Artist description Culture Shock: The evolution of R+B, breaking free from conventional reality.

Music Style Progressive R+B

Musical Influences World, R+B, Jazz, Fusion, Prog.

Artist History Culture Shock formed in Highland, California, in early 2001, when former band mates: Mick Hanes, Steve Lizama, Ray Williams and Erick Puentez decided to start a small instrumental jazz project. The first rehearsals took place in a storage unit where the band found an instant chemistry. Erick’s R+B piano compositions intrigued Mick and Steve who found their progressive techniques blended into a unique style. Ray’s smooth sax was like icing. The group, still nameless, began playing small parties and local bars within the Inland Empire. Their improvisational sets and jam band feel soon found them playing the local colleges. It was at one of these shows were they met vocalist Jamal Abdullah, a singer recently out of a bad record deal who was reinserting himself into school and work. Abdullah, after hearing the set, met with Mick and exchanged demo tapes. Mick found an instant kinship after reviewing the demo. Amazed with the lyrical vibe and intensity he hired him the same night, unbeknownst to the rest of the band. Within days the band found itself in a strip club trying to decide on a name. Having no luck and no money they retreated to a Jack in the Box for 99-cent tacos and water. It was here that Jamal suggested Culture Shock, saying that it fit the unorthodox music and racial mix. Days later they recorded a demo and started a summer session. The summer of 2001 was the bands chance to perfect its stage show. Playing every local club and bar they once again began to acquire a jam band following. Jamal’s stage presence added to the already experimental image of the band. Mick and Jamal began the emotional stage shows for what they are now known. Fueled by intense lyrical content the group found a marriage between explosive lyrics and odd time signatures. Soon the demand for an album came to be, the band retreated into the studio for the end of 2001. While in the writing process the band was robbed and forced to start from scratch. Without their instruments the band came together to overcome. The result was better gear, a new studio and more material to write with. Shortly after they went into the studio to record the Shock Therapy (EP). While recording the band made its Hollywood debut, opening for many well-known acts. This was their chance to learn how the industry operated and how they could operate within it. With this new knowledge they finished the EP. It is the reflection of a dark winter, filled with tales of love lost, addiction and the record industry. Recorded on a small budget it was the perfect picture of the lives of the members. Currently the band is rehearsing and preparing for the summer of 2002. Having released Shock Therapy independently they are currently readying themselves to support the EP. With a new vibe and stage show in hand the band is ready for another summer in Southern California

Group Members Jamal Abdullah Mick Hanes Steve Lizama Erick Puentez Ray Williams

Albums Shock Therapy (EP)

Additional Info Email: Cultureshock@adelphia.net

Location Highalnd, CA. - USA

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