Artist description Composer Performer Jeff Sova

Music Style Trance, Ambient, Drum-n-Bass, Acid Jazz and Contemporary

Musical Influences Detroit Trance , Ambient, Techno and House

Similar Artists Saunderson, Atkins, Hardcastle, Hiroshima

Artist History Jeff Sova Jeff began studying piano at the age of seven and in the following years developed a broad repertoire consisting of classical, jazz, and popular styles. By the age of fifteen, Jeff's talents as a composer and arranger were becoming evident as he began to experiment with synthesizers. It didn't take long before Jeff began to showcase his expanding talents in public. His initial efforts included coordinating and performing music at church services--similar to many other musicians. However, his musical style was a radical and welcome change to the traditional religious music programming. With enthusiastic support from the congregation, Jeff continued in his progressive efforts by creatively utilizing electronic instrumentation in these services culminating with upbeat musical programs that also featured sequencers and drum machines. Jeff further expanded his church based experiences by taking vocal lessons and performing original compositions with vocals, in the church. He also began performing at venues such as weddings, dinners, fashion shows, and talent shows. Upon graduation from high school, Jeff enrolled at the University of Michigan to study engineering. The demands of studies and work kept Jeff's performing and practicing to a minimum, however, he always kept a synthesizer or two at his dorm and apartment throughout his college years. This provided the continuity that would later pay off as Jeff returned to composing after graduation. While attending the University of Michigan, Jeff was introduced to the music of Tangerine Dream from the 70s and early 80s. This visionary style captured Jeff's attention and paved the way for him to explore the diverse musical offerings of college radio. Among Jeff's favorite broadcasts was a program featuring underground techno and house music. He was influenced by the Detroit techno sound since many guest DJs from Detroit would come to the station and put their own spin on the music and talk about the scene. Another favorite program exposed Jeff to the world of space music. This kept him in touch with the styles of progressive New Age composers. Jeff currently lives in the Detroit area and works as a software engineer while developing his unique musical compositions. By living in this area, it is easy for him to keep up with the Detroit techno sound and other varieties of electronic music including ambient, trance, acid jazz, and drum&bass. Since Jeff finds something interesting in all of these genres, his own style is an aggregate of all progressive electronic music. In addition to work and music, Jeff is very active in community service and is pursuing his MBA at the University of Michigan.

Group Members Jeff Sova

Instruments Keyboards, Piano

Albums Body Language

Press Reviews Jeff Sova - Body Language (DiverseCity www.diversecity.net) No surprise that Sova is from Detroit, as Body Language takes many of its cues from Saunderson or Atkins, circa 1988. Reflecting the early days of trance-inducing techno is what Sova does best, as his other branchings come across with lesser degrees of success. The attempt at acid jazz on "Follow Me" is too forcedÑyou need a band to play that stuff. Too bad, as that song has many of the CD's most engaging sounds. As does "All Smiles," which could be a modern sibling to Paul Hardcastle's "Rain Forest." Overall, though, Sova should focus on Motor City sounds for now.

Location Atlanta, GA - USA

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