| Kes The Band | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Genres | Soca, R&B, Rock, Dancehall |
| Years active | 2005–Present |
| Website | [1] |
KES is a Trinidadian soca band formed in 2005 by brothers, Kees (lead vocals), Hans (drums) and Jon Dieffenthaller (guitar) and close friend Riad Boochoon (bass guitar). Noted for high energy live performances and the soulful voice of lead singer, Kees, the band has captured the hearts of many. It has become one of the most popular and sought after bands in Trinidad and Tobago and also throughout the Caribbean, US and Canada.
Since formation, KES has been accomplishing its goals one step at a time. They performed as the opening band for Sugar Ray, were featured as the only live act on the popular MTV series The Gauntlet II and have performed at Sun Fest in West Palm Beach opening for Musiq Soulchild and Sean Paul. The band has also worked extensively with internationally renowned producer Derek Bramble on creating songs such as The Calling; a track which was chosen by EA Sports to be placed on the soundtrack to their football soccer game 2006 FIFA Road To World Cup.
Contents |
Music
KES music encorporates a unique blend of soulful vocals and calypso-inspired melodies, over a fusion of rock riffs and island beats, hints of soca and reggae, and can best be described as Caribbean Pop. This style has elevated them to mainstream popularity, allowing KES to become a household name in Trinidad & Tobago and throughout the Caribbean circuit, where they consistently win over audiences with their electric and high-energy performances[1].
In 2006 KES launched their debut album titled Three Baldheads and a Dread (a reference to the hairstyles of the band members) featuring tracks like, Stay with Me - which dominated the number one position on the Toronto website charts (www.Toronto-lime.com) for 9 straight weeks, a new record; and Heads High, a Carnival favorite.
In 2007 they launched their sophomore album: Lion. Featured on the album is the title track, an inspiring and motivational song, as well as carnival hits My Land (with which Kees and Nadia Batson placed second in the Trinidad and Tobago International Soca Monarch Competition), Our Prayer, reggae influenced songs Limin and Bigger Brighter Day.
In the latter part of 2007 the band released some songs with a slightly different flavour, such as Come a Little Closer which was on high rotation on local radio[2]. For 2008 their carnival releases included Right Dey and De Remedy. KES released a video for their single Lion in May 2008.
Most recently, frontman Kees collaborated with major industry talents such as songwriter Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Aerosmith) where he co-wrote a song with him for the new Ace Young album.
The band's third album was released on February 10, 2009 and entitled On In 5[3] and featured a mix of old and new releases as well as live performances.
Performance
KES live shows encorporate additional performers Keithson Cruikshank (backing vocals, keyboards), Mario Callender (keyboards) and Richard Balgobin (programming)[4]. For KES and other local acts the Trindadian Carnival season, which runs from approximately Boxing Day till the beginning of Lent, is usually the most hectic and demanding period. Thousands of visitors arrive for the annual festival[5] and weeks of concert events. Though each KES performance is by nature highly energetic, it is common during this period to perform 2 or 3 full shows nightly.
KES has performed frequently in the Caribbean and Toronto. They also did a University tour in the United States. In May 2007 The band was selected to open the SunFest event held in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they opened for Musiq Soulchild and Sean Paul.
By 2008 and 2009, KES had gained momentum through successful carnival seasons with the hits Right Dey, Thunder, This Feeling and De Remedy. Their energetic and powerful performances left the audiences wanting more and coming back time and time again to see them.
Discography
- Three Baldheads and A Dread (2006)
- Lion (2007)
- On In 5 (2009)
Collaborations
- "Jepp Sting Naina" - Kees ft. Hunter(Lalchan Babwa) and Ravi Bissambhar
References
- ^ "Garageband Band Profile". http://www.garageband.com/artist/Kestheband.
- ^ "The Reef Red Carpet Launch". http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/the_reef_launch_may08/.
- ^ "Kes The Band is 'On in 5'". http://www.trinipulse.com/lifestyle/article.php?id=173.
- ^ "Garageband Band Profile". http://www.garageband.com/artist/Kestheband.
- ^ "The Trinidad Carnival Season". http://discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Trinidad-Carnival-Season/134/3/32.
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