Groovement

”Party-band” is a term that
encompasses all kinds of musical
experiences. You have the bands that
play only cover songs with every
single lyric known by everyone in
the room. You’ve got the bands that
are too rowdy, drink too much and
provide more of a sideshow than an
actual musical experience. There are
the bands made up of your buddies
who may not sound great, but have a
good time regardless. And there are the
bands made up of genuinely fun people,
who happen to be top-notch musicians
that are able to put on a dynamic show
that get the audiences out of their seats
and dancing to original tunes and
witty lyrics. Using this last description,
Fayetteville-based band, Groovement,
is by definition a party band.
Groovement is able to provide
their audiences with an entire experience,
during their live shows. This six-piece,
high-energy, funk-rock band draws
on a myriad of influences, resulting
in making music that they themselves
enjoy (and it’s a good bet when
musicians of this caliber like the way
something sounds, others are going to
dig it too). Their shows truly are parties,
with head-bobbing rhythms and hip-
shaking grooves that have been received
with open arms by countless fans. Not to
mention the personality and exuberance
that oozes from the stage.
A relative newcomer to the
Arkansas music scene, the band has
achieved many accolades since their
formation in 2009. The brainchild of
drummer, Bryan Burkhart, Groovement
is made up of what he calls his “dream
team” of musicians. With varying levels
of experience, this isn’t a freshman
project for any of the band members.
The advantage of experience contributes
greatly to the band’s dynamic and quick
rise to local popularity. Already well-
known in Northwest Arkansas and the
River Valley, Groovement is rapidly
emerging into regional markets with
national goals on the near horizon.
They credit much of what they’ve
been able to accomplish as a band to
their diverse musical backgrounds
and influences, which manage to be
individual yet overlapping. Songwriting
is a collaborative effort, usually
beginning with a simple idea brought
to rehearsal and being built upon as a
unit. It’s this collaboration that results
in Groovement’s unique sound. Their
personal muses inspire the music, but
don’t dictate the band’s end result.
Most prominently, one is likely to hear
sounds reminiscent of Motown, ‘70s
funk and jamband genres when listening
to Groovement. They site James Brown,
Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Isaac
Hayes, Parliament Funkadelic, JJ
Grey and Mofro, Galatic and Robert
Randolph as some of the artists most
heavily influenced by the band.
Groovement, manages to
maintain an organic sound that is
exceptionally focused on musicality,
rather than the over-processed sound of
which many bands fall victim. In this day
in age, it is extremely easy for bands, and
especially funk bands, to rely heavily on
technology to make music. Groovement
describe themselves as a band that is able
to use technology to their advantage,
but in a minimal way that doesn’t rely
on “knob turning” to achieve their
sound. At their live shows, every sound
comes from an actual instrument that is
being played then and there, rather than
overdubs and/or pre-recorded tracks. It
takes real chops to be able to create the
music that Groovement manages. It’s
an organic sound that is both current
and retro, without sounding like a
throwback to their musical predecessors.
Their much-anticipated debut
album, Positive Step, was released on
August 6, 2011, after a very long recording
process. Line-up changes, scrapping of
entire songs, re-writes and various other
stumbling blocks plagued the band in
the recording process that ultimately
took over a year to complete. However,
it is that extra time and consideration
that is one of the components that makes
the album so successful. The ever-
upbeat band, says that “even the set-
backs were positive steps,” into making
the record. Positive Step is an album that
employs optimistic lyrics, complete
with humor and plenty of sass. The
vocals are soulful, the instrumentation
is beautiful and the end result is funky,
danceable and undeniably fun.
We are extremely lucky to have
such a rich local talent in this area, and
Groovement adds greatly to our music
scene. They are tremendously talented,
both as individuals and as a band.
Their live shows are exciting and fun,
filled with fresh music that is funky,
complex and utterly enjoyable. With a
brand new album, an ever-expanding
touring schedule and a work ethic that
virtually unheard of, it is clear that
Groovement is on the right path. They
have an album you’ll want to own and
a live show you don’t want to miss. If
you haven’t already, take a cue from the - The Current

Fayetteville, Arkansas based funk band, Groovement, has a knack for choosing colorful and expressive titles. Just like their name suggests, Groovement is filled with solid grooves, funky tunes, genuine soul and melodic exuberance. Their debut album, Positive Step, appropriately earns its moniker on multiple levels. The album is filled with uplifting lyrics, accomplished musicianship, memorable songs and is masterfully engineered.
Song titles like “Preach What You Teach,” “Karma,” and “Much Better,” keep in theme with the Positive Step premise. Lyrics reflect optimism, humor and sass, while employing catchy tunes and danceability. Drawing on decades of inspiration, the album is reminiscent of so many great musicians, while maintaining a sound that is completely original. Stevie Wonder, James Brown, JJ Grey & Mofro, Rush and Kool & the Gang are just a few of the influences Groovement seems to draw upon.
The marriage of the soulful, uninhibited lead vocals by Alex Carr with the expert instrumentation of the band is a perfect unity. Groovement brings the music to life with flawlessly tuneful representation of the piano and keys, guitar that is reflective and melodic while unrestrained and a sound from the saxophone that contributes greatly to the uniqueness of the band with heart and energy. The rhythm section falls right into place with dexterously funky and creative bass lines and drumbeats that are solid and rhythmically complex.
Rarely is a debut album as successful as Positive Step manages to be. Without a doubt, it is an actual positive step for Groovement and the vast future ahead of them. - The Current

The first time I saw Groovement live at the Rogue on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas, they had a female lead vocalist, and were a surprising find of funky original tunes that got the crowd boogying out of their seats, as well as some unique renditions of unexpected covers, such as “Caroline,” by Outkast. Through the tunes that made me shake my groove thang, it was hard not to notice, these guys are having the time of their lives. A mix of guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and horns, all of the members enthusiastically sing background vocals with their new lead singer, Alex Carr.
Deitra Mag had the privilege of sitting down with Carr, Bryan Burkhart, Adam Becker, Randy Soller, Jacob Johnson and Trey Burkett of Groovement at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas where the band performed in a benefit to support the families affected by the tornado that hit Cincinatti, Arkansas on New Year’s Eve. Local bands and community members came together for great music and a huge spread of barbecue.

DM - Tell me about your upcoming projects.

Bryan Burkhart, drums – We are working on a full-length album that should be out by the summer. We’re just continually writing tunes, working on new stuff, and getting ready for patio season: big long four-hour gigs.

Alex Carr, lead vocalist - I miss those days, man, the four full hours.

Burkhart – Well they’re coming, man. They’re right around the corner.

Carr - We have been spending some quality time in the studio. I feel personally that it’s coming along pretty well. People are gonna love it! (He says with a mouthful of barbeque.) I love it!

DM – Why do you love it?

Carr – The music! The way that we all play together. Some of the music was there already before I joined the band, but just the chemistry that we have together and how it flows… I feel good about it. It’s good feel-good music!

DM – Have you guys known each other for a long time?

Carr - I just met this guy (Burkhart) last year, when a really cool guy, Andy Frasco, came to town, just playing around, getting people to jump up there with him, and that’s how we got turned onto each other. And we’ve been best friends ever since! (laughs)

Burkhart – Now, he did go to high school with our guitar player, Trey Burkett, so when we had our lead singer change, his was the first name out of Trey’s mouth.

DM – Speaking of which, I heard Alex went to American idol. What can you tell me about that?

Carr – Well, I can tell you that it’s a fun experience. I made a lot of good memories. I feel like I may have waited too late in my life to start doing that kind of stuff, but overall I’m happy with the results I got for my first time going to try out. It was fun! I made it to Hollywood. I wasn’t there very long, but I’ve been to California… And I rode a plane! (laughs)

In the background, another band starts playing “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle on the back stage of George’s.

Carr - Oh, people love this song! Like, everybody loves ‘Copperhead Road!’ I don’t get it. Their like, ‘Man it’s about moonshine, and…’ (He shakes his head.)

Burkhart - We are in Arkansas, you know. (laughs)

DM – Your stage presence is high energy, it’s so fun to watch you guys. How do you create that for yourselves?

Adam Becker, keyboards – We made being high energy a priority from the beginning.

Carr – And I just get up there and do whatever I want. I just ‘act a fool.’

Jacob Johnson, saxophone - I think we just really enjoy playing together.

Burkhart – That’s all it is, really. We really like giving off the high energy. That’s what we would like to hear when we are in the audience, so therefore we want to go and do it ourselves and share that feeling with others.

DM - How do you guys let down your guard and put yourself out there without holding back?

Carr – Oh, I don’t exercise, so whenever we have a show, that’s my chance to jump around and sweat. (laughs) And people will be like, ‘Man you’re awesome!’ I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I just lost 5 lbs. I’m feeling real svelte.’ I need it. And I’m wearing this jacket too, a bunch of layers. Scarves…

Burkhart – It’s your own sauna. (laughs)


DM – What would you guys like to see happen for the local music scene and local artists?

Carr – Personally when I was younger I think the Fayetteville music scene was a lot more booming and it faded out because it’s a college town and wherever college kids go is what is going to be popular. And college kids like the worst music ever. They’re not really down for checking out live music shows, but it’s coming back though. Because people like you and people like us get out there and support the music and just do the local thing, and it’s working slowly but surely, I think. And a lot of Fayetteville artists are getting out into other areas too, spreading it around in Tulsa, spreading it around in Missouri…

Becker – When I first came here they were putting a lot of the local bands w - Deitra Mag

The first time I saw Groovement live at the Rogue on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas, they had a female lead vocalist, and were a surprising find of funky original tunes that got the crowd boogying out of their seats, as well as some unique renditions of unexpected covers, such as “Caroline,” by Outkast. Through the tunes that made me shake my groove thang, it was hard not to notice, these guys are having the time of their lives. A mix of guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and horns, all of the members enthusiastically sing background vocals with their new lead singer, Alex Carr.
Deitra Mag had the privilege of sitting down with Carr, Bryan Burkhart, Adam Becker, Randy Soller, Jacob Johnson and Trey Burkett of Groovement at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas where the band performed in a benefit to support the families affected by the tornado that hit Cincinatti, Arkansas on New Year’s Eve. Local bands and community members came together for great music and a huge spread of barbecue.

DM - Tell me about your upcoming projects.

Bryan Burkhart, drums – We are working on a full-length album that should be out by the summer. We’re just continually writing tunes, working on new stuff, and getting ready for patio season: big long four-hour gigs.

Alex Carr, lead vocalist - I miss those days, man, the four full hours.

Burkhart – Well they’re coming, man. They’re right around the corner.

Carr - We have been spending some quality time in the studio. I feel personally that it’s coming along pretty well. People are gonna love it! (He says with a mouthful of barbeque.) I love it!

DM – Why do you love it?

Carr – The music! The way that we all play together. Some of the music was there already before I joined the band, but just the chemistry that we have together and how it flows… I feel good about it. It’s good feel-good music!

DM – Have you guys known each other for a long time?

Carr - I just met this guy (Burkhart) last year, when a really cool guy, Andy Frasco, came to town, just playing around, getting people to jump up there with him, and that’s how we got turned onto each other. And we’ve been best friends ever since! (laughs)

Burkhart – Now, he did go to high school with our guitar player, Trey Burkett, so when we had our lead singer change, his was the first name out of Trey’s mouth.

DM – Speaking of which, I heard Alex went to American idol. What can you tell me about that?

Carr – Well, I can tell you that it’s a fun experience. I made a lot of good memories. I feel like I may have waited too late in my life to start doing that kind of stuff, but overall I’m happy with the results I got for my first time going to try out. It was fun! I made it to Hollywood. I wasn’t there very long, but I’ve been to California… And I rode a plane! (laughs)

In the background, another band starts playing “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle on the back stage of George’s.

Carr - Oh, people love this song! Like, everybody loves ‘Copperhead Road!’ I don’t get it. Their like, ‘Man it’s about moonshine, and…’ (He shakes his head.)

Burkhart - We are in Arkansas, you know. (laughs)

DM – Your stage presence is high energy, it’s so fun to watch you guys. How do you create that for yourselves?

Adam Becker, keyboards – We made being high energy a priority from the beginning.

Carr – And I just get up there and do whatever I want. I just ‘act a fool.’

Jacob Johnson, saxophone - I think we just really enjoy playing together.

Burkhart – That’s all it is, really. We really like giving off the high energy. That’s what we would like to hear when we are in the audience, so therefore we want to go and do it ourselves and share that feeling with others.

DM - How do you guys let down your guard and put yourself out there without holding back?

Carr – Oh, I don’t exercise, so whenever we have a show, that’s my chance to jump around and sweat. (laughs) And people will be like, ‘Man you’re awesome!’ I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I just lost 5 lbs. I’m feeling real svelte.’ I need it. And I’m wearing this jacket too, a bunch of layers. Scarves…

Burkhart – It’s your own sauna. (laughs)


DM – What would you guys like to see happen for the local music scene and local artists?

Carr – Personally when I was younger I think the Fayetteville music scene was a lot more booming and it faded out because it’s a college town and wherever college kids go is what is going to be popular. And college kids like the worst music ever. They’re not really down for checking out live music shows, but it’s coming back though. Because people like you and people like us get out there and support the music and just do the local thing, and it’s working slowly but surely, I think. And a lot of Fayetteville artists are getting out into other areas too, spreading it around in Tulsa, spreading it around in Missouri…

Becker – When I first came here they were putting a lot of the local bands w - Deitra Mag

Words by Café con Leche. Photo by Hash Browns.

Remember I told you about Groovement playing at Wakarusa? They did! And they gave away a few hundred copies of their live Under The Covers Volume 1 CD. And although Hash Browns and I didn't get a CD, we did get to see them at the Backwoods Stage during out first Waka evening. Their set started with their introductory "Groovement Movement," and it just got better and more comfortable from there. I was glad to see so many people enjoying the music; for a moment while trekking to the Backwoods with Hash Browns, I thought we wouldn't make it. That was a long walk, but it was worth the sweat! - Breakfast On Tour

Groovement is a funk/pop band from Fayetteville, AR. Their name might give you a slight idea of what they sound like, but you have to hear them in order to really get it. Is pure fun, I tell you, but hard to describe. I was able to catch the first part of their performance at Rogue on Saturday, May 8th. Although I didn't stay to hear the full set, I like how so many people started dancing around the patio along Lindsay Burkhart, the band's front woman. She's got some voice! She reminded me of a Salvadoran singer I've known for years, Pamela Robin. I couldn't stop thinking about how these two ladies would make such powerful duo if they were to come together for at least one song. Even if that one song has to be bilingual.

According to their site, they'll play at Wakarusa this year on June 3rd. So if you'll be there this year, their music can give you a little taste of Fayetteville. - Breakfast On Tour