Are you guys still not familiar with our friends Jam in the Van? In early August we featured one of their dope videos with our boys, The Damn Sons. Based out of Venice Beach, the Jam in the Van crew put together a mobile recording studio to capture some of the best talent in a new refreshing way. I am a big fan of out-of-the-box approaches to musical exposure so once I saw this RV parked outside of Freak City, my curiosity got the best of me. This week’s featured artist is Portland’s Otis Heat.
The band rocks the van giving you a taste of their indie blues and funk mix. The Jam in the Van crew captured the performance of three songs which you can check out for yourself here. Singer Sean O’Neill delivers a lyrical rhyming section in the song “Soul Buyer” that reminds me somewhat of the band Cake. Do you agree? A bass heavy intro and rapid fire lyrics begin the chaotic song “Stuff.” Fresh off their newly released album Yoon, the song “Roll My Head Around” really highlights Mike Warner’s guitar skills with a psychedelic funk combination. Check out the video of the performance and become familiar with this new Los Angeles based RV/recording studio/art project called Jam in the Van.
Up next for the Van is a rad benefit show with all proceeds going to the harmony project. Budget cuts have really stunted the arts and music area of our already hurting education system. Harmony project is trying to fill in some of this void. The benefit concert features the talent of bands: Future Ghost, Dustbowl Revival, The Muddy Reds, American Royalty, and a very special surprise guest. The event promises to be a fun and for-a-good-cause Friday night (October 14). Info here.
Words: Roxanne Hilburn
Otis Heat – Soul Buyer from Jam in the Van on Vimeo.
