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Since their musical journey began in 2001, Opensouls have been busy winning over music lovers with their fresh, infectious energy. Infused with elements of soul and old-school R'n'B, the band's unique sound is due to a collaborative effort from its seven talented members, each bringing their own personality, flair and musical taste to the mix.
The core members comprise vocalists Tyra Hammond and Bjorn Peterson, and a live band with Jeremy Toy (guitar), Chip Matthews (bass), Isaac Aesili (trumpet), Harlin Davey (MPC) and Julien Dyne (drums), who just released his first solo album on BBE.
Standing in the Rain is Opensouls’ terrifically accomplished sophomore album and well and truly solidifies their standing as the top-shelf New Zealand soul band. It is is a concept album, made with the intent to reflect the sound and feeling of a musical era, late-50s, early-60s British and American R'n'B. Inspiration was drawn from traditional songwriters such as Lennon and McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Holland / Dozier / Holland, and Van Morrison. Consequently, the album has an unmistakable vintage quality, reminiscent of Motown in its heyday. And while quite a few modern soul bands concentrate on reinterpreting old classics the Opensouls solely play their own music.
Legendary LA producer Dave Cooley, who has worked with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Silversun Pickups, Smash Mouth, J Dilla, and Stones Throw, mixed Standing in the Rain and has to date, mastered all Opensouls’ material released. Bruce Lynch, who in the past has worked with Kate Bush, Cat Stevens, Dave Dobbyn, Herbs and Anika Moa, arranged the strings
With their dynamic and spirited performances, Opensouls are fast winning a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s best live acts. Lighting up the stage with their irrepressible energy, they are crowd pleasers at music festivals and gigs around the country,
For Fans of: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Mayer Hawthorne, Raphael Saadiq |
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