Music
Press
“Amp Fiddler showed his gratitude to the band for their support this January at Byron Bays Great Northern Hotel, "The Witness are world-class performers and their live show really set us up beautifully" (AMP FIDDLER-Detroit/USA)
“ This fresh, local and fast becoming popular Band presented a polished performance at this years’ EXODUS LIVE FESTIVAL.
With their smooth Dub and R&B rhythms and the intriguing Carla Versitano and her awesome vocals, THE WITNESS instantly attracted and captivated a large, enthusiastic and responsive crowd. This Band has personality plus!”(MANDY COOKE- Artist Bookings/EXODUS LIVE FESTIVAL)
“The lush vocal styling of Miss Carla Versitano never fail to move and inspire audiences, she has honed her sound and delivery into one of the most unique and recognisable voices on the Australian Soul-Scene. The Band itself has gained some positive momentum since their beginnings in the past 12 months and theior defined 7-piece sound is getting stronger and more refined at every performance…” (Byron Shire Echo)
“The Witness’ unique and classy sound delivers a welcome surprise and deserves to be regarded as the most professional and high quality act to emerge on the Byron scene in the last 12 months- their EP is addictive, their live performances are an infectious and sensual ride not to be easily forgotten…” (Lee Ginty- Tech Babble- BayFm Radio)
“The soulful grooves of this fine 7-piece and the amazing voice of Carla Versitano are one of the finest examples in local music and one of the most pleasant acts I have come to mix in recent years…” (CLINT STAGOLL-Hotel Great Northern In House Sound Engineer)
“To be involved in a project of such high quality and integrity is both my pleasure and my honour. This Band has the potential to go all the way, carried by the extraordinary vocals of Carla Versitano and an amazing line up of gifted musicians backing her up. Their songs radiate a rare positivity and depth of feeling and are delivered expertly…”
(KHARI SIMMONS- tour bass player for INDIA ARIA & Bass player for THE WITNESS)
- Various
Discography
The Witness - self-titled EP, 2007.
The Witness - Live Excerpts, 2008. (For promotional use only).
EP has regular airplay on Byron Bay FM and is also available on itunes.
Photos
Bio
Generating a deep soul-dub sound, The Witness is emerging as a genuine article on the global soul scene. The band has flourished since its very first performance, and the vibrations coming off stage have penetrated the hearts of an ever-growing audience. The bands use of harmony and lyrics has created a form of musical expression known for honesty and elegance – a reputation that the band is proud of. The Witness is recognised as having the potential to make significant contributions to the growing Australian soul movement.
The Witness was born out of the signature compositions of drummer Kozi Karsay, and the exceptional lyrics and vocal stylings of Miss Carla Versitano. Guiding the sound and feel of the band into a world of urbane lushness, these two artists have developed distinctive tone and character. The musicians around them have created what The Witness has coined the ‘soul-dub’ sound - a sound that brings together traditional soul, R & B, and a contemporary dub production flavour. One of the band’s crucial manoeuvres has been to engage and perform with US bass player Khari Simmons of Atlanta, Georgia. Before moving to Australia, Khari spent many years on the road with world-renowned R & B artist India Arie. This experience injected an undeniable boost of energy and sonic definition into The Witness’ live shows.
The experience of going to a Witness performance undoubtedly stands out from the pack. The group would be a rich addition to any bill or festival line up – especially within the soul scene. They have exceeded expectations at all of their high profile performances in previous seasons.
It was the bands opening set for Detroit’s legendary Amp Fiddler (formerly of George Clinton’s Funkadelic) in Byron Bay that put them on the map. The Witness seized the opportunity to prove that they are able to share the stage with world class acts. The band is focused and ready to take their sound on tour, and to the festival circuit.
This music is quality groove that has been recognised by many international artists and DJ’s that have accepted the bands music for remixing and promotion internationally. Two of the most prominent remix’s to date are by Sci-Fi of The Bird (Australia), and high profile drum & bass DJ Big Bud (England).
The Witness has proved itself from the very first performance, and continues to do so. Audiences leave shows having experienced something beautiful. What matters, is that The Witness is worth listening to.
Links
