After years of writing, recording, and producing several albums on their own, the band Stick Figure, steps out of the studio and onto the stage. Stick Figure joined Tribal Seeds on the Winter West Coast 2013 tour to bring their music and message to welcoming ears. This was their fans first opportunity to see the band live since...ever! Many of the shows were SOLD OUT and the band found their crowds screaming lyrics back at them louder than they could sing into their microphones. Even though Stick Figure was no stranger to a live performance and toured alongside The Green on the East Coast for the Liars and Lovers Tour in the Fall of 2012, this was their first experience of the complete West Coast hysteria!
Stick Figure is currently a 4 member music ensemble. Up until 2009, all of Stick Figure's music was completely constructed (written, recorded, produced, and all instruments performed) by mastermind, Scott Woodruff. Scott, a Tahoe City, CA transplant from New England, was originally a drummer but broadened his horizons learning guitar, keyboards, and programming. In 2009 he brought in like-minded, multi-instrumentalist Kevin Bong, aka K Bong. K Bong brings fantastic percussion, ukelele, guitar, bass, keyboards, singing and freestyle rap experience and ability. His stage presence commands the audience, encouraging crowds to sing along and move around. It's these talents that are being emphasized in the releasing of his solo music debut, "Hopes and Dreams," due out later this year. You can hear the new single "Risin" on his SoundCloud. Scott and K Bong are backed by an insanely talented rhythm section; Tommy Sulliman covering the smooth, bumpy, and delectable bass, and drummer Kevin Offitzer balances it all with his precise tempo and thorough skills. Strangely enough Sulliman himself is a multi-instrumentalist often seen jamming an ukelele. Offitzer also plays with Outlaw Nation, Micah Brown, and Kat.
The band's newest release, Burial Ground, premiered #1 on the iTunes Reggae charts and #45 for all genres. The Pier, one of the largest reggae/rock/acoustic online music communities today, nominated Burial Ground for one of its top albums of 2012 with the likes of Micah Brown, The Dirty Heads, and Rebelution - some of the hottest musicians in reggae music today. The album pushes the envelope, providing a mind-blowing combination of Jamaican reggae and hard-hitting dub bass that is so fresh it's hard to turn off. This was not the first time they had pushed said envelope. They were defining this crisp sound in their previous efforts; 2010s "The Reprise Sessions", 2009s "Smoke Stack", 2008s "Burnin' Ocean", and their debut album "The Sound of My Addiction" in 2006. All albums have had their own successes such as "Burnin' Ocean" reaching iTunes' Top 10 best Reggae Albums of 2008 and "Smoke Stack" was one of billboard.com's top 10 reggae albums several weeks in a row. "The Reprise Sessions," the first official release of the full 4-piece band, debuted on reggae iTunes charts at #2. All albums have been considered by The Pier in the highest regard and are always giving big ups to Stick Figure on the annual previews and samplers.
The band came together as naturally as the other members of their touring team: Brandon their experienced tour manager, Adam who handles the band's equipment and merch, and Steve their sound and lighting specialist. Steve was also able to stand in for Tribal Seeds sound on the last night of the tour in Arizona and was great. This was part of the message of community that was spread throughout the entire West Coast. Stick Figure also appeared onstage during Tribal Seeds' set for "Vampire," some of the peaks of the entire tour: K Bong would sing parts of the breakdown and play keys, Tommy played the bass, Offitzer stepped in for drums, and Scott drove the mic and the drumkit several stops along the tour. (see some video here) Woodruff would often bring out his dog Cocoa, the touring dog, who would just hang out on stage and chill. Tragically Scott lost his dog Holly shortly before the release of Burial Ground last year. Holly was from Argentina that he picked up off the streets four years ago and later brought back to the United States. They were partners from the beaches of San Diego to the mountains in Lake Tahoe and lived it up no matter where they were, always bringing smiles to people's faces.There was a strong kinship between them and Scott was inspired to write a song when she passed. The video he made really showed a connection that is honest and virtuous, here's a link to it on YouTube (http://youtu.be/8m0mR8NnYPA.)
The Tribal Seeds and Stick Figure team are hitting the East Coast in March/April. They have 11 Dates now confirmed: VT, MA, NC, SC, GA, FL, LA, TX and more! They definitely have something to share to the rest of the country, not just out West. There are many more memories to be made and tours to come for these bands. They are both spreading Jah Love through and through. Such deserving bands coming together to spread such admonition. The crowds will assemble in masses to embrace the message, enjoy themselves, and appreciate the music. Stick Figure is giving away a Studio Sampler to hold you over until they come to a town near you and once done touring it's almost a guarantee the studio will not be far behind. The band is always jamming and coming up with new music so be prepared for what Stick Figure is bringing here on out.
