Artist description Music fans are getting their first taste of Starcandy, six experienced Chicago musicians that have come together to create a unique blend of rock, soul, funk, jazz and Latin sounds. In its first few months, the band has already created a major buzz among Chicago's local music scene. Formed in December 2001, starcandy consists of Andy Cutting on percussion, Tim Deuchler on bass, Marc Gratama on drums, Marqueal Jordan on lead vocals and saxophone, Scott Leff on back-up vocals and guitar, and Renee Ruffin on lead vocals. Starcandy performs regularly at popular Chicago venues including The Hideout, Isaac Hayes, The Map Room, Subterranean and Wise Fools Pub. They have also opened for well-known bands such as Homunculus, Knee Deep Shag and Freekbass. Starcandy's CD debut, featuring 8 of their original tunes, reflects the members' diverse backgrounds and distinguish them from other groups by reaching beyond the normal topics to deal with race, poverty and a heightened awareness of the world. "As a group of both black and white musicians, I think we have a unique perspective on issues such as race and other social issues," says guitarist and back-up vocalist Scott Leff. "This diversity makes our songs more universal, because they aren't taking just a single viewpoint." However, Starcandy's sound is by no means depressing. Lead vocalist Renee Ruffin adds, "While we like to write though-provoking, meaningful lyrics, we still want the audience to dance and have a great time!" Artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, MeShell Ndegéocello, Sade, Brand New Heavies, Curtis Mayfield and the Police have all influenced the group. "Starcandy was an opportunity for us to work with experienced musicians we respect," says Marqueal Jordan, lead vocalist and saxophonist. "Above all else, we share the same vision and have the same goals, which is very hard to come by in a six-piece band. There is an infectious joy that everybody in the group feels." For upcoming show information, news, free MP3 downloads or to sign up for your free starcandygram e-newsletter, visit www.starcandy.net. For bookings, contact Scott Leff at 773.395.9761. For media inquiries, contact Annie Peoples at 312.925.1754; Karen Davis at 773.710.8006; or e-mail prsc@starcandy.net.

Music Style Soul / R&B

Similar Artists Brand New Heavies, Stevie Wonder, Sade

Group Members Renee Ruffin Marquel Jordan Scott Leff Tim Deuchler Andy Cutting Marc Gratama

Instruments vocals, sax, guitar, bass, drums and percussion

Albums Set It Off

Location Chicago, IL - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).