Nathan-Paul Sax/Flute/Composer
Tommy Lehman Trumpet
Zaire Darden Drums
Matthew Derubertis Bass
Lucas Kadish Guitar (Current guitar player, but the chordal chair rotates throughout the year)

Ghost Members: Chris Coles (sax), Russ G (Guitar), Mike Ode (Drums)

Years Active 7

Latest / Upcoming Release New Single ‘Funk Me’ To Promote Our upcoming album ‘Funk Me’

Favorite Local Artists I’m More inclined to say there are many gems here (Northeast, Ohio). Something for everybody.

Current Album on Repeat I don’t really listen to albums. Just  a song here and there throughout the day. It’s pretty random. Largely based upon what I’m trying to write. And that is based upon what happens to be sparking my interest that day. 

Currently Reading Random articles online. For instance “Sound Phobias”

Favorite Venue to Perform Each venue has something different to offer. Our best experience with a crowd I’d say is between Happy Dog on the west side and Blue Jazz + in akron. On the Road it was terminal west in Atlanta Georgia

The Best Kept Secret in the City Since it’s a secret I’m sure i don’t know

Words of Wisdom Music is spiritual medicine. A doctor doesn’t treat a man with diabetes the same way he would treat a cancer patient. Musicians have the power to spiritually cure specific ailments through sound manipulation. Be intentional and responsible with your powers, seek to heal, not destroy. Are we like the corporate money hunger doctors, or the selfless ones that seek to heal and get to the source, rather than treating only what has manifested. 

Biggest Inspiration James brown, Miles Davis, Hip-Hop Culture

How is everyone holding up during this time?

Maintaining, Persevering! This is a resilient bunch. Teaching, producing at home more, Nature Trips, living on the road and getting in tune with nature (specific to our most nature friendly member)

What do you think is the biggest lesson we can all take away from this past year?

There are many. Each individual has such a unique position, I’m sure we all got something different. The main thing I noticed is the privileged became somewhat aware of how differently they are living from the not so privileged. Slowly, the veil is being lifted. 

Tell us about how this project got started?

I was playing sax with Wesley Bright. At the time Wesley Bright and The Hi-lites was the only original soul band in Northeast, Ohio that we were aware of. Many cover bands, none doing an original soul show however. Wesley Bright’s birthday was coming up and he wanted to go see an original soul show locally. So he had me put a band together. The night was so successful we decided to remain a band beyond that night. 

Are you working on anything new / specific at the moment?

We are not currently working on anything new. Totally focused on promoting this new album and single ‘Funk Me.’ But there is a lot of music in our repertoire that we haven’t recorded. So for us it’s as simple as booking a studio session for about 6 hours. Play the songs down with live energy but studio timing. Bulk of the album could be done in a week. So not much planning is needed. I’m sure we’ll get to it soon. 

What would you consider your Best Local Show Experience?

Terminal West In Atlanta Georgia

How do you balance music with jobs, partners, children, etc.?

You draw a big circle around yourself and spin the wheel. Everything is moving around you and you grab onto what you can catch. 

Anyone you’ve collaborated with recently as a band?

Billie Mitchell is a featured singer on the upcoming album. Great Cleveland singer, many of the top playing musicians are hip to her. 

Experience working with a label?

I’m signed to Ropeadope Records and Admirables is connected as well somehow lol. I forget the exact details. But yes. We haven’t released with them recently however, and this latest release will be independent. So give it a good push for us all my Admirable people!

Craziest memory from touring?

Can’t tell you that lol. Ok, I have one. The break line in the van broke. We ended up renting a car hours later. We were 3 hours late to our gig. We played the most intense 15 minute set of our life lol. Lawd

What’s the biggest thing that your band could use help with? (Promotion, Recording, Merch, Booking, Touring, etc)

We currently have a booking agent we’re just getting started with (ftmf Talent). But some bands have different booking agents for different parts of the country or world. Promotion, Merch, Video content. A great way for musicians to make money is through sync deals. That is getting your music in movies, commercials etc. We have lots of great music that I’m sure would go well with some film

Strangest thing you’ve heard from someone at a concert?

I was probably the one that said it…

What does Cleveland or Akron have to offer aspiring musicians?

People go to New York, Chicago or L.A. because of what these cities offer. In Northeast, Ohio you have to create the allure, create the opportunity. So it creates leaders and breeds creativity. It’s the only way!

What areas could Cleveland or Akron Improve on?

Support for the arts. Seems like the general public shows up for the big concerts or festivals. But if the bands aren’t working hard to promote every concert  (along with the club) not enough money is coming through that door. And somebody is missing a blessing. Personally I just wish there was more tender loving and care for the arts here. 

What are the ingredients to a thriving music/art scene?

Culture, Consistency, Diversity, Curiosity and much more. 

What’s the next move?

This Album is the main focus. Booking shows to promote it, social media promotion. Then on to the next album. We go where the wind takes us.