple influences. ...Olio is an interesting concoction. They span multiple genres, reflecting their multiple influences. Some of the genres touched in the 10 song release are pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and straightforward rock. Their album Living the Dream pulls from all of those influences and comes away being a little disjointed, but that doesn't mean it doesn't rock. Truth be told, I am hooked on the very first track "Here We Go". It is a great opener and evokes a hip hop summer jam, especially with Young Crew helping out with the vocals.
  
  A few tracks in you get to "Soccer Mom", a pop-punk song where the group professes their love of...you guessed it, a soccer mom. They're saying what you're thinking and it's a great song that doesn't take itself seriously. Its very catchy and pulls from a completely different set of influences that "Here We Go".
  
  "Living the Dream" combines soulful backing vocals with rock and is an uplifting closing to the album.
  
  A couple songs like "Bad Apple" and "Four Letter Word" do fall a little flat. The lyrics on these two songs come across as a little cliché ("Bad Apple, rotten to the core" and "You make love a four-letter word come to mind). The musicianship is always high quality however; all of the songs sound full and have great dynamics. Given the full sound, I think it is pretty safe to say that each of Olio's three members is a jack of all trades. You'll hear lead vocals from each as well as a lot of variety in instrumentation.
  As odd as it sounds, the variety is the common theme. The trio consists of a DJ, film composer, and music/arts director and each gets his time to shine. There is a definite level of comfort with each genre they explore and it was a pleasure to listen to the album. I recommend it to anyone who wants something different, but has no idea what that is.
  
  Check out their music below. Trust me, you'll be looping "Here We Go".
  
  -Tyler Groover

• Wildy's World '08 [+ Show ]
  

  Olio - Living The Dream AD4 Records Los Angeles based Olio is an unusual conglomeration. It's a ...Olio - Living The Dream
  AD4 Records
  
  Los Angeles based Olio is an unusual conglomeration. It's a power trio made up of a film composer, a DJ, and a director of music arts. Influenced by everything from Classic Rock to Classic Soul to a hint of country here and there, Olio has created a sound that is at once recognizable and accessible, while managing to be new and different. The disc submitted to Wildy's World are ten songs from the project entitled Living The Dream which will eventually be 15-20 songs long. If this disc is any indication, Living The Dream should be a juggernaut.
  
  I'll be honest and say that comparisons to Queen will be in order on several tracks. The musical construction has a quasi-symphonic construction that is similar in style to bands like Queen, Yes, Styx, etc. One Last Goodbye is one such song with tight instrumentation, non-traditional construction, and even a reggae bridge. Bad Apple is a delicious guitar rock song that sounds like Nuno Betterncourt is playing lead guitar. I invite you all to check out Soccer Mom, an entirely politically incorrect neo-punk tune that could gain particular prominence in the current political environment if re-recorded as "Hockey Mom".
  
  Four Letter Word is a great 1960's flavored tune with a bit of tongue-in-cheek flair. Here We Go (featuring Young Crew), which is currently a house song for the New Jersey Devils Hockey team, is an up and at 'em anthem you have to hear. Other highlights include Completely Beautiful and Working For America.
  
  Olio isn't simply a sign of the revival of the classic rock sound; they've actually managed to create a classic sound that is new without stepping into the land of cliché. This is music with incredible commercial potential. It's fun to listen to; it's articulate, and it's musically complex and rewarding. Living The Dream is a self-fulfilling prophecy, and shows incredible promise when it is completed. I have debated whether this is Desert Island material, only because it is incomplete, but it's certain that even the ten songs here stand up on their own as a great work. So yes, Living The Dream is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc.
  
  Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
  
  Wildy Haskell
  

• St. Croix Music Magazine '08 [+ Show ]
  

  If you are in a band from LA it is not the same as being local musical stars in small town America. ...If you are in a band from LA it is not the same as being local musical stars in small town America. The competition is beyond belief when it comes to getting noticed or even harder, getting signed. And after having a chance to be a producer at Gold Star studios in Hollywood (formally with A+M Records), I saw first hand how much talent was in that area. So when it comes to choosing a band to write about from that land of musical plenty, I choose very carefully. And my first choice this month for our USA Spotlight Zone is a trio called Olio from Los Angeles and they are one hot ticket!
  
  Unlike some so called “power trios” that pound out walls of three chord chaos, Olio is a more refined group that has a great balance between Rock, Soul, and Pop, all wrapped up in a package of freshness and originality. Their sound is clean cut, precise, and tasteful like pieces of ear candy with no unnecessary fillers that can bind up our musical intake valves. And each new song that I heard was very different from the previous cut showing that they have a great sense of adventurism in their compositional skills. This also shows in their lyrics that evoke a wide variety of picturesque images in the mind of anyone who insist on a good story inside of great music. And as far as players, they are all top shelf!
  
  I personally like “Soccer Mom” because of its balance between humor, coolness, and balls to the wall drive! And with Arif on vocals and guitar, DeHaven on drums, and Matt on bass, Olio kicks out just the right mixture of a driving rock feel, soulful R+B grooves, and catchy pop sounds that leave you wanting more after each song. Great work guys!
  
  So it is my pleasure to welcome you to our family of independent artist and I know that our readers in 59 countries will love your sound after they click on you link below that takes them to your site where your music can be enjoyed by all who listen. – JJ Rocks
  
  Listen to music from Olio here: www.myspace.com/olio

• LA Music Awards '08 [+ Show ]
  

  I would like to create a category that can recognize how amazing you guys are as a power trio. When ...I would like to create a category that can recognize how amazing you guys are as a power trio. When I hear stuff like what you do, I am reminded that 20 categories just are not enough to handle all the diversity of styles that come in to our organization. Give me some time to decide how I can place you in a Producers Choice category. I like the idea of Power Trio of the Year. You guys are superb musicians.
  
  Al Bowman
  Founder / Executive Producer
  LA Music Awards

• Home Town News [+ Show ]
  

  "It is rare to hear an album that takes advantage of the wide-variety of music genres available..."It is rare to hear an album that takes advantage of the wide-variety of music genres available more than the funky sounds of Olio's Colour of Music, a new album released January 1st.
  When Arif, co-owner of AD4 Records and the band Olio, joined forces with DeHaven and Shibumi, they called themselves Vivid. However, soon were struck with the realization that Virgin Records had previously signed a band with the same name. In an effort to assign a unique name that delivered their message, the band decided to turn to the dictionary: Olio.
  Of course, is there any other name more appropriate? Olio, meaning a miscellaneous collection, conveys the band's message that one should appreciate the varieties of beauty in life.
  In "Hey Champ" the theme song to their new album, the line "I see beauty in every kind" stands out loud and clear. Arif, inspired by an experience at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, in a which he was a single "white guy at a predominanty black restaurant" was forced to wait while black patrons continued to walk straight on in without waiting at all. He was asked, "Hey champ, are you sure you want to wait?" He began to question how the radio and media divide music in Black and White genres or styles or by other forms of demographics. While he continued to wait until he finally ordered his meal, this experience instilled Arif with a passion to confront the struggle head on by making a difference.
  In "Colour Of Music," Olio has entered upon a concrete path toward changing the social realities in life by encompassing the beauty of diversity and fusing it within their new album. Olio is timeless, representing the goals of past decades. They blend funk beats with disco beats, rock beats with soulful tones, and even include free-styles that are reminiscent of romanticism and its occasional compacted, yet powerful and spontaneous emotional outbursts.
  Olio is endearing at times with songs such as "Gift of a Smile," when lyrics "Celebrate the glory of today, celebrate the joy of life, celebrate the gift of a smile." They look towards the simple joys in a world composed of a hazy backdrop of turbulence.
  While Olio has a serious message communicated with heart and passion, the group also exudes playfulness and grooviness with seductive tunes inspired by late night bar concerts. In an upbeat, yet seductive "Take a Ride," Olio hits upon the club scene, when on any given night one encounters the "player." This person is one who will say just about anything to avoid looking around and having no one to go home with when the bartender proclaims "Last Call," conincidentally the name of the last song on the album."

• kweevak.com [+ Show ]
  

  "Color of Music is the latest release from Olio based out of Los Angeles, California. Olio is A..."Color of Music is the latest release from Olio based out of Los Angeles, California. Olio is Arif on guitars and vocals and DeHaven on drums and vocals. They are supported by other talented players on bass, keyboards and lap steel. Their music is a magical blend of rock, funk, hip-hop and R & B. They are fans of Prince, Hendrix, Sting and Seal. In 1997, Arif and DeHaven joined forces to create diverse music that breaks down both racial and genre barriers. They write thought provoking lyrics about world issues, the celebration of life and living in the moment. Their musical message is to "be open". This dynamic duo crafts positive upbeat music. The production and instrumentation throughout this ten-track collection is exemplary. Both Arif and DeHaven are passionate soulful vocalists and their harmonies are first rate. Dynamic grooves, soaring guitars and textured vocals are consistent throughout this versatile collection of songs. 'Take A Ride' starts slow, then shift gears to a sexy beat as smooth vocals describe a "typical dance club" scene. Towards the middle, the song kicks into overdrive with a scorching guitar solo moving into more cool beats and slowing down for the close. What a ride! 'Anytime' is a subtle love song in which Hendrix meets hip-hop. It includes a funky beat, masterful guitars and a rich harmonizing hook line. Very powerful! Color of Music is truly a bright vivid mixture of music that should leave you smiling!

• musicdish.com [+ Show ]
  

  "Who says a rock band, can't play funk music? Those immortal words, asked by Funkadelic and ans..."Who says a rock band, can't play funk music? Those immortal words, asked by Funkadelic and answered by incomparable R&B Rock band Olio, are more than a catchy chorus to an old jam. They ask, "What's up with the racial niche marketing?" What's white music, what's black music? From the great Louis Armstrong and Jimmy Rodgers New Orleans jazz/country cowboy music merger in the '30s, to the Jimi Hendrix Experience, with black Jimi's too-crazy white side kicks, to white hip hop fans and artists, popular American music has been on the forefront of breaking down racial and social barriers, just by being and extending a sonic hand to one's fellow man. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Motown music, Chuck Berry via Elvis Presley, Hendrix, and Prince. If not for them, where would the civil rights movement and social freedoms for all be?
  Into this breach Olio throws itself. This is not a choice made for controversy. Anchored by Afro-American drummer/ vocalist/ songwriter DeHaven and Arif on voice, guitar and keyboards, Olio follows their artistic intuitions, drawing from a vast well of musical culture in the realm of rock, soul, funk and rhythm 'n' blues to grow their own musical love child, the album "Colour Of Music." By taking the best aspects of old school R&B and rock (not the frauds that pass for these forms today) and make their own thing.
  What are your primary influences, and how have you blended these into your music?
  Arif: The Police, Prince, Sade, Jimi Hendrix, 6 years of classical piano, funk music, rock music... Duke Ellington said "There are just two kinds of music: good and bad." There are too many artists to mention, however, the first four I listened to a lot when I was growing up. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the sound I make today. Writing music is about expressing an idea, comment, question, emotion, etc., that I feel like getting out. I'm able to get it off my chest and put it in a song. As far as what it sounds like, I just go with where I think the song should go musically. I let the theme dictate the music or the music dictate the theme.
  Like the best rock and soul of the past, Olio's theme vary. "Through to You" deals with communication, direct and unfettered, telling it like it is, even if others don't want to hear it. Love and remembrance are the themes of "Going Back." It's positive but gritty message of looking to your past to inform the present and future is presented in a personal story of ruminations to inspire and help one to hang on to the energy and optimism. The funky beat with rock 'n' soul style singing by Arif, has feeling and the words, on this song and the rest of the album, recall John Lennon's advice - say what you mean and make it rhyme. The blazing guitar is used tastefully to signify the soaring energy of being younger than today, before you needed help in every way. Like the best of cultural artifacts and art, this song waxes nostalgic for the past to reinvent the present. "Gift of a Smile" is a reminder to smell the flowers. As they sing: "Watching all the children play/ hearing thoughts of yesterday / feeling overwhelmed with stress/ chasing that dream with the best/ Celebrate the glory of to day/ celebrate the joy of life/ celebrate the gift of a smile."
  There are strict racial delineations as to what one listens to and how one dresses. This is pointed out on "Hey Champ." Its bouncy beat and tasty guitar and beat underscore the tense message of pain and idiocy of prejudice. "An incident at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles turned... into a great song. I'm a white guy at a... black restaurant waiting for an hour, while black patrons are getting in with no wait. The host kept saying Hey champ, are you sure you want to wait?"
  You make the mixed racial content of your band a cornerstone of the band's image and music. Why?
  Arif: For a long time we ignored it. Then it became obvious. I started noticing that there is still a problem for some people with races mixing. Even after the civil rights movement from back in the day. It's funny because most of the people that are against it have it in their family line already. They're just in denial. Eventually we'll realize that we're all Earthlings. It will take an invasion from space to do it, then we'll be a united front ready to take on the universe and spread our imperialism like Darth Vader and his storm troopers. But that's another story...
  Don't think that these guys are all about the heavy and the problems. No, in the best tradition of old soul, and rock, they have their own party jams. "Kickin' It" has the smooth melody and easy harmonies of classic Earth, Wind, and Fire with Prince's rockified dance beat. "Take A Ride" is a story about another day in Erotic City. "Girl I'm just curious, I just want both of us to get out on the floor and slide, put your hands up in the air, shake your booty like you just don't care." They break down to the beat and bass before launching the Hendrixian solo, and into the chorus, proving that the old can be new again (who today in the rock universe does this?). On "Symptoms of You" Olio evokes the breezy psychedelic soul of Rare Earth, not just because DeHaven is an authentic singing drummer, whose voice sounds like that bands drummer/vocalist, but because the soul drum beat swings and opens up on the chorus.
  Do you drum and sing simultaneously during live shows?
  DeHaven Yes.
  Another unique trait for a unique band. In the cookie cutter world of conformity that belies the myth that we're all individuals, it's great to see and hear a great band of real individuals coming together to make real music. Rock and R&B are off the respirator thanks to Olio."

• NYRock.com [+ Show ]
  

  "The huge sound on this disc belies that the band is, in fact, a trio. I, for one, was surprised. Th..."The huge sound on this disc belies that the band is, in fact, a trio. I, for one, was surprised. There is a lot going on, not that the music is too busy or a lot of bells and whistles. Rather, each song is tightly packaged and the elements drawn out quite well. Also good news is that Olio plays a mix of rock and funk, a style that's hard to maintain. Usually, it either gets too heavy on the rock side, such as Living Color, or heads off toward the more jazzy side, often falling into the Holiday Inn-circuit black hole, never to be heard from again. But singer/guitarist Arif has a clean and fresh George Michael-type voice, and is no slouch on the guitar. Likewise, Alex Evans on bass is as adept at walking as he is at popping. He also gets a good clean sound. Lyrically, you may have issues their mission statement, for example, is along the lines of eradicating racism, color lines, and just enjoying life. Noble indeed, but personally, I'm a cynic, and a tired one at that. Nevertheless, the music will have you swaying at the total funkiness of it all. Production is clean; good separation; good stuff for the funk inclined.
  

• Music Connection Live Review [+ Show ]
  

  Material: Olio's music is a neatly packaged combination of pop, funk, rock and hip-hop with a fun ...Material: Olio's music is a neatly packaged
  combination of pop, funk, rock and hip-hop with
  a fun attitude. The sound hits closely to Living
  Colour and Red Hot Chili Peppers, showing a
  good deal of harmonic sophistication while keeping
  the hooks simple and shiny. Both melody
  and rhythmic verse are covered nicely between
  two distinctly different lead singers: drummer
  DeHaven Carrington, and guitarist Arif Hodzic.
  The vocal melodies and harmonies prove
  inspiration from icons like the Beatles in “Bring
  Baby Home.” Overall, the material is “feel-good”
  pop music that breeds pure positivity.
  Musicianship: All three members help to earn
  the distinction of “power trio” by creating a full
  and powerful sound. Melodic funk music requires
  every instrument to be a lead at some point, and
  each member is fully capable of doing so when
  the time is right. Guitarist-vocalist Arif Hodzic
  is polished and precise on both instruments,
  showing a great deal of experience and skill.
  The bass playing of Kelley Hill is locked in when
  it needs to be and impressively melodic when
  set free. Drummer-vocalist Carrington brings
  out some Rick James in “Idi IT Girl” but can be
  difficult to understand in songs when he carries
  the lead. While it’s tempting to blame the sound
  engineer for the lack of clarity, Carrington can
  likely improve matters with better diction and pitch
  control. His drums, however, beg comparisons
  to the likes of John Blackwell (Prince) and Will
  Calhoun (Living Colour).
  Performance: Olio brought a great deal of
  energy and showmanship to the large, exciting
  House of Blues stage. Hodzic and Hill used the
  large space well, moving around with ease and
  comfort. Hill was particularly impressive with his
  ability to dance while rocking the kinetic bass
  lines, and all three members looked very much in
  their element on stage. It was clear that Olio have
  had experience with large stages and they were
  able to work a packed crowd. Although audience
  communication was quality, the quantity of
  breaks in between songs seemed to affect the
  “flow” a bit. A little conversation would go a long
  way.
  Summary: Olio is a fun, “feel-good” power-trio
  that provides both sophisticated melody and pop
  sensibility. The music keeps the people moving
  and musicianship is unmistakable. For those who
  like to dance and enjoy melodic pop music, Olio
  fits the bill.
  ––Tim Reid, Jr.

Setlist

sets range from 40min. - 3hr
no covers! songs from 4 Olio albums, singles, soundtracks and new material from cd "Living the Dream" songs range from Rock, Soul, Pop, Country, Hip-Hop, Funk , Jam to Acoustic

Basic Requirements

Calendar