With all the makings of a true Hollywood story (Guns, Drugs and Legal hassles), SOULKID #1 was formed around Canadian Singer/Songwriter Marc Godrey in 2001. The bands’ demos created an immediate buzz within the Industry and after only playing 7 shows and meetings with Warner and Interscope they signed with Dreamworks Records. Unfortunately the deal with Dreamworks would end up unraveling due to creative differences. The band eventually walked with their album just before the label was sold off to Interscope and Michael Goldstone (Soulkid #1’s A&R man) moved to Sire. Despite the setback, SOULKID #1 managed to spend a lot of the labels money on a very solid debut. “AMERICANIZED” is 12 song release boasting production by industry A - listers, Michael Patterson(Beck, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), Nic Jodoin (Lisa Marie Presley), Walt Vincent (Pete Yorn), Josh Abraham (Limp Biskit), Dave Norland and Dallas Austin (Everybody from T.L.C. to Outcast). Brian “Big Bass” Gardiner(Dr. Dre, Eminem) ended up taking mastering duties. The album is currently available from the band’s fledgling independent imprint - SECRET AGENT RECORDS.

“AMERICANIZED” is a cross over album that draws on different genres. New Rock, 60’s Mod/Psychedelica laced with West Coast R & B and Soul. Lyrically it is well written and Bowie-esque(Think Young American to Berlin era) full of subterranean undertones and songs about, um… Guns, Drugs and Legal hassles. The tongue in cheek pop anthem “(More Bounce In) California” has been bubbling under the radar for the past year after being featured on the soundtracks for Legally Blonde 2 and Win A Date With Tad Hamilton. The song has also been on ESPN, MTV’s Laguna Beach and the hit series the O.C. SOULKID#1 have also recently finished a video for “Until It’s Gone...” directed by the ultra hip production team the YARD BOYS. They also appear on the Ben Sherman sampler in keeping with the fashion conscious mod image the band draws on. (They played a couple dates opening for “Modfather” Paul Weller, who played them the ultimate compliment when he contacted his booking agency to see if he could replace his East Coast opener with SOULKID #1, because - “...they got the right fackin’ idea").

The current line up is Marc Godfrey(Lead Vocals/Guitar), Donal Finn(Bass), Alexis Dufresne(Guitar) and Ryan Yerdon(Drums) Leslie Alehandro and Penelope Fortier(Backup Vocals).

Pictured at the Everfine Artist Management office before the show are BMI's J.W. Johnson, band members Phil Bogard, Matt Chambless, Justin Moore and Shea Sowell, BMI's Samantha Cox, and manager Dave Roberge.

Photo by Stephanie Copeland

“ This is me. This record is me,” she declares. “Every song is me. You’re going to see who I really am and not what the tabloids say or whatever anyone has to say about me.”

Not surprisingly, Presley’s debut album, To Whom It May Concern, has received massive interest. It deserves the attention; this is the real deal.

Given her genetic make-up, that Lisa Marie has talent shouldn’t be a surprise. Still, it is impressive that her voice — literally and figuratively — is her own. Filled with strong, personal lyrics (who else could have written “Lights Out” with the lines “Someone turned the lights out there in Memphis/That’s where my family’s buried and gone/Last time I was there I noticed a space left/Next to them there in Memphis in the damn back lawn’?), her sound is unwavering, aggressive, assertive and occasionally even sweet. Just like Presley herself.

Previously, she had resisted attempts to push her toward a recording career. She simply didn’t feel that she had the chops and backed out of an earlier recording contract. This time around, she believes that she not only has something to say, but the ability to say it.

“I didn’t want to do anything just based on who I am,” she says. “The stuff I’ve been offered in my life is insane and I didn’t do any of it because I didn’t care. I was doing this because my heart’s in this. This is what I’m good at doing. I’m good at putting myself in a song. That’s it.”

When the results are as good as To Whom It May Concern, that’s enough.]]> 2003-06-17T18:00:00-05:00