Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn and Josh Lumsden, Erik Graves, Brandon Street, Taylor Hunt.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After meeting at a wedding in October 2016, these 5 guys decided to start – not a burger chain – but a band. Since then, we’ve headlined Smith’s Olde Bar, Nuci’s Space, the Atlanta Reggae Revival Fest at The Masquerade, and other venues. We’re also playing Alphapalooza Music Festival again this year, which is an absolute blast.
We have shared the stage with bands such as Iya Terra, Treehouse!, I.R.E., Blackberry Breeze, Rhythm Earth, and Nomadic Culture among many others. Our diverse musical influences are responsible for our genre ambiguity. They definitely include newer reggae bands like Stick Figure, Rebelution, and Sticky Fingers but you’ll also notice that our songs build and peak instrumentally like festival jam bands Umphrey’s McGee and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Our soaring vocals, Incubus-like energy, and big guitar solos are beginning to define this new project, Sound Culture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’re all scattered across and around Atlanta. Living far apart has been a struggle, but we make it happen no matter what. The fire gets higher every time we sit down and get to writing. Our friendships run even deeper than the music so we’re able to push through creative differences, which often lead to higher quality music and message. All in all, it has been a very smooth road so far.
Sound Culture – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are in the business of sparking and spreading a positive message through our preferred medium – music. We’re known for turning mellow reggae grooves into soul-infiltrating melodic crescendos, and along with our bulletproof comradery as a band, that is probably what we’re most proud of.
Most first-timers seem to expect Sound Culture to be “just another reggae band”, and it’s cool to see the surprise on their faces when we gear up through the second half of our songs. New fans are regularly commending our unpredictability after the shows, and their positive feedback helps guide the direction we are taking as a band.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success (n.) – Set goal. Work hard. Accomplish goal. Repeat.
Our first goal was to perform at Alphapalooza Music Festival in Tennessee. We spent a few months writing originals and learning popular covers for our first show. Next goal was to book renowned venues throughout the southeast and build a following. In our first year, we did 10 live shows at venues like the Masquerade, Nuci’s Space and Smith’s Olde Bar. We couldn’t have done it without the help of the few key people who believed in us.
Our next goal was to share the stage with some of our favorite bands. In March we were given the opportunity to open for the exploding reggae bands, Iya Terra and Treehouse!. Shows like this really fuel us. Since then we have confirmed another show this May with Kash’d Out and Seranation – more of our favorite reggae bands.
We’re halfway done with our current goal of recording a 5 song EP and are on schedule for releasing it late summer of this year.
We have big plans after our EP is released, so stay close!
Contact Info:
- Phone: (404) 354-0501
- Email: WeAreSoundCulture@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/soundculturemusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/soundculturemusic
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/sound-culture-387650794
Image Credit:
Stephanie Heath
Jim Murrell
Chelsea Lumsden
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
