Kickstarter

Love and Soul

The Essentials has been sharing its love of soul music for the past eight years. We love what doing what we do. And people love the result. Our first studio album ("The Essentials") debuted #1 on independent-distribution leader CDBaby's editor's list for both Soul and Funk. Tracks from that album and our second release ("Something to Give") are played on soul radio stations across the country, as well as in Great Britain and Japan.

It's been four years since our last project, and we have ten new original songs that are ready to record. It takes a good amount of money for us to produce a record at a quality that we think our fans and lovers of soul music deserve. At the end of the day we spend about $2,000 per track to get it done right. The band has already spent $2,000 to finish the first single (watch our video to listen!) so that we can give you a taste of what's to come.

Our $8,000 goal would allow us to at least finish and release five tracks as an EP. If we raise more, we'll record more. We'd love to get as many of the ten tracks out as we can, and if we pass that mark then we'll write more material, record a music video or two, have a huge release party where we all come out of a giant egg - the sky's the limit.

Please check out www.TheEssentials.net for more of our albums and videos. Do what you can and spread the word, and we'll continue to share with the world our artistry, and our love of soul music.

About the Band

Since 2004, The Essentials has been wowing audiences across the Northwest with its 9-piece powerhouse sound of soul, funk, and R&B. From the band’s critically acclaimed and award-winning original music and shows to its huge book of classic covers from such artists as Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and Tower of Power, everyone of every age has found a reason to dig The Essentials.

Combining a love and passion for classic, authentic soul music with highly educated and honed talent has produced the band’s sound – a mixture of tight rhythm, heavy brass, and soulful vocals. Members of The Essentials have recorded multi-platinum albums, received the highest award at national jazz festivals, and have been national finalists in prestigious song-writing competitions. Most players have a degree in music and back it up on stage, whether the group is headlining a festival or packing a local club.

The Essentials has gained local popularity as well as larger acclaim. In 2009 The Essentials was voted the best band in its area by The Register Guard, and was also rated the best dance band on the west coast by Gigmasters.com. The band’s debut self-titled album slotted #1 on national independent music leader CDBaby’s editor’s list for funk and #1 on its list for soul. Tracks from the band’s CDs have been included on local and national compilation albums, cable television, and are played on soul radio stations across the country, as well as in Great Britain and Japan.

The Essentials offers a wide variety of shows for different events. The group has played dozens of nightclubs from Seattle to San Francisco, headlined blues and folk festivals, and opened for national acts of all different styles, from Rock and Roll (Leon Russell) to Pop Rock (Super Diamond) to Swing (The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies). The band has played private events for everyone from wedding couples to the Seattle Symphony, and performed for the University of Oregon football crowd during the most highly-attended game in its history.

Do something that makes you feel good. Hip yourself to The Essentials.