Nine is the Magic Number

STS9:  Nine is the Magic Number
By Tim Hurley


This October 3rd marked the 9th anniversary of the popular instrumental dance collective Sound Tribe Sector Nine's first concert, who celebrated their landmark with a sold out show at their former stomping grounds the Georgia Theater in Athens.  Nine years might not be much of a milestone to some artists, but seeing how the connection fits it was only appropriate that this year was the band's most ambitious and fruitful to date.

This is not to say the previous years have not been good to STS9.  Since exploding into the jam and dance scene about 5 years ago, the band has managed to move out of small clubs and bars to and are now headlining large venues.  Thanks to a heavy touring schedule and a unique sound that blends electronic jazz, funk, psychedelic swing, and full-on house music the band has been able to entice a multitude of fans everywhere.

The band consists of Hunter Brown (guitar), Jeffree Lerner (percussion), Zack Velmer (drums), David Murphy (bass), and David Phipps (keyboards); whom all add extra ambient sound to the mix through the use of Apple Powerbooks and digital technology.  As a group they have moved from Georgia to California, setting out to change the structure of live performances and turn heads along the way.  Rather than follow the standard, STS9 has shown that lyrics and basic formats are not necessary to create a fashionable sound.

Since their inception nine years ago, the band has continued to walk off the beaten path not only in their art but in how it is presented.  They forge ahead without the help of any major distribution label, instead releasing studio projects through their own label 1320 Records as well as offering hundreds of live performance downloads through their website.

Last year STS9 released their most aggressive and earnest studio project titled "Artifact", showcasing what many believe may be the groundwork for future instrumental music.  The album was followed by a rigorous and very well-received tour that pounded big name festivals like Bonnaroo and 10,000 Lakes, as well as large theaters along the way proving that these guys will not soon be artifacts in their own right.

This fall the band kicked off another monumental tour in support of their DVD release entitled "Live as Time Changes", beginning with a two-night sold out run at Boulder, Colorado's Fox Theater and even a headlining performance at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Sound Tribe Sector Nine are not only evolving as artists but also as a philanthropic group that displays a social philosophy that is not unlike the music they play:  involved, conducive, advanced, organic, and communal.  Their love of music is equaled only by their respect for life around them.  This year STS9 teamed up with several organizations such as the Conscious Alliance, The Jef Jel Project, and more to raise poverty awareness around the world.  They also teamed with several partnerships to offset 100% of the carbon emissions created by the tour by rolling in a carbon neutral bus, using renewable energy credits, and using other greenhouse reducing methods.

The group will close out their colossal 2006 with another three-night New Year's Eve celebration back in Atlanta, which is sure to mind-blowing and unforgettable.  Rumor has it the band has been working in the studio and will produce a follow up to "Artifact" in early 2007.

These musical pioneers show no signs of slowing down as their popularity increases and their art expands.  This group has been nine years in the making and is sure to progress for at lease nine more.

For tour dates and other STS9 news please visit www.sts9.com.


Published November 2006 by Jammed Online Music Magazine (www.jammedonline.com)
http://www.jammedonline.com/sts9magicnumber.html