The Abstract Collective

Abstract art is the highest form of art. You have no boundaries, no restrictions, and unlimited possibilities. Imagine seeing a stage set with both traditional and non-traditional instruments and knowing that what you are about to witness has no pigeon holes and no egos. That is The Abstract Collective and unchained creativity at its finest. The transcendental group assembled based on friendships spanning throughout high school and musical relationships fostered throughout the years. What started out as a trio of MC/keys, bass and drums has become an expansive tour-de-force exhibiting vibraphone, EWI, saxophone, guitar, and who knows what else could eventually be thrown in the mix. Although the rhythm section maintains a solid base and each song has prominent melodic lines, The Abstract Collective aims to branch out and expand into a multitude of musical domains and lyrical dexterity. Stylistically, The Abstract Collective will take your ears on a journey making stops in the realms of hip-hop, jazz, and downtempo electronica. Think about the groove and multi-syllabic rhyming of The Roots meeting the potent harmonies and melodic intent conveyed through Tycho’s signature brand of ambient music. With no pretension or precedent of what will be brought to the table, listeners far and wide can be reached through some element of The Abstract Collective. “Timing and Content,” the group’s debut LP, is a platform that showcases musicianship with material that speaks for itself and no hype. MCs Ari Wechsler and Matt Melsen harvest lyrics deeply seeded in positivity and self-expression. “Castout,” the album’s penultimate track, is about casting out from the norm and matter coming into existence. These lyrics are seated on an instrumental bed of lavish harmonies from Melsen playing double duty on keys; ethereal motifs compliments of Cody Schlueter on vibraphone; kaleidoscopic guitar riffs from Steve Loge; consistent, yet experimental stylings of Andrew Kim on bass and the unique break-beat meets pocket-style drumming of Clint Duffens. The album also features Jessica Jones on vocals, Leah Concialdi on baritone saxophone, and Alex Mackenzie-Low on sitar. 2014 has been a pivotal year for The Abstract Collective as they have tackled the art of meshing with musical line-up they are presented with and playing their first headlining shows at Cervantes’ Other Side. The group has an revered track record sharing bills with Big Boi, Nas, Grouch & Eligh, Brother Ali, Sweatshop Union, The reMinders, and more and plans on finishing out the year strong co-billing Cervantes’ with edgy, electro-disco duo Hank & Cupcakes and putting the finishing touches on new material to begin recording a follow-up album. Keep The Abstract Collective on your radars and their music will speak to all who willing to listen and blur sensory boundaries for anyone who wanting to engage. Full Length LP, "Timing And Content" Now available on www.abstractcollective.bandcamp.com!!!!!