Kamphire Collective

Kamphire Collective jettisoned to the top of the local-band ladder this year with a funk-fueled live show that got crowds bouncing. Mixing high-speed raps with deep-tissue rock grooves, the Boise group ran away with The Big Easy«s 2006 Quest for the Best competition. But more important, Kamphire Collective proved that a local band can build a following in a city that often shows better support for cover bands than original ones. - Idaho Statesman

I've discovered that even when writing about music I probably wouldn't load into my iRiver, if I study its history, I get a better appreciation of the sound. Sometimes, though, even without further investigation I'll find I like a song in a genre of music I don't usually listen to. Good melodies, harmonies, lyrics and beats will always draw me in. If I'm lucky, I'll not only find a song I dig, but get to meet the people behind the tune (the way cool part of my job). And, if I'm really lucky, the musicians are as amazing as the music they produce.

Five such folks I've been fortunate enough to befriend are drummer Todd "Rudi" Belcher, bassist Stephan "Big Bwoy" Hagstrom, emcee Tim "Timbuk 2" Hammes, guitarist Jake "The Jake" Albrethsen and emcee Marcus "Origin" Hunter, known together as Kamphire Collective.

For my interview with the band, I was invited to Hunter's small, comfortable North End house. The members of the band all sat in a half-circle around the living room, leaving me a space on the couch. They seemed a little anxious about the interview, but also seemed at home in the space and with each other. They told me that twice a week, they push the furniture against the walls and write and rehearse in that room. The result is a great sound.

Kamphire Collective hit the Boise music scene about a year ago. As a simple hip-hop group, there may not have been much cause for celebration: Hip-hop often includes begged, borrowed and/or stolen sounds under an emcee's words about ladies, luxury cars and livin' large. What makes this band special is that each member plays an instrument, and rather than performing songs about money or performing just for money, their lyrics are thought-provoking and spiritual, and all five of the band members have a drive and a love for the music that pushes and prods them every step of the way.

After they told me they'd been together for just over a year, Hunter immediately added, "Our first show was at the Bouquet on May 18 of 2005." From that first performance to their most recent in the finals of the Big Easy's Quest for the Best, Kamphire Collective gives everything they have every time. Albrethsen said that the Quest for the Best performances were especially important. I asked them if, right from the beginning, they thought they would win. Collectively, they said, "We wanted to." Hagstrom added "We were humble about it ... but we were hopeful. There was no point until [it was announced] we won that we thought we had it. There was a lot of really good talent that night. We were just thankful to be a part of it." Albrethsen said, "We went out there and we gave our all. We decided that if we couldn't win with that performance, we just couldn't win."

When first meeting the members of Kamphire Collective, it's pretty clear that they have different tastes in everything from their looks to their musical influences, which include everything from Parliament to the Pixies. Dig a little deeper, though, and their commonalities begin to surface. "We all like anything with a good groove," Belcher said.

Another thing they clearly have in common is that they all like each other. With all the pressures of day-to-day life, it's hard for just about anyone to stay together. Add wives, children and day jobs, and the odds against success start to stack up. I asked how Kamphire Collective makes it work. The answer from each was, "Communication." It is this factor, as well as their instrumentation--in a genre not really known for that--they believe sets them apart. They also have a firm belief that faith and spirituality play a large part in their success, and their musical message of integrity, humility and compassion is what draws people to them.

All of this is well and good, but it is Kamphire Collective's musicianship that truly puts them on a higher level. I listened to a recent jam session KC recorded in Hunter's living room and it gave me goosebumps. It was damn good.

And after an hour or so of just hanging out and talking to the these five creative men, I learned they are as much a pleasure to know as their music is to listen to. When I made a remark about rock T-shirts, Hunter walked across the room and then, smiling, handed a Kamphire Collective one to me. I was informed that, outside of the band, I was the only person who owned one (for the time being). "You're family now," Hunter said quietly.

These five well-spoken, friendly guys clearly love what they're doing. It is this love of their work and their respect for each other--combined with their musicianship and ability to write and perform really good songs--that guarantees a long and evolving life for Kamphire Collective. When asked what comment they get most from people, Hagstrom said, "The one I always hear is, 'I don't even like hip-hop, but I like you guys.'" Me, too. - Boise Weekly

by Amber Fuger

Rising up quickly in the saturated entertainment industry presents an immense challenge for musicians today. That is, unless you possess a solid and organic sound with fresh beats, sick guitar riffs, and conscious lyrics.

Kamphire Collective (KC) of Boise, Idaho, are one such group of guys who have made it happen through a two-year journey full of passion, ambition and soul. KC joined the impressive line-up on the Honda Ski Tour after meeting now manager Steve Fulton in May 2006. “I took them on because of their positive message and their sound is really solid,” Steve said. Being a production manager for the Honda Ski Tour allowed Steve to hook KC up with a gig touring through the Rockies and the Sierra this winter playing with legends like George Clinton and P Funk and stellar performers like G-Love and Special Sauce, Wisdom, and Swollen Members. “The tour has been an amazing experience. We have gained all kinds of interest. We mowed everybody over leaving people asking ‘Who the heck are these guys?’ I expect big things from these guys,” Steve said. So far the tour has hit Sun Valley, Idaho; Breckenridge, Colo.; and Aspen, Colo.

With the tour wrapping up this month in Squaw Valley, Kamphire Collective is focused on their upcoming April 21 album release and setting up summer gigs on the West Coast. “We are just starting to get momentum and we are working on touring in the middle of the summer, starting in the west,” Steve said.

Emcees Marcus “Origin” Hunter and Tim “Timbuk2” Hammes, guitarist Stephan “Big Boy” Hagstrom, bassist Justin “Backbone” Rooney, and drummer Todd “Rudi” Belcher are the solid level headed musically enriched guys who make up Kamphire Collective. Given the opportunity to chit chat with Origin over the phone provided a deeper look at this up and coming funky, bluesy, groovy, unique and artistic band.

Origin, Todd, and Big Boy had played together in a reggae band that didn’t pan out. “Then we found us a flawless bassist who plays with deep intense rhythm,” Origin said. After that, Timbuk2 came along and KC linked all the elements needed to pronounce their groovy soul. They derived their name from the concepts they were trying to express. “We were throwing ideas out and Big Boy said ‘how ‘bout Kamphire Collective?’ Most cultures created music, shared stories and passed on traditions around campfires,” Origin said. After two years as a band, “we are feelin’ what we’re makin,” Origin said.

With two emcees, some might tag the group as hip-hop. “But we have talented people who encompass so much more than hip hop,” Origin said. KC consider their sound to be world music emanating cultural awareness through spoken word set to rhythm and blues, funk and jazz and a little rock ‘n’ roll.

KC’s sound and style are simply complex and unmatched. An organic blend of instruments with smooth rhymes full of reason allow this band to transcend mere hip-hop. After watching, listening, and dancing to KC live I felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Timbuk2 and Origin worked the stage and created a genuine energy backed up by an amazing band who were throwing out the jams as if they were jamming in their living room or a garage. The vibe of the show was super positive and their incendiary psychedelic guitar riffs and sick fluid drumbeats made KC’s sound flow with immense style.

Origin obtains his widespread inspiration in music from several iconic figures (but mostly Miles Davis) who he said have reached across gaps and crossed bridges to get their message out there. Another musical inspiration to Origin stems from Timbuk2. “He is so progressive and solid all around. He is constantly coming up with new material and stepping it up,” Origin said. In life Origin gains endless inspiration from his son.

With Todd’s 10 years of drumming experience, Big Boy’s psychedelic riffs, Backbone’s intense rhythm, and Timbuk2’s and Origin’s soulful conscious lyrics, KC have come together in a powerful manner and promise to stimulate all those who come to their shows. “You are never gonna know until you come check us out live and then you will be hooked,” Origin said. - moonshine ink

Inside the main test Friday night, Boise's Kamphire Collective heated things up quickly with a 45-minute set drawing heavily from its debut album "Simply Complex"
Backed by DJ Logic, Kamphire needed little time winning over the audience and proving itself a perfect fit for an event of this kind and a suitable kickoff for the two-night music schedule.
Kamphire Collective's good vibes gave way to the frat-dude reggae rock of the appropriately named Slightly Stoopid.

- Idaho Statesman