Artist description Jiva, or “the living soul,” is embodied in many facets of our everyday lives. Essentially, the term refers to anything – and everything – that gives us breath every day and a reason for getting out of bed every morning. For four young Lansing residents, jiva has been found in the living and breathing form of music. The band formed in 2001 with guitarist Nick Behnan at the helm and singer Tasha Valdez commanding the mic. The groove-driven brand of rock, blues and soul created by Jiva is supported by the strong rhythm duo of local bassist Mike Nagy and drummer Shane Shaltry. The band is becoming a growing force on the local music scene in both the college town of East Lansing, Michigan as well as the metro Detroit area. Behnan, now a well-respected solo and ensemble guitarist on various local scenes, continues to provide his musical offerings with Jiva, and a respected writing team with Valdez. He has also been heard with Nagy in The Mojo Explosion and Electric Sun House, both which parted ways in late 1999. With strong home grown pipes that challenge those of the great female vocalists of the last 30 years, Valdez brings an elegant and unexpected ingredient to the Jiva effort. She is an unmistakable stage presence and continues to pen lyrics that any of us can relate to, alluding to relationship strife, striving to reach the top of your game, and the ongoing struggle to make something of this life. The four very different lives of Behnan, Valdez, Nagy, and Shaltry came together in January of 2002 to record their first full length album entitled “Searching for Something.” The album features 10 tracks written by Behnan and Valdez throughout the past year and half. Jiva is currently making preparations to record several new tracks for the now unnamed follow up album. Details of the Sophomore effort once completed will be posted on mp3.com/jiva. Keep updated on the ongoing travels and tribulations of Jiva during the next several months at the bands webpage www.mp3.com/jiva. Look for upcoming appearances on the site as well as personal and in depth information about the band and the individual members. In the meantime keep on living and breathing.

Music Style Rock

Similar Artists A mix of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Radiohead fronted by Alicia Keys

Group Members Guitars- Nick Behnan Bass- Mike Nagy Vocals- Tasha Valdez Drums/Percussion- Shane Shaltry

Albums Searching For Something

Location East Lansing, MI - USA

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