The Cloudz

The Cloudz are an American electro-rock band from Portland, Oregon specializing in electro-inspired rock, hip-hop and dance music. Formed in 2011, the group consists of lyricist, emcee and Morro Bay, California-native Jonathan Star and producer and multi-instrumentalist Miles Shattuck from The Dalles, Oregon. They draw inspiration from modern rock instrumentation and electronics as well as rap acts such as the Black Eyed Peas, Beastie Boys and Outkast and rock acts such as 311, Gnarls Barkley and Gorillaz. The duo met on Craigslist and began focusing on songwriting and production. Their first collaboration together inspired the two to partner up on a new project and they spent the next 14 months producing the songs that appear on their debut EP Get Live.

The Cloudz reach for the stars as they drift back and forth from compelling hip-hop, rock and EDM elements to funk, pop and rap motifs that transcend previously defined musical styles. Jonathan describes his talent for writing "intellectual" and "inspired" lyrics: “I don’t describe what I do as ‘rap’…’rap’ implies you’re shooting the breeze…when I break down the syllables and the beat, it’s always been hip hop.” The ostensibly therapeutic and cathartic affects of the lyrical content are likely due to Jonathan, a reiki master, having received his education at the Avalon Healing School where he studied metaphysics and the healing arts. A self-taught producer, Miles began studying the art of music production after years of playing the rock music circuit in Eugene and Portland. On the challenges of learning to produce at home, Miles is humble: "thank goodness for Youtube tutorials". He explains his motivation: "I really wanted to create an album that moves from genre to genre while keeping a guitar hook in the center." Together, Jonathan and Miles know how to create upbeat, moving and genuine songs with a diverse blend of hooks over urban, indie, electro and hip-hop beats that literally speak volumes.

Get Live, produced independently, is the first EP to be released by Jonathan and Miles under the duo’s first project, The Cloudz. The EP flaunts effortless transitions between several genres, often within a single song, and maintains a strong party vibe and a flair for cinematic ambiance. Accolades for Get Live are yet to be determined, but the initial results are exciting. The group's love of hooks and genre-hopping is evident in the new single Get Live which incorporates a wah guitar hook and an electronic bass line over an electro-house groove. The disciplined duo celebrates music-making because of its positive influence on mood and attitude. Jonathan and Miles continue: “Music touches lives and makes memories…[it] reminds you of previous experiences, good times, bad times and everything in between. Life is measured by music.” Get Live is one way to inspire listeners with dance-friendly hip-hop and electro-rock tunes. Get Live EP is available on iTunes, CD Baby and more.