FutureKind

FutureKind's "In the Making" is short — but so sweet. The EP, which
floats along for only 14 minutes — has a dreamy, trip-hop-
meets-pop feel to it. Vocalist Thalia Williams' subtly sultry stylings
are perfectly complimented by the mellow samples, which sound like
something you might hear on a Massive Attack or Zero 7 album (though,
in this reviewer's opinion, nothing holds a candle to the latter). The
result is the perfect chill-out mix. Highlights include the stellar
title track, "In the Making" and "One and Only," both of which have a
sophisticated electronica feel to them and both of which beg the
question: When will we hear more from this stand-out Valley trio? A-

Next show: Nothing scheduled at this time.
Web site: www.futurekind.net

— by Adrienne Frank, Get Out - Get Out Magazine

FutureKind
In The Making ep(FutureKind music)
***

FutureKind is adding much needed mystique to the rock band overload
that resides in Phoenix. This is live trip-hop at its best ... all melding talents
and innovative vision to take their listeners to another planet on the
journey that is their debut release, In The Making. The sound is a
tiny bit loungey with elements of funk, jazz and house music thrown in
to create a truly experimental soundscape that is pleasing to the ears
and expands the mind all the way through. Live, the band is a force
to be reckoned with, with a strong sound and stage presence. Look for
them to be turning heads locally and beyond, hopefully to be on the
map with their predecessors in dub and trip hop, Portishead and
Massive Attack.
-Jessie Nelson - College Times

Phoenix, Arizona foursome FutureKind signals a new direction for music purists: electronic trance-hop. It's an experimental sound gone right, and after one listen to FutureKind, it's hard to believe the foursome isn't somewhere doing massive amounts of shrooms. The group's sound recalls a more tripped-out Portishead or Massive Attack. Deep basslines, soaring guitars, dynamic percussion, electric-jazz melodies, it's all there. If you've ever read author Tom Wolfe's seminal classic "Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" you'll love FutureKind. Be forewarned, though: They are an experience all their own. Isn't peer pressure great? Reviewed by Jason Parham. - Urb Magazine

I can't believe I paid only $10 to see three amazing bands!


Futurekind, a local Arizona band, hypnotized me with their trip-hop beats that seemed influenced by Portishead. I got so tranced out that I forgot to applaud sometimes!


Au Revoir Simone, three adorable girls from Brooklyn, played a fun set full of light and airy tunes that put a smile on everyone's face. The crowd was being a little bit shy (or maybe they weren't drunk enough yet), and stayed in their seats during the set. Not even a bouncy rendition of "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart would bring them out to the floor. I hope that the girls will come back and play to a more energetic crowd next time because I really enjoyed their songs.


By the time Voxtrot began their show with "Kid Gloves", people had loosened up enough to head to the floor and dance. The blogger darlings from Austin, TX played several songs from their new CD, along with some older tunes. (By the way, you should run out and get their new CD right this minute, what are you waiting for?) Voxtrot rocked so hard, that the power cut off right in the middle of "Brothers in Conflict." After a few minutes, they were able to play one more song for us before the power went out again.


Only in Arizona...the weirdest things happen at shows here. But I think this proves that Voxtrot kick ass!

Jadis White - Axisoflive.com

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, FutureKind claims to "herald a new era of electronica music." Drawing equal inspiration from pop, trip-hop, jazz, dub, and world music, the four-piece band has been compared to Massive Attack, Portishead, and Zero 7. They're innovative and experimental, yet at the same time, they strive to be organic and melodic. We love Thalia's thoughtful vocals, Gabriel's meticulous gear junkie expertise, and the fact that this band can make a vibraphone part sound cool. Anticipate their future CD and experience their kind of tunes at www.myspace.com/futurekind.

by Tracy Katz - Electronic Musician

Fans of Electronica music are in for a real treat when they heard the unique sounds of FutureKind. A mix between pop, trip-hop, jazz, dub, and world music, the four-piece band has created something that fans will soon not forget. In a recent spotlight with the members of FutureKind, our Webzine gets the 411 on the music and magic behind the band.

Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for FutureKind?

FutureKind: 2008 was a very productive and fun year for us. We played out regularly and worked on audiovisual elements to improve our stage show. We also filmed a steam-punk inspired video for our single Hideaway, in full Victorian attire.

Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?

FutureKind: In October 2008, we released out first EP, called Surround.

Isaac: Elaborate on the concept behind FutureKind.

FutureKind: Futurekind strives to create an elegant blend of warm sequencing, dynamic live instrumentation and dreamy vocals for a refreshingly unique soundscape.

Isaac: Describe the music scene in Phoenix, Arizona.

FutureKind: Phoenix has a plethora of unique, talented bands in every genre. The big issue here is exposure: although there are great venues here, they a few and isolated. Unlike other cities (even Tucson!), there is no central area or street to hear good music. You really have to be well-connected to know where and when local bands play. So, the talent is here, the fans are here, but Phoenix lacks the infrastructure to bring them together.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

FutureKind: Everyone in the band, of course, brings with them their own influences, which would be too exhaustive to list here. Suffice to say, we have been most often compared to Massive Attack, Portishead, Hooverphonic, and Björk.


Thalia-By Chadwick Fowler


Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

FutureKind: We feel we can bring an intelligent, creative element to pop and dance music. We think there is a misconception, in general, that pop and dance music exists mostly in the form of commodity, a product made by an industry rather than a work made by an artist; something to listen to at a club and forget the next day. So, we're trying to change that idea by creating music that is pop-based, but unique and creative.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

FutureKind: Peter Gabriel, for his innovation and support of artists around the world.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

FutureKind: An elegant blend of electronic, pop, trip-hop, jazz, dub, and world music. Innovative and experimental, yet at the same time organic and melodic.

Isaac: What is your definition for Electronic/Dance/DJ Music?

FutureKind: We hate to regulate music as is either "this" or "that." So, maybe the simplest answer is the best: electronic music is music with electronic elements; dance music is music you can dance to; and DJ music is music played by a DJ. Simple as that.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your EP "Surround"?

FutureKind: We've gotten a lot of great feedback about the EP, from local press like Phoenix New Times and Java Magazine, as well as friends and fans.


Gabe- By Chadwick Fowler


Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

FutureKind: Please check our MySpace page for song samples: www.myspace.com/futurekind

Our website is: www.futurekind.net

Our EP can be purchased at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/futurekind

You can watch our video for Hideaway here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CuO_FAYQRA

Isaac: What can fans expect from FutureKind in 2009?

FutureKind: In the fall, we are planning on taping a video for our new song All Done. We will continue playing out regularly, including out of town shows and festivals.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?

FutureKind: We sincerely appreciate all of the support we have received from our family, friends and fans. They are the best!

Isaac: Final words from FutureKind?

FutureKind: The world needs more unique, creative music. Try us on for size!


- Junior's Cave

By Martin Cizmar

We haven’t had a chance to do a formal review of FutureKind’s new disc, Surround, here, but thought we’d mention their CD release party this Friday at Last Exit since they’ve got a great sound.

Recalling Portishead and other downtempo electronic acts, FutureKind’s singer Thalia Williams has a lovely, understated voice that melds well with the group’s dreamy soundscapes, as you can hear on “Love Can Wait.” “Hideaway” has a more aggressive sound driven by an echoing guitar and traditional drums. “Something Real” is reminiscent of Air, simultaneously sounding futuristic and organic.

- Phoenix New Times

By Jonathan McNamara

Last Wednesday, Music Editor Martin Cizmar gave mention of Futurekind's CD release party held at Last Exit this past Friday. Always on the look out for a new source of sonic sensation, I took his advice and checked them out for myself.

I was under the impression that I was going to see another band typical of Last Exit...until they brought out a full on set of and laid a cello bow across it. Futurekind held a packed house enthralled by their audio vibrations. Rather than take the top 40 path of gradual build up to the immediate gratification release into full on rock, the band focused on enjoying the moment.

On their myspace page, Futurekind lists Massive Attack, Thievery Corporation and even Peter Gabriel as some of their musical influences, but Bjork seems to be missing from the list. Singer Thalia Williams has certainly taken a few moves from the Icelandic Princess' play book, but more than that Futurekind is a band that paints soundscapes more than they write pop songs.

Call them what you will whether it's soundscapists or even electronic-fused mellow rock. I'm calling them one of the more interesting acts I've seen at Last Exit.



- Phoenix New Times

Another up and coming band from Phoenix that you need to know about. Fronted by chanteuse Thalia Williams on vocals, Gabriel Santa Cruz on guitar and programming, Ben Dumbauld on percussion and Frankie Escalante on bass guitar, Futurekind draw obvious influence from trip-hop tastemakers Portishead, Massive Attack and Love Spirals Downward while creating beautiful electronica that is sometimes experimental and always ethereal, combining downtempo, lounge, trip-hop and ambient. Don’t miss their EP release party on Friday, October 3 at Last Exit in Tempe. - Java Magazine