Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"This is swank, urbane stuff. On first listen one might assume it's from Paris, London or some other multicultural city of the world. Yet vocalist Zenobia Salik and her partner, the United Electrosoul Underground (aka Nino de la Torre), are actually based in Vancouver. This record straddles the divide between jazz and electronica skillfully; Salik's got a good voice and de la Torre comes up with arrangements and music that really complement her rich and arresting style - the track Godeamus is lovely, liquid nu-jazz...If you're a fan of Supreme Beings of Leisure or Soulstice, you may want to shop locally and check this out." - Andrew Murray
- Monday Magazine
"A pleasing jazz consciousness informs Salik's phrasing, resulting in an ambient urban pop, aptly described as electrosoul, that imposes itself rather than just fits the mood. She doesn't let these atmospheric songs become wallpaper." - Tom Harrison - The Province Newspaper
“Sweet - vocals a little hot in the mix but that's cool. Fits right in with the OM/Naked NYC vibe - I heard you a few years ago - seems like you've taken singing lessons 'cause your vox are tight. I'm impressed...” – Anonymous NMW02 Judge - New Music West
"Cool chill out tunes. Diggin on the vibe here. Vocals are nice, maybe a little too energetic in the first song but there is a lot of feeling there. Nice stuff. Extended club mixes would be the shit." - Tara MacDonald, Talent Coordinator, NMW02 - New Music West
"...the songs make me want to shake my ass or, at the very least, drink a fat glass of Merlot on a beanbag chair somewhere warm!" - Tom Zillich - Westender Newspaper
"Beat junkies and fans of downtempo chill out music need to look no further than the debut release from rising Canadian electronic artist, Zenobia Salik & The United Electrosoul Underground. This duo, comprised of Montreal-raised vocalist, Salik and Japanese producer/composer Nino make the most original and innovative soulful electronica since Groove Armada and Supreme Beings of Leisure.
The CD showcases 13 tracks where Salik's angelic voice flow through the unique blend of jazz, funk and hip hop. Nino's beautiful grooves create the most wonderful imagery and soundscapes available to music fans. From the beginning vocal improvisations of the first track, "Headphones" to the Zen Mix of "Have you seen my soul?", Salik and Nino captivate listeners and explore the deepest of emotions.
You can find this new emerging act on the top 10 charts at New Music Canada (www.newmusiccanada.com) and they have been previously featured on CBC One's program,
Definitely Not The Opera. Their smooth stylings are definitely worth checking out if you are searching for a world fusion of many different sounds. It's written on the cd sleeve and rings infinitely true, this type of music really does "soothe, connect, inspire, empower".
Be sure to check out their interactive flash website to hear their music and discover the latest news and more about up-coming performances. Its design is just as worthy of praise as their music featuring photos, videos, and lyrics.?h - Michelle Chau - Female Musician
"The spine reads "soothe, connect, inspire, empower", and those words pretty much set the tone for this debut disc from local chanteuse Zenobia Salik and her musical collaborator Nino de la Torre. Salik, who's worked with local live electronica group Inject, has a soulful voice and dreamy delivery that perfectly complement the gently persuasive vibes of Torre's soft-focus beats and ambient textures. Hard-core dance-floor purists might scoff at the dinner-music nature of luxurious tracks like "Sapphire Blue" and "Love Goes On", but "Headphones (Vegas Lounge Mix)", "Godeamus", and "Running" feature strong vocal hooks with enough appeal to draw in listeners of everything from the Carte Blanche downtempo dance comps to the neo-soul stirrings of Remy Shand. Sweet, soothing, and, yes, inspiring." - Shawn Conner - The Georgia Straight
"Ms. Salik provides sexy, growly, soulful vocals supported by Nino De La Torre aka United Electrosoul Underground. The production of the beats is top quality as they vary from rnb to house to drum and bass, all the while keeping a sexy groove throughout. Gems include "This is who I am", a Night at the Playboy-Mansion-esque style old school groover and "Running", a bass driven ballad that could melt frozen carbonite. Following in the style of Dj Spooky and Tricky, these two blend slick beats with sexy vocals, always changing and moving into the next. Great first effort and my girlfriend and I are looking forward to getting naked to the next one as well. 8/10" - Charlie Ize
- NocturnalMagazine.net
Discography
Current videos on MTV and MuchMoreMusic Canada include: Sapphire Blue and Dark Tunnels. See them at the website.
CD - Zenobia Salik & the United ElectroSoul Underground
CD- Future Sound of Montreal 2
CD- Dig Your Roots: Electronique Danse
Go to www.electrosoulunited.com for videos, photos and streaming audio or visit www.newmusiccanada.com/genres/artist.cfm?Band_Id=14352
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Nino de la Torre (a.k.a. ElectroSoul United) was born in Osaka, Japan and has lived in Montreal and Kingston, Canada where he attended school.
Nino began composing electronic music when he got his first synth, 303 bass sequencer and 606 drum machine at the age of 13. Soon he was recruited as a keyboard player in 70's and 80's cover bands. Countless gigs helped to put him through 4 years at Queen's University.
At the age of 20, with a commerce degree, Nino realized that he was way too young, creative and carefree to spend his days analyzing financial statements on Wall Street and returned to the serenity of his birth country, Japan, where he survived by doing a variety of things from selling lobsters and teaching English to playing in a Sade cover band and working on some J-Pop recordings. During these post-adolescent years spent in Japan, Nino was introduced to early acid jazz and house at the tiny but trendy bars run by friends who were Japan's pioneer DJ's.
Compared to Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers), LTJ Bukem, DJ Spooky, Massive Attack, and Groove Armada, Nino innovatively uses electronic and organic sounds, as well as vocals, to create beautiful melodies and arrangements influenced by classic soul, funk, rhythm & blues, and disco. Transcending various genres under the guise of electronica, Nino's music is art that unites the mind, body and soul - "electrosoul".
Nino usually calls upon UK-born Montreal-raised, cosmic diva, Zenobia Salik, to add a more personal and profound dimension of emotion, meaning and attitude through her vocals and persona that can both be described as a melange of Mary J. Blige, Shirley Bassey and Bjork.
Nino splits his time between his homes in Japan and Canada where he is able to find inspiration through diverse people and places.
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