Artist description Live Honey plays Rock with a sweet touch of Soul. Their songs are melodic and firmly based in the groove, but also look beyond the ordinary. They are tunes that challenge listeners with unusual chord progressions, eclectic rhythms, and profound lyrics. And at the front of these solid grooves is the unbelievable voice of Shelly Bhushan; sometimes tender, sometimes powerful, always soulful.

Music Style Soul Rock

Musical Influences Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Van Morrison, as well as Funk, R&B, Reggae, Latin and even the occasional Country twang.

Similar Artists No Doubt, The Cardigans, Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow

Artist History Live Honey was born out of the crucible of the New York City music scene, with its constant influx of musicians from across the spectrum of styles. The band was founded in the spring of 1997 when songwriter/guitarist/harmonica player Steve Roiphe, a native New Yorker and Harvard grad recently returned from an extended musical journey in New Orleans, set out to find the perfect group of musicians to interpret his songs. After Steve, the first to become a true Live Honey was Tony Gibson, a hard-hitting finesse drummer (didn’t know you could be both, huh!) who had made his way to Manhattan after learning his trade at home in Barbados and practicing it in Southeast Asia. You could say that Steve and Tony “collected” bass players for a couple of years until the true man, the “N” man, Glenn Nataupsky parachuted in. Glenn is the “rocker” of the group, bringing a heavy influence that lends a new dimension to Steve and Tony’s grooving style. The other newest member of Live Honey must be described all by herself. She is a performer who stands apart . . . lead vocalist Shelly Bhushan, a Texan who is taking New York by storm. Shelly came to the group by what seemed like destiny when the band decided that, although Steve was doing a fine job of singing his songs, they wanted someone who could SING THE HELL out of the songs. At about this time Shelly, an advertising exec who also happened to be a classically trained singer with a lot of blues and jazz experience and a soul-rock heart, was surfing the web in Texas and found an ad that inspired her. Barely a month later, she was in Manhattan melding her sublimely powerful voice with an instrumental foundation that was ready to burst out and capture the whole New York scene . . . . A very special bond holds these four talented musicians together, and makes this band the focus of their lives. Steve and Shelly could easily find high-salary full-time jobs in corporate America. And Tony and Glenn have each paid their “dues” in the music world and are qualified to be well-paid hired guns or Broadway sidemen. Shelly, Tony, Glenn and Steve believe in this music, and believe that the world should hear it. Live Honey’s fan base in New York is growing with every show, and they plan to start touring soon. Their debut CD, Move Yourself, was released on their own label, BuzzCut Records, in December 2000.

Group Members Shelly Bhushan (vocals), Steve Roiphe (guitar/harmonica); Tony Gibson (drums/percussion); Glenn Nataupsky (bass)

Instruments female vocals, guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, keyboards, horns

Albums Move Yourself

Press Reviews From Music Morsels, March 2001. Music Morsels is the award winning monthly music industry newsletter targeting musicians, songwriters and music industry professionals. Live Honey - “Move Yourself”, BuzzCut Records: “Move Yourself” is an apt title for this New York City band’s latest effort, as the first strains of the lead track “Inspire”, will definitely get you moving with its frenetic funk drive. But that’s just one side of this foursome’s musical personality. “Play Love” has some reggae influences, “Even Though I Know” throws in a hearty dose of Ska and “Once In a While” is an R&B edged ballad. Singer Shelly Bhushan’s voice sounds a bit like blues lady Joanna Conner, but with some of the inflections you can feel the influences of Aretha in there as well. Steve Roiphe kicks the guitar work in the seat of the pants with grooving rhythms, wicked solos and acoustic plucking. He also throws in a little harmonica to the slant of John Popper. Bassist Glenn Nataupsky burns the bottom end into the equation with fat cords and frenetic plucking, while drummer Tony Gibson fleshes out the rhythms with a soulful drive and expert stick work. “Live Honey’s” ability to weave several styles and tastes into a signature sound that has widespread appeal could prime this act to burst from the big apple scene in the not too distant future. With a press kit filled with real honey and Bit O’ Honey candies, you know this band is pushing for attention - and they’ll get it!

Location New York, NY - USA

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