News | The Blessed Live Video Footage from the O2 Academy, Leeds
The Blessed is the name of an exciting new musical collaboration between veteran producers Dave Beer and Gareth Whitehead. Having already gained support from the legendary Norman “Fatboy Slim” Cook, this pair of established musical innovators have teamed up with a host of talented new faces to bring us a collective that has already established itself as a stunningly entertaining live act as well as delivering an eclectic and highly original recorded output that promises to go from strength to strength.
Dave Beer is a man that has seen House music progress from the very beginning and as head honcho of the Back To Basics club and label, he has done so from the absolute vanguard of not only the music but the culture and community that has grown in its light through the years. His open-ended approach to music is reflected in his awesome DJ sets that see him remain a massive draw on the international club and festival scene.
Although rooted firmly in 4 on the floor house, Dave has never forgot his original punk ethos and draws from a collection of funk, punk, new wave, electro and beyond. Gareth Whitehead is a vastly experienced producer, remixer, DJ and artist that has established his own signature brand of deep and dubby tech-house and minimal. After setting up the legendary Edit / Select label with Anthony Scott and then his own Bullet Dodge Records, Gareth has been responsible for a procession of techno gems that have helped define the sound of the modern era. With massive support from the very best of techno’s glitterati, Gareth has become a huge underground success and a highly respected and sought after producer and remixer.
The duo’s offering as The Blessed promises to be a blinder and their recent gig at Leeds O2 Academy with Fatboy Slim produced more conclusive evidence that this is a promise that they very much intend to keep. Backed by an impressive array of talented musicians including singers, guitars, percussion and a brass section, the two producers conducted a highly polyphonic arrangement of their compositions.
The Blessed were very well received by an appreciative audience made up from a very broad demographic. This was fitting as the outfit’s mission statement is one of unity through art and especially music. The name is derived from the idea that one must count one’s blessings in life, expressing that life is indeed for the living and must be lived to the full by everybody regardless of creed, colour or social status. This idealism, regardless of one’s relativist position, has been the lifeblood of our music and culture for such a long time that it becomes natural for artists to express it through the channels of House music.
The music and lyrics of The Blessed certainly reflect these ideals and have a meaning that transcends the dance floor. The band have two singles out now on Soulman Music, “Love is Everywhere” and “Discourse of Loving Kindness”. They also have the highly anticipated “Erectile” EP due for release on Back To Basics Records and a remix for the ever-eccentric Lo Recordings.
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