Rufus JOhn

Rufus John has a new approach to old soul. He has taken the best of two worlds, the edginess of todays music and the steadfast emotion of Motown, and brought them together. The result is a funky, fresh sound layered over an old soul backdrop, a slick fusion that can only be described as undeniable.

As a young child, Rufus charmed others with his gregarious personality and his booming voice. He began singing at the tender age of 6 and by the time he was 10 he and his oldest sister Natasha sung along to the radio or cassette tapes around the house. Eventually Rufus and Natasha teamed up with family friend Trishannah to form the trio NRT they would perform in many different churches and concert venues over a six year time span. The three were regular performers at high school assemblies, talent shows and cultural events throughout the K-W area, often collaborating with other local acts. Rufus proved to be a natural on stage, giving high energy performances that showcased his versatility as an artist. So naturally he branched out of the group to pursue a solo career.

Early in his career, Rufus was the charismatic front man for The Motor Booty Affair, a Kitchener-Waterloo band that reinterpreted cover songs from a funk/soul perspective. The band, which also included Juno award winner Miranda Walsh of Mystic and Miranda, toured Montreal, Toronto, Collingwood and surrounding areas which help garner an enthusiastic local following.

He also participated in the nation-wide televised talent search Popstars 2: Boys Meet Girls and made it to the top 15. In a defining moment of his singing career, he left the show to pursue his solo act. In addition he was a finalist in the 2004 and 2005 Rhythm of the Future Talent Search hosted by Kitchener-Waterloos #1 Hit Radio Station 91.5 The Beat.

On his upcoming EP, Rufus has concocted a mix that he says is only for grown folks. Into the pot he has thrown gospel, hip hop, funk, jazz and Latin, a meld of many flavours that sizzle into one good, solid heaping helping of soul food. All of this, smothered with smooth, creamy vocals.

Rufus wrote and co-produced all of the songs on the EP working with Gary McAuley, (McAuley Boys), Andrew Ang (Troy Bynoe, Andrea Desiree) and Slakah the Beatchild (Jully Black, Choclair,Faith Walker). By collaborating with the band The Bumpsquad allowed Rufus to stray away from the typical over-produced RnB sound. This experience permitted Rufus to be more free-flowing throughout the recording process and most importantly it gave project the soul it needed to birth itself.

For Rufus, writing songs is therapeutic, and the personal stamp he puts on his music shows in the diversity of his subject matter. The Reason is a heartfelt ode to his mother for the hardships she endured raising three children on her own. Got To Be Real is about finding the courage to move on from an ailing relationship. And, of course, what would be a soul album without the classic lovemaking track found in Feel Ur Body?

Since going into the studio, Rufus has continued performing, playing large venues in cities like London, Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo to crowds of up to 10,000. Rufus is known to blow audiences away with his energy and outstanding vocals and his EP will do the same upon its release. He is on his way to SUPERSTARDOME.