"My name is Percy Soul, and you will address me as such."

Richmond - “It all started with my befriending of Joey,” states vocalist Percy Soul.  “We randomly bartered our skills for money at a local BBQ joint on a popular street in the metropolis of Richmond, Virginia.  Pushin’ pig for the man…pork for the weary.” 

Finding a kindred spirit in Joel Wright, the two began a “neo-groove” movement that has captured 16 musicians and a sizable local fanbase since its inception.  Brand New Groovement’s contributors include, but are not limited to, Rahib Amin (guitar), Brian Mahne (keys), David Wise (sax), Alex Powers (trombone), Evan Sarver (bass), Aaron Thompson (drums), and Doug Spence (percussion).  Brand New Groovement was born out of the pair’s mutual desire for dirty, sexy R&B, and later evolved to encompass any style through which the band can establish a groove.

Percy and Joel brought their swingin’, sexy party to the National for an adoring local audience last month.  While the groove remains sweet and steady, the musical influence travels all over the map, displaying hints of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Latin flavors.  Percy stalks the stage like a hip-hop Elvis Presley – a true player who has his backstage lounge stocked with female talent long before he sings his first note.  Joel’s soulful acoustic guitar becomes one with the accomplished and downright dirty rhythm section, and he often complements Percy’s smooth delivery with his own harmonic flow.  The band’s grooves are so filthy they crawl on the floor while their accomplished horn section floats beautifully over top of it, giving each tune a unique, smooth finish.  It would be regretful of me not to mention their secret weapon, the fluid lead guitar of Rahib Amin, whose lyrical chops feed off the foreplay of the rhythm section and go straight for the home run.  If  “velvet milkshake” could be a real flavor, Brand New Groovement could sell it to Ben & Jerry’s and retire young.       

All of this reflects the initial vision of Joel Wright and Percy Soul, and regardless of the players that pass through Brand New Groovement’s gates, this will always be, first and foremost, their vision.  Their magnetism as frontmen gives their neo-groove “movement” the proper swagger to stay afloat.  States Percy in summation, “Complete and total love of music is the experience that has always and will always move me to groove.”

33: How has your sound and approach to writing changed or evolved since the band’s inception?
Percy Soul: I still write music the same as I always have - usually just myself, an acoustic guitar, and pen and paper.  With the input of the other musicians it becomes delightfully musical.  Brand New Groovement's sound has changed dramatically with the changing of personnel.  Rahib, Evan, Aaron, David, Kelly, Doug, and Alex Powers are as professional as it gets insofar as musicianship and sound are concerned.  We have become more jazz influenced, and have naturally evolved into the neo-groove sound we are today.

33: Any plans for recording or touring?
PS: We have been recording with my great friend and praiseworthy musician Justin Huppman (of J3 Project), laying down whatever parts we can, whenever we can.  Everyone’s schedule is chaotically conflicting, but we have found times conducive to the recording process.  The album will be aptly named Smokable Grooves and the Designed Coincidence.  In the works now is a penciled-in itinerary for a tour of Virginia, D.C., Baltimore, and Philly (for my boy Johnny Cab).  That is the beauty of a concept like Magazine33 that networks artists and venues together.  You're never homeless on the road.

33: What are your artistic inspirations and goals for Brand New Groovement?
PS: We want to bring enjoyable music to the masses.  As a singer, songwriter, and entertainer, I want fans to dig on my musical vibe, and to believe that Brand New Groovement belongs on the big stages and packed crowds where we have been bringing our art.  I just want people to be moved and inspired by my art.

MySpace.com/BrandNewGroovement

ReverbNation.com/BrandNewGroovement

By Editor-In-Chief and Correspondent: Andrew Lutwin

Andrew is originally from Boston, but has spent equal time in Richmond and considers both home.  He graduated VCU with a B.A. in English and looks forward to seeing if his degree will be worth a damn.  While attending Northeastern University, Andrew began covering music for the Zig-Zag Live website and tour campaign, which won him the undying affection of Bostonians because of his access to free rolling papers.  He is fortunate enough to have parents with great taste in music and owes much of his musical sensibilities to them.  Some of his favorites include the Beatles, the Clash, My Morning Jacket, Mastodon, Mission of Burma, all 70s R&B, and anything that can be considered "outlaw."  Other hobbies include food, guitar, whiskey, hiking, Boston sports, and maintaining his beginner-level fish tank.