Published: December 12, 2009 2:10 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight December 2009 Edition
iolite
Jazz/Soul Artist/Band of the Week December 13, 2009 - December 19, 2009
iolite
From the very moment that I heard their music, I was instantly hooked to the magical, inspiring, and sensual voice of Arianne Benick and the mesmerizing enchanting style of the rest of the members of the band. What is the best part of the band is the many fusion of style that one hears when listening to iolite's music. A combination of soul, jazz, reggae and R&B the band iolite will sure to delight and entertain music lovers of such artist as Sade, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, and Erykah Badu to name a few. Many of these legendary artists' style will come across in the music of iolite. Check out the band in this recent spotlight with our Webzine as we get to know who is iolite. Enjoy!
Isaac: What's the name of your band?
Iolite: iolite.
Isaac: What's the origin of that name?
Iolite: Our name is based on the semi precious stone iolite. After many months of trying to figure one out, our friend Arynn suggested it. It was used by the Vikings as the world's first lens. On a cloudy day, when it is directed at the sun, it turns cobalt blue. It is a navigational tool. On an energetic and vibrational level, iolite energy helps one navigate to the higher self and facilitate healing. Sound and Music are reputed to have healing properties as well. We try to write music that may inspire reflection and self awareness on a positive plain. Synesthetically, we feel our music is violet just like iolite.
Isaac: Have you changed the band's name before?
Iolite: No, however, it did take us about two years to decide on it!
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Iolite: We consider ourselves a soul fusion of all the genres we love.
Isaac: Who are your major influences?
Iolite: Sade, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Jackie Mittoo, Vince Guaraldi, Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, Scientist, Mad Professor, old soul music, and anything on the Motown and Blue Note Labels.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other?
Iolite: We go back far, many moons...
Isaac: How did you meet?
Iolite: At a Party. We lived a block away from each other in Clifton Heights.
Isaac: When did you form your band?
Iolite: Six years ago.
Isaac: What inspired you to make music together? -
Iolite: When we were hanging out, we would sing together often with our friend Arynn. Then we started playing around in Julia's studio, having fun and realized that we had a sound. We started writing music more because we love it and we want to share.
Isaac: Do you have a record label?
Iolite: No.
Isaac: Are you a member of any music organizations?
Iolite: ASCAP and SonicBids so far.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? -
Annie: Good ole' dependable Sure 58 for live performances.
Julia: I like Roland right now, they are affordable and reliable. At live shows I use a Korg because the piano sounds are good. I always prefer a real piano though.
Isaac: Where have you performed?
Iolite: We have played all over the Greater Cincinnati area including Fountain Square, The Greenwich, Blue Wisp, and the SouthGate House.
Isaac: What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
Iolite: We really don't like to play at noisy bars where people just go to get drunk. The music doesn't translate as well. We like a good atmosphere where people can relax and be more present with the music.
Isaac: Do you have any upcoming shows?
Iolite: Yes, we have a show on Dec 3rd at the Greenwich where we play the first Thursday of every month as "iolite night".
We are also having an EP release multi-media event on Dec12th at the Mockbee, a historic brewery turned art space and venue.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently?
Iolite: Our originals.
The ones on our EP
Isaac: Do you ever play any covers?
Iolite: Yes.
Isaac: Do you have a set play list?
Iolite: We adapt a set list for every show.
Isaac: Who writes your songs?
Iolite: We both do. We'll get ideas on our own and then bring them to each other to create a song. With the new set of material we're writing, we've been bouncing ideas off our other band mates Shimon and Dan.
Isaac: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Julia: We write about reflection, knowledge of self, patience, impermanence, and working through the emotions that arise from life's lessons. We use allegories of nature, referencing the sun and moon in many songs.
Annie: The lyrics are written from a place of personal experience...very real. I can only write about what I know and observe. By working through my emotions with song I am able to release it, transmute it, share it, and, hopefully, relate and resonate with the listener.
Isaac: Do you think these topics will change over time?
Iolite: We write from our personal circumstances so as we evolve and grow so shall our music.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Iolite: It all starts off with a hot cup of tea. We get together and bring our ideas to the table. Sometimes we combine different songs that we've written over time. Our band practice is fun; we hang out, laugh, chat, and write.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like?
Iolite: See above.
Isaac: Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals
more spontaneous?
Iolite: We practice three times a week. We have kept this schedule for years, so we've become very close and comfortable with each other.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Iolite: We've gotten more comfortable in our writing process. We feel the music we write now comes easier yet with more depth. As we have matured, so has the music.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
Iolite: A drummer. Finding the perfect one has been a challenge. However, we have been fortunate to work with many talented drummers.
Isaac: Have you been able to overcome that challenge?
Iolite: Well even though we have not found the perfect one, we can at least look forward and do what we need to do.
Isaac: If so, how?
Iolite: By being patient and open to possibilities
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band?
Iolite: We would like to be successful with our music and reach as many people as we can. Go as far as we can take it and hopefully make it a full time gig.
Isaac: Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Iolite: Wouldn't be such a bad thing, however, we want to stay true to our selves and make decisions with integrity. We would love to make a living so we could explore the possibilities of our music even further.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Iolite: Stick to a regular schedule of practice and be patient, patient, patient.
You have to communicate and dedicate time and energy. Be realistic about what you can do with that time and energy. Be productive about your craft and play live shows because you learn quickly when you're gigging regularly. AND Have Fun! If it stops being fun, reroute.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Isaac: Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? -
Iolite: Our MySpace page, and our EP is going to be released Dec 12th but you can listen to it on our MySpace right now.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Iolite: Our families, close friends, dedicated fans and supporters.
Julia: My family and wonderful partner Ryan for emotional support. My teachers for their knowledge and good guidance, which have helped me realize and accept my true nature and have helped me to find my own unique expression. The creator.
Annie: My soul sister Rachel for her unwavering LOVE, my family for their uniqueness, support, and unconditional LOVE, Arynn for coaxing out the shy singer in me, and the creator of the universal energy and light... ONELOVE
Isaac: Any last words?
Iolite: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share more about our music!
