Relative Souls
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Relative Souls

Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF

Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2014
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"Show Review"

Last Friday after their set at The Toads Place in New Haven, I had the opportunity to sit down with the gentlemen of the Bridgeport’s most funk-tastic band, Relative Souls. The group of five, Mike, Aaron, Luke, Justin, and “The Gurge” were certainly an animated bunch to talk to. Their name, “Relative Souls” refers to the idea that they are a collective group of individuals. While they come from different backgrounds and span 20 years of ages, there is one element that ultimately bands them together, their love of music.

Relative Souls are an equal share of funk, jam and rock. Interestingly enough, the group found each other on Craig’s List and luckily all brought major talent to the table. Influenced by 70s funk and jam bands like The Dead and Phish, Relative Souls value live performance and are comfortably accustomed to musical improvisation. Though the set they played on Friday was just about an hour, Relative Souls manager, Evan stated that back in their hometown of Bridgeport, the guys can kick out the jams for hours on end.

The group meets up weekly to practice and normally the band mates will bring new riffs that everyone can build on from. “No one is ever at a loss for what to play,” explains keyboardist, “The Gurge”. Their creative process is a matter of starting with a “seed” of inspiration that ultimately grows into something cohesive.

Relative Souls have played at various festivals surrounding Connecticut and the Tri State area, including the SoNo Arts Festival and the Steel Jam Festival. They enjoy playing for new crowds and making connections with other music lovers. Bassist Luke explains, “There is no alternative motive to the festival person…everyone is there to hear good music,” and the Relative Souls are always ready to deliver.

The band has one studio album, Nebulous, and one live album. Currently they are in the process of working with Sony Studios and are hoping to release another album this fall.

In the meantime, Relative Souls will continue to play out around the east coast this summer. After all, having a good time is what they’re all about. As Luke joking says, “We rock harder than jam bands and jam harder than rock bands.” They describe themselves as a “Funk-casserole” of music, and truly are a gang of talented and down-to-earth dudes.

I parted ways with the band understanding them to be a brotherhood of good vibes; each exceptional musicians and close friends. If you’re looking for solid music and a good time, do not miss these guys! - Hamlet Hub


"Album Review"

“Though Relative Souls formed only a year ago, the group already has the cohesive, distinguished sound of an accomplished band. It offers a mix of jazz, funk, rock, and structured improvisation. On its new album Nebulous, Relative Souls provides 13 tracks of classic jam band music with hints of old school jazz and hard hitting rock and roll. “Sanity’s a Virtue” starts off with a groove based sound but transitions into alternative and hypnotic insanity, including some trance-like chanting and eerie guitar progressions in stark contrast. “Soulo” provides us with boogie piano ramblings. “The One” features crazy organ solos and “Mississippi Vampire” gives a little hint of Southern comfort. Though each song sounds completely different, Nebulous is a refreshing reminder of how one band can take a multitude of diverse musical backgrounds and make a cohesive and thoughtful album.” -Jennifer Mergott, Relix Magazine - Relix Magazine April/May 2011


Discography


October 2010 - It's About Time (3 song EP)

March 2011 - Nebulous (13 song LP)

July 2011 - Live in Providence (3 song EP, Live)

November 2012 Live at FTC (12 song LP)

Scheduled full length studio release (12 tracks):  March 21, 2014 Theory of Relativity


Photos

Bio

Relative Souls is a high energy band from Bridgeport, CT. Equal parts funk, jam, and rock music. 

Festivals played:  

  • Strance Creek and Wormtown (MA, 2012 and 2013, main stage Friday evening, attendance c. 8000scheduled again for 2014)
  • Disc Jam (MA, 2013 attendance c. 1500)
  • FreedomFest (ME, 2012 and 2013 headliner, attendance c. 300)
  • Rutland Alive at 5 (VT, 2011 headliner, attendance c. 1500)
  • Bridgeport Arts Fest (CT, 2013, attendance c. 1000)
  • Evolvefest (PA, 2013, attendance c. 300)
  • SoNo Arts Fest (2012, MainStage, attendance c. 3000)
  • MAZfest (2013, attendance c. 800)
  • Utica Music and Arts Fest (2013, direct support for Floodwood featuring guys from Moe, attendance c. 300)
  • SteelJam (2011, direct support for Keller Williams who was direct support for Karl Denson, attendance 600+)
  • plus a bunch of small startups.  

Bands we've played with:  

  • Direct support for Alan Evans Trio (drummer trio from Soulive, 2012-13)
  • Kung Fu (2012 and 2013, attendance 175)
  • Twiddle (6 times between 2012/13 ranging from 110-275 in attendance, one sold out appearance)
  • The Breakfast (2011, 2012, 2013 attendance between 120-180)
  • Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds (2012)
  • Shakedown (popular Dead tribute in CT2012/13, attendance c. 400-500)
  • Turkuaz (2012 and 2013 attendance c. 150)
  • Aqueous (opened for us, attendance 75)

Marketing Stats:

1729 likes on Facebook

1,100+ e-mails

634 downloads on archive.org


Relative Souls believes that music brings everyone together. Their music is timeless and eclectic, and while drawing from many classic influences, the approach is modern and fresh. The jamming vibe of Phish, the Dead, and the Allman brothers, the funkiness of Sly, Bill Withers, and P-Funk, the rock of Led Zeppelin, Guns N'Roses, and Pink Floyd, the vocal soulfulness of Joe Cocker and Marvin Gaye, with some of the electro ambient creations of Radiohead and the Disco Biscuits. A gumbo of great musical influences, all played in a fresh, dynamic context. The bottom line is people are either dancing or going nuts.

Band Members