Memphis is a metropolis celebrated for its legendary contributions to the music world. The castle walls of Graceland house the throne of the King of Rock n Roll.
The roots of modern music echo through the halls of the renowned Sun Studios. Memphis is the sacred ground of music where the assemblies of melodic faiths converge to create and embrace their musical heritage.
The blues, soul, rock and roll, and country can stake a peaceful claim upon the hallowed grounds. Star & Micey are the new century's hope-filled inhabitants of the city. Carrying on in the tradition of their predecessors, the band infuses sounds that built the city into a collaborative form.
They produce a pleasing and vibrant expression that nods respect to the gods of Memphis. It is a groove bursting with soulful pop vocal harmonies, melodic strums of folk, smooth, infectious bass, and the grit and wail of blues.
Star & Micey will inject their style into the population on their forthcoming, self- titled debut effort, scheduled to be unveiled on Oct. 20 through Ardent Music.
The album will not merely exhibit the finesse of band members Josh Cosby, Geoff Smith and Nick Redmond but will feature a cornucopic cast of guest musicians that include Luther Dickinson (The Black Crowes, North Mississippi All-Stars), Jody Stephens (Big Star) and Rick Steff (Cat Power, Lucero).
On Saturday night, Star & Micey introduced their sound to another city known for its music.
Pop's Blue Moon in St. Louis welcomed the trio and was returned a handshake that sent vibrations through the rest of the body.
The evening began with the gifted fingers and the vigorous vocals of St. Louis' own Sheila Shahpari.
The stage was then passed to the grainy and soulful voice of another Memphis talent, Grace Askew.
These initial sounds were a faultless complement, and a prelude to the masterful precision of vocal and instrumental harmony that Star & Micey would present.
Similarities and influence are unquestionably apparent. The band shows splashes of resemblance to artists such as Fleet Foxes, Iron and Wine, Kings of Convenience and Jason Mraz.
They personally attribute influence to not only the greats of Memphis but to the modern sounds of the city. Our real influences are the friends and musicians we play with, said bassist Geoff Smith.
"We all play tennis together and bounce it off each other … that's what is great about Memphis. I was born into it. I feel lucky!" rhythm guitarist Josh Cosby said.
However, it is not only the music that leaves the audience in envy; the bands character is golden.
Star & Micey are three of the most gracious, humble and passionate guys one could meet. Josh, Geoff and Nicholas have already achieved the wisdom of true musicians.
"As far as we are concerned we have already reached the level of success that we set out for," lead guitarist Nicholas Redmond said.
We are willing to sacrifice anything and everything," Smith said.
When asked about the creation of their music, Cosby said "the melody comes in a dream."
"It goes through many processes.
When we get together we start forming the idea and try to work out structure, dynamics and placement," Smith said.
"The most important thing about the writing process is that we all admire each other," Redmond said.
The greatest trait that crowns the music is their brotherhood and respect. The band plans to return to Saint Louis for dates in November and December.
For further tour information check them out at www.starandmicey.com.
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