SOTU (Students of the Universe)
Danbury, Connecticut, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Rising from the ashes of northeast touring jam band One Good Vibe, lead guitarist/vocalist Jesse Lynch and drummer Justin Freeman have united with bassist Kenny Sciuto and rhythm guitarist Mike Wiedl (formerly of the Drunk Skunks) to create the funky laid-back grooves known as the Students of the Universe (SOTU).
Hailing from Danbury the group kicks out a relentless wave of psychedelic vibration, fully equipped with dueling guitar solos, uplifting three part harmonies and gnarly break beats.
With influences ranging from artists like Roots of Creation and Lotus, to the Mars Volta and the Foo Fighters, SOTU keeps true to their classic reggae-rock style, while still exploring new musical avenues.
SOTU is scheduled to return to Danbury to play a hometown show at the Heirloom Arts Theatre, March 3rd.
- Mike Medeiros
News Editor (Western Connecticut State University) - Mike Medeiros (WCSU)
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
SOTU (Students of the Universe) was formed in 2011 when professionally unemployed, singer/guitarist, Jesse Lynch, and unsuccessful window salesmen/ drummer, Justin “Freebird” Freeman, began musically fornicating together after having played together in "One Good Vibe", a short lived jam band that was highly regarded by smart people in northwest CT . The addition of bassist Kenny Sciuto, and guitarist Mike Wiedl, rounded out the lineup.
Shortly after they met, the four musicians journeyed on a spiritual quest that would help define who they were and would hopefully bring them closer together. They noticed a bejeweled sword, its glittering pommel rising from the roots of an ancient, gnarled Acacia tree. The four members each put one hand upon the golden pommel, and with the sound of a million dragons’ wings beating the air in perfect unison, the sword slid out. Out of the root where the blade had resided for unknown centuries, there came a rush of melodies, scales and rhythms that dropped everyone to their knees, not understanding what they were hearing. After regaining their composure after an indefinite amount of time, they put the sword back in its rightful place, to stop the wall of sound that was rendering them incapacitated.
The sound of SOTU stems directly from their attempt at recreating the gift of the Acacia root which resulted in a decidedly jam pop fusion rock reggae vibe that is influenced by artists as varied as The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bob Marley, King Crimson, The Beatles, Phish, Humphrey’s McGee, STS9, Galactic, Lettuce, Coltrane , Tool, Red Hot Chile Peppers, and Pearl Jam. SOTU’s penchant for memorable hooks, sweet melodies, lighting fast rhythm changes, mind bending improvisational jams, super tight harmonies, infectious dance grooves, exceptional musicianship, and their sheer joy of helping people be happier, will turn anyone into a fan.
Despite their young (ish) ages, the members of SOTU have shared the stage with legit rock stars that include; Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, Dennis Elliot of Foreigner fame, Ian Hunter from Mott the Hoople, his son Jesse Patterson Hunter, Tyson Schencker (son of famed guitar player Michael Schenker), and others. However, the past is inconsequential. All that matters is moving forward, sharing what they have created with the world, creating smiles and forming true bonds of friendship and compassion.
The bands’ first single “Warm Sunshine” (released one month before the writing of this) has already garnered spin time on national syndicated Hartford radio station 104.1 and among local college stations. Be a part of something big and check them out now! You can hear their music on facebook and soundcloud.
If you are interested in booking or setting up shows with SOTU, please email Studentsoftheuniverse@gmail.com or send a message through Facebook.
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