Eclectic Approach

In the state which the music industry is currently in, originality is not only demanded but much needed. Along with originality is a thirst for an act that is as fresh, as they are captivating. Having said this, allow me to introduce you to Eclectic Approach. A Seattle group made up of bandmates Jowed Hadeed, Justin MacDonald, Ryan Jander, and Brian Paxton. As if filling the industry's void, Eclectic Approach has blended poetic hip-hop infiltrated with rock. An furthermore discovered a way to serve listener a unique musical experience; one which bends genres and breaks stereotypes.
"Meeting somewhere between Maroon 5 and the Black Eyed Peas, Eclectic Approach has got it all-tight beats, catchy hooks, sweet guitar licks and smooth vocals"-OurStage.com
"Immediately commanding the stage at the dimly-lit, intimate venue, Eclectic Approach began their set. Delivering an unexpected showcase of both lead singer Jowed's lyrical talent and the strength of the band's Rock core. One might assume they were seasoned vets, rather than up-an-coming artists"-Elisa BeallJoonbug.com
"EA has a record that matches their live show's intensity and sonic clarity. Their name spreads like wildfire across the Northwest and beyond"-Sonicbids.com - Elisa Beall - Joonbug.com

Evergreen staff Deep red lights shone over roughly 1,000 faces as the crowd whooped and hollered when members of Eclectic Approach took the stage Saturday night at The Showbox in Seattle.

Everyone squeezed toward the front of the stage, filling most of the floor space and nearly every seat in the 21-and-over lounge. “Eclectic Approach” flashed in large bold font behind the band on stage. The band opened with a cover of “I Got a Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas, while fans jumped up and down, creating a sea of waving arms. That night, the band celebrated the release of its third CD, “Jump into Life,” in front of the largest crowd they have ever played for as headliners. “(The new CD) is a lot more rock oriented as opposed to a hip hop flavor,” bassist Seth Humphrey said. Guitarist Ryan Jander said “Jump into Life” was produced by Justin Armstrong, who has worked with big-name groups like Dave Matthews Band and Death Cab for Cutie. “This album is much better produced and produced in a nicer studio,” he said. “It’s the best sounding and the best looking.” The five-member rock band, three of whom went to WSU, has shared the stage with artists such as Jason Mraz and Cartel since forming eight years ago. Eclectic Approach has generated a large fan base in the Seattle area and the entire northwest region. The band plans to expand into California during its upcoming tour promoting “Jump into Life.” Lead singer Jowed Hadeed said the fans have really been supportive, especially after he contracted a serious case of the H1N1 influenza last year at WSU. “A lot of people supported me though that, big time,” he said. “They wrote me a song and so many letters. It was amazing.” Band members were all smiles on stage, bobbing their heads and jamming to their newest songs. The sound was true to their name, mixing members’ personal favorite genres of music that made every song different from the last. Jander, who goes to WSU, said the band embraces a wide variety of musical styles. They started the band in high school as a hip hop group, then changed their style to funk before finally embracing a style that, while varied, has a predominantly rock sound.

He said they never go into song writing with a specific genre in mind, which makes it possible for some songs to sound more funk while others sound more rock or hip hop.

“We aren’t influenced by one other band because everybody has a separate influence,” Jander said. “It’s Eclectic Approach, and with that name we can write whatever we want.” The band also includes Justin MacDonald on guitar and Brian Paxton on drum.

For more information about the band and for upcoming tour dates, visit www.eclecticapproach.com. - Daily Evergreen

This week we're bringing you several bands and musicians whose live performances rock the Tri-Cities hard, as well as recap some shows that left a sweet feeling in your mouth. Plus we'll give you the heads-up on some upcoming shows and some bands that are worth checking out. First up is Eclectic Approach:

There's nothing more satisfying than watching live concerts in the summer, where you can get all sweaty with your favorite artists, then head outside and take a shot with them to cool off.

A band worth checking out this summer is Eclectic Approach, who are one of the talented bands that sound even better live.

This is a band that has definitely paid their dues and certainly play to the crowd.

Melodically lyrical MC's Jowed Hadeed and Mark Putnam are magical. I've said it before and I'll say it again - they each have their own style and flow and harmonize without compromising individuality.

Hadeed's presence is infectious, making you want to jump to his free-styles. His voice leads the group with confidence.

If Hadeed ever had an equal, it would be Putnam. His voice is meltable and absolutely stunning. The self-proclaimed blues and funk half, he injects soul into the group's already delicious sound.

Another strong stage presence is Ryan Jander on the guitar. Incredibly dexterous with his fingers, he grooves on stage and feeds off the band's two front men's energy. Newcomer Justin MacDonald has already found his place among the guys and seems at ease infusing his rock-star guitar solos into the performance. Adding his own gloss over the band's idiosyncratic sound, he just needs to learn how to rock out on the stage more.

Bad ass bassist Chris Wadsworth seems the most comfortable when he's on stage, slapping the shit out of his bass and getting funky with his sound.

Drummer Brian Paxton said it best that he prefers to not try to put too many bells 'n whistles in the mix, opting for quality over quantity - a mistake he says he sees in many up 'n coming young drummers. It's a characteristic he's had to grow into and admits that once you find your pace and learn to truly appreciate music in a qualitative means, it'll open your eyes to so much more, style-wise. Clearly, anyone who attends one of the band's concerts will see Paxton has found his stride, rocking out in his own way, but paying attention to everyone else at the time, working with them, not against.

Unparalleled in the Tri-Cities, Eclectic Approach is a smooth blend of influential musical fusion.

- Tri-City Herald

This week we're bringing you several bands and musicians whose live performances rock the Tri-Cities hard, as well as recap some shows that left a sweet feeling in your mouth. Plus we'll give you the heads-up on some upcoming shows and some bands that are worth checking out. First up is Eclectic Approach:

There's nothing more satisfying than watching live concerts in the summer, where you can get all sweaty with your favorite artists, then head outside and take a shot with them to cool off.

A band worth checking out this summer is Eclectic Approach, who are one of the talented bands that sound even better live.

This is a band that has definitely paid their dues and certainly play to the crowd.

Melodically lyrical MC's Jowed Hadeed and Mark Putnam are magical. I've said it before and I'll say it again - they each have their own style and flow and harmonize without compromising individuality.

Hadeed's presence is infectious, making you want to jump to his free-styles. His voice leads the group with confidence.

If Hadeed ever had an equal, it would be Putnam. His voice is meltable and absolutely stunning. The self-proclaimed blues and funk half, he injects soul into the group's already delicious sound.

Another strong stage presence is Ryan Jander on the guitar. Incredibly dexterous with his fingers, he grooves on stage and feeds off the band's two front men's energy. Newcomer Justin MacDonald has already found his place among the guys and seems at ease infusing his rock-star guitar solos into the performance. Adding his own gloss over the band's idiosyncratic sound, he just needs to learn how to rock out on the stage more.

Bad ass bassist Chris Wadsworth seems the most comfortable when he's on stage, slapping the shit out of his bass and getting funky with his sound.

Drummer Brian Paxton said it best that he prefers to not try to put too many bells 'n whistles in the mix, opting for quality over quantity - a mistake he says he sees in many up 'n coming young drummers. It's a characteristic he's had to grow into and admits that once you find your pace and learn to truly appreciate music in a qualitative means, it'll open your eyes to so much more, style-wise. Clearly, anyone who attends one of the band's concerts will see Paxton has found his stride, rocking out in his own way, but paying attention to everyone else at the time, working with them, not against.

Unparalleled in the Tri-Cities, Eclectic Approach is a smooth blend of influential musical fusion.

- Tri-City Herald