Miami based fusion quartet Electric Kif are taking this exciting project to the next level in 2017. Filled with experienced young musicians, the band members put all of their training to work on their forthcoming debut album, Heist. What started as a side project for keyboardist Jason Matthews, bassist Rodrigo Zambrano, guitarist Eric Escanes, and drummer Armando Lopez has become so much more, as Electric Kif is set to embark on their second national tour this March.
“We’ve done some touring in the past (with Kung Fu & Progger) and have had the chance to play some killer festivals, but this year we plan to hit the road a lot more,” says Zambrano. “It has taken some time to build regionally and figure out how to do it, since we live all the way down here in Miami, but 2017 is the year where we will be breaking out of the regional scene and looking more national.”
The band’s sound is fusion at its finest, blending funk, progressive, rock, and jazz to make something that truly grooves. That groove is particularly evident on “Little Louie,” from the opening bass notes through the tightly woven musical tapestry. We’re honored to share the premiere of “Little Louie,” which you can stream below.
“Little Louie represents the spirit of the Kif, not only in the song itself but also in the sound of the new record,” says Escanes. “Its one of the groovier songs on the record and the centerpiece of the album’s concept and storyline. We create what we like to call post-nuclear music, a mix between pocket music, cosmic funk, and dark progressive rock. ‘Little Louie’ sort of sits in the middle of that sound.”
“‘Little Louie’ was the song that actually gave us the creative momentum. It was the first song that we developed together that led us to writing the rest of the album,” adds Matthews. “Recording this album was an learning experience for me and the whole band. It was a chance to really do everything ourselves and get the record to sound exactly the way we wanted it. We were in control of everything. It was recorded/produced in our various home studios and later mixed at City Of Progress studios, Dj Le Spam’s analog haven.”
With such a tight sound, its no wonder that the band will be performing at the Ground UP Music Festival in Miami, FL this weekend, hosted by Snarky Puppy and their renowned Ground UP Music label. They’ll later head out for a major tour in March, including a performance at Okeechobee Festival before heading up North.
Heist is due out in March, and you can pre-order on Electric Kif’s Bandcamp page. “Little Louie” will also be available for streaming on Spotify and iTunes this Friday. You can see their tour schedule below, and head to the band’s official website for more information.
Electric Kif Tour Dates
Feb 11th – Ground Up Music Festival, North Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach, FL
March 2nd – Okeechobee Festival, Okeechobee, FL with Roosevelt Collier Allstars
March 9th – Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton, FL with THE FRITZ
March 11th – Jack Rabbitz, Jacksonville, FL
March 12th – Durham Central Park, Durham, NC with Alison Shearer Band
March 13th – The Pour House, Raleigh, NC
March 15th – 8×10 in Baltimore, MD with PEOPLES BLUES
March 16th – The Acoustic, Bridgeport, CT
March 17th – Arch Street Tavern, Hartford, CT with WIRED
March 19th – Cmon Everybody – Brooklyn, NY with Alison Shearer Band, Progger
March 21st – The Saint, Asbury Park, NY
March 22nd – The Middle East Corner, Cambridge, MA
March 23rd – TIME, Philadelphia , PA
March 25th – Kings Rook Erie, PA with Eric Brewer & Friends
March 31st – Ella’s, Tampa, FL
