Artist description With an inimitable blend of up-tempo rock, rollicking pop and clever lyricism, SOUP has been pleasing the musical appetites of fans ever since forming in 1995. In addition to serving up the craftiest of tunes choc' full of catchy hooks and snappy rhythms, the quintet from Atlanta distinguishes themselves as a tasty treat on the pop rock menu with creative vocal harmonies, three distinctive singers and dynamic musicianship that includes the use of the accordion and harmonica. Bring to life such music with one of the most entertaining and engaging live shows around, and it is clear why SOUP has achieved a national reputation as a one-of-a-kind band loved by a diverse audience.

Music Style Up-tempo rock and rollicking pop with fun-filled grooves

Musical Influences Too many to list. The many great bands since the beginning of rock 'n' roll

Similar Artists Barenaked Ladies, Dave Matthews Band, Everclear, Phish

Artist History Although SOUP formed a little over five years ago, the story goes back even further to when Erik Rowen (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Andrew Margolius (accordion, harmonica, vocals) met as six-year-olds fighting over the same girl. Resolving their childhood differences, the two played in several bands together while teenagers before Rowen headed off to Syracuse University and Margolius ventured down to Atlanta for college. While at Syracuse, Rowen met Bram Bessoff (drums), and the two played in a few bands together until deciding to move down to Atlanta to start SOUP. Once in Atlanta, a search for a guitar player turned up Kevin Crow (lead guitar, vocals), who in addition to being a six-string phenom could carry a pretty mean tune. Crow then convinced Lee Adkins (bass), a college friend from Texas, to move up to Atlanta to join the band. SOUP's sound was finally complete when Margolius, with his accordion, harmonica, soulful voice and wild assortment of hats in tow, joined up with his old pal Rowen and the rest of the group.Since then, the five have been making their indelible mark on the American music scene. Despite relentless touring throughout the South, East and Midwest, SOUP has remained a fan favorite around their hometown of Atlanta, as evidenced by sold out shows, 2000 "People's Choice" Award, 1999 Creative Loafing readers' choice award, four Atlanta Local Music Award nominations and success as Atlanta's representative in the nationwide Lucky Strike "Band to Band Combat." In appreciation of their local support, SOUP gives several free concerts throughout the year and has established the annual Soup Can Jam Music Festival to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. SOUP has also managed to find a home-away-from-home in New York City with sold out shows at the Lion's Den and regularly packing in crowds at the Wetlands Preserve. While SOUP has built its name on an exuberant live show, they underscore their studio recordings with the same creative chemistry and collective energy they bring to the stage. Their two releases, Laughing at the Fables (1995) and Breakdown (1998), present a perfect blend of hook-filled songs with four-part harmonies, tight musicianship and tasteful touches of funk, jazz , blues and even zydeco. On these recordings, SOUP introduces the listener to intriguing themes and curious characters in songs like "Voodoo Lady," "Marvin Wright," "Salley's Sister" and "Lucky's Not A Beggar." Now, with 500 plus shows and two studio albums under their belt, SOUP has recently treated their fans to a live double album, entitled A Tour of Two Cities. Released by Phoenix Presents, the premier record label for live recordings of independent bands, and recorded and engineered by live guru Sam Kopper (Diana Ross Live in Central Park, Live Aid, The Clash at Bond's), A Tour of Two Cities captures concerts this past fall at the Cotton Club in Atlanta and the Wetlands Preserve in New York City. Heralded by critics for its "musical smarts" (Charleston's Free Time), the live recording features a heaping helping of fan favorites along with several previously unreleased songs.

Group Members Andrew Margolius - Accordion, Harmonica, VocalsErik Rowen - Lead Vocals, Rhythm GuitarKevin Crow - Lead Guitar, VocalsLee Adkins - Bass, VocalsBram Bessoff - Drums, Percussion

Instruments Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Drums, Accordion, Organ, Harmonica

Albums 1996 - Laughing at the Fables; 1998 - Breakdown; 2000 - A Tour of Two Cities

Press Reviews Check out our website for that. www.soupkitchen.com

Additional Info Soup has a number of new, unreleased songs they're currently working on.

Location Atlanta, GA - USA

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