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Jess And The Echoes w/ Katye Hamlin & Votary
May 8, 2014 @ 9:00 pm - 11:55 pm
JESS & THE ECHOES
Jess and the Echoes is a fresh dynamic to the world of modern pop music. Formed in Austin, Texas the band naturally absorbs the energy of a music scene that thrives on bold and unique artists. They are led by the powerful and stirring vocals of Jess Kellner. Her expansive vocal depth reaches deep into an audience with a captivating emotional connection.
The stage presence of Jess is supported by the solid musical foundation known as The Echoes. Cole Gramling is the electrifying keyboardist and backup vocalist that Sparks the band’s dominant impact. Casey Savage is the lead guitarist that gives a careful edge to addictive arrangements. Casey Kuznieski is the bassist providing the band with a wall of undeniable backbone and Ryan Parker is the drummer creating a rhythmic pocket for this standout ensemble.
This remarkable young band has a broad and enthusiastic take on music that will certainly connect with any audience. They are the epitome of what happens when performing becomes less about style and technique and more about the quality of the moment.
Jess & The Echoes on Facebook | Jess & The Echoes on Twitter | Official Website
KATYE HAMLIN
Seven surgeries, a college softball scholarship, and a full-time job all laid the foundation for Katye Hamlin’s journey as an artist and drove her to keep pursuing her true passion: music. Born and raised in Bryan/College Station, Texas, Katye began playing the piano and singing from the age of four.
As her love for music grew, so did her love for sports. As a teenager, Katye suffered two ACL tears and underwent subsequent knee surgeries. She overcame these setbacks and went on to earn a softball scholarship to pitch for Rutgers University. This time, career-ending back injuries brought her back to Texas to finish her education in Austin. One morning of her senior year, Katye blacked-out and woke up to deep cuts on her face and a severe broken nose. This terrible accident was a result from a rare heart condition. Two nose surgeries later, and unable to sing for over twelve weeks, Katye’s deep yearning to sing and perform again was too strong to overlook.
After graduation, Katye worked for a couple TV stations, Fox 7 Austin and the CW TV station in Dallas. While in Dallas, she learned to play the guitar, which really propelled her songwriting. From that point on, she knew music would be her life. After what she calls her “quarter-life” crisis, Katye left her great job to pursue music full-time. Committing 100 percent was the way to make her dreams become reality.
While at the CW, Katye met incredible people who truly believe in her and connected her with industry leaders. With the help of CW33 GM, Joe Young, and VP Cumulus Dallas, Dan Bennett, she found herself in contact with Brian Philips, CMT President, and his incredible VP, Leslie Fram. After hearing her music, Ms. Fram asked her to play a showcase for the CMT talent team. In response to Katye’s performance, she said, “I was impressed by your voice and overall confidence.” She was confident Katye could survive the infamous radio boot-camp all artists go through. They both believe she has the endurance and drive that it takes to make it.
While Katye is a fan of all types of music, she has found her home in country. Katye’s diverse taste in genres influenced her sound and songwriting, creating a unique, soulful/bluesy texture and tone. Katye grew up covering phenomenal greats like Patsy Cline and Bonnie Raitt, which influences can be heard in her music.
With every new song, she is growing as an artist, musician and songwriter. Looking back, she now realizes God put obstacles in front of her because she wasn’t truly ready as an artist. But the time is now; she’s here to seize the opportunity.
Katye Hamlin on Facebook | Katye Hamlin on Twitter | Official Website
VOTARY
Votary is a contemporary pop band hailing from College Station, TX. Soon after becoming a full band, Votary won the Texas A&M Battle of the Bands competition and quickly began gaining popularity in the Bryan/College Station area. In the Spring of 2013 Votary released their debut album “Ground Beneath Us” which included the popular single “Hey Teresa” . Votary is currently focused on writing and recording new material for their next EP set to release in the Spring of 2014. Recently Votary has had an extensive live performance schedule including opening for David Ramirez, Tim Halperin, and Green River Ordinance! Votary’s sound has been compared to Ben Rector, Parachute, Matt Nathanson, and Ben Folds. The band includes: Jack Thweatt – Vocals/Guitar, Travis Thompson – Keyboard, Michael Burgess – Bass, Conner Wright – Drums.