Snarky Puppy has no limits. Musically, it innovates constantly, a wholly different band each time it takes the stage. Not only does the multiethnic group’s music blur the lines of cultural traditions, but the members actively invite one another’s ideas and contributions. They are not interested solely in their own music; they also seek to provide for other up-and-coming acts. Most impressively, they believe wholeheartedly in inspiring the musicians of younger generations.
All this, on top of stellar musicianship. The massive jazz-funk band counts literally dozens of musicians among its ranks, including Grammy winners Robert “Sput” Searight (God’s Property, Snoop Dogg) on drums and Shaun Martin (Kirk Franklin, Erykah Badu) on keys. It seems fitting that a band this thoughtful developed on a college campus.
“We were all at University of North Texas studying jazz,†says composer, producer and bassist Michael League. “I was writing music, and I wanted to get some people together to play it. Over time, it became a more serious thing… I got involved in the Dallas R&B/gospel music scene, and I met people who were world famous—in some cases, Grammy-winning musicians… It was a really interesting clash of worlds, in a positive way.â€
For League, the beginning of the collective was eye-opening. “They grew up in a completely different culture and a different musical scene,” he says of his seasoned collaborators. “[They were] older, and were real professional musicians… We were kids right out of college… [We] were very open to each other’s musical traditions.â€
Perhaps this wide range of attitudes and influences explains Snarky Puppy’s appeal, which itself spans continents. “We went to Europe, and everyone was so amazing,†League says. “The response… was better than we expected. We knew European audiences [were] a little more open to instrumental music, but we were generally floored by their response.â€
The band’s rigorous practice schedule and aggressive live regimen resulted in rapid growth of the band early on. “When we started, we played every single gig that we could,†League says. “So, for each instrument, there were two or three guys who knew the music.†Today, the band is composed of nearly 30 members who rotate in and out of the lineup. “They each contribute something,†explains League, “and each night the songs sound completely different.â€
Snarky Puppy is not focused solely on the sound, however. League emphasizes the group’s visual aesthetic, as evidenced by its two live DVDs, Tell Your Friends and groundUP, which function both as artistic statements and, in this uncertain age, profit generators.
“I find that… the visual element is important for the listener to have an understanding, and to capture the spirit of the group,†he says. “And most people don’t buy music nowadays… so, the DVD format was a good alternative solution for figuring out how to make money.â€
Meanwhile, Snarky Puppy’s belief in creativity and independent music led the band to form GroundUp Music, an imprint of Ropeadope Records. The label is not only host to the band’s own albums, but is a haven for other artists in search of creative control. “The artists have complete control over the music,” League says. “Our job… is to provide for the artist.â€
Snarky Puppy provides for both professional musicians and aspiring ones. Community outreach has remained an integral part of the band’s philosophy since the beginning. “I think even on our first tour, we gave a college clinic,†League recalls. “We have a desire to share the things we’ve learned with younger people.â€
Everything that Snarky Puppy has gained, it gives back. Incidentally, the band played Athens on its first tour. Upon its return this Friday, it’s safe to say it will come full circle.
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