Artist Spotlight: Arteless

Rap? Check.

Soul? Check.

Rhythm and Blues? Check, check and double-check?

Who are we checkin’ here, exactly?

This week, we’re checkin’ out Arteless, the rap, rhythm and soul group that launched into notoriety in 2008 in the Washington, DC music scene. Arteless combines steady grooves with a myriad of vocal melodies. The brainchild of bassist/calendar model Raymell “Manwich” Smith, Arteless covers the whole spectrum of hip hop entertainment. Manwich and his fellow musicians hold down the bottom while the vocal trio of Cratic, Myz Rae and  Sy deliver the band’s vocal message through singing, rapping and every flavor in between.  Manwich was cool enough to sit down and answer a few questions about the band, its unique sound, and the philosophy behind the music that defines Arteless.

nK: Thanks for letting our readers crack your schedule, bro.  I know you’re busy, so let’s dive right in.  Can you tell our readers about Arteless?  How did this evolve from a vision into the very real, very tight band that exists today?

RS: Thank you for having me, I definitely appreciate it. About Arteless, We have 3 fronts, all who can solo, duo or trio with the band. The band is guitar, bass & drums, we play original music & write our own songs.  We’re influenced by Rock, Classic Rock, Hip Hop, Soul & Rhythm & Blues. We have different musical backgrounds & stay true to who we are when composing, writing & performing. We have many facets & really are friends, that’s why we have 2 E’s, because we bring a lil extra.

Our love for music & wanting to play good music is pretty much what makes us who we are, the journey will be chronicled on the DVD documentary 1 day.  We take music very serious & thrive to generate a sound as well an experience that people will feel & enjoy.

nK: It isn’t every week that I choose to interview an R&B band, but you and I have a pretty special history together.  You want to share with our readers how we fell back into each other’s lives?  I’m sure I’ll chime in where I think I have something to say.

RS: Yes indeed my Didi, we reconnected earlier this year competing in a BotB in which your band Division won.  You & I genuinely were fans of each others set, we actually chatted it up, throughout the night. A week later, my sis asks is the Nick Kelly on my FB wall the same “Nicky Kelly” that we went to school with?  Looked through pics & confirmed it was lil Nicky, back from 20+ yrs ago.

nK: OK, so the cat’s outta the bag.  Manwich and I go back a way….a LONG way.  Still, our journeys were very, very different.  I took up bass at 14 and went through every experience you can log, from playing to an empty room, to playing for a few thousand of my closest friends with no rehearsal.  Tell our readers what it was like the first time you hit the stage as THE guy on bass.  What was it like?

RS: That’s awesome bro, I know you as a helluva front for Division & JWP but didn’t know you’re just as good as a bassist.  For me, the 1st time I hit the stage, I felt & still do feel like, I can’t wait for Y’all to hear this.  I like to get a groove & make your head bob or foot tap. I love playing live & since 2008 we’ve been gaining momentum, becoming better & taking our dream to the next level.

nK:  Flash forward a few years.  Here it is, 2011.  Arteless has released its first full-length disc, “The Journal” is now available on CDBaby, ITunes, Amazon and more.  What makes you proud about this release?

RS: The thing that makes Me most proud is the commitment by everyone involved.  There are so many behind the scene circumstances that go into making a good Cd.  We stayed the course & collaborated to make what we feel is a good way to introduce the sound of Arteless. Our cd, “The Journal” gives listeners a sample of we are, with so much more to come.

nK: We talked a bit about the talent involved in Arteless.  Can you introduce the band to our readers?

RS: Oh yea, there is Cratic, MC originally from Texas who’s flow, style & vibe make him our man.  His ability to do what he does so well make it so fun to do what we do.  Myz Rae, is a songbird from Indiana. She is so smooth with her voice & style.  She can flat out perform. Sy, our other songbird from Tenn, is a soul singer who can rock or funk it out.  She brings a balance as well as versatility.  R&B, is homegrown & his lead guitar provides his signature sound on the cd & our live sets.  His classic rock influence is apparent on the 1st song on the cd, he pays homage to Led Zeppelin’s 1st album.

nK: Okay, “The Journal” opens with “One Rhyme”. Cratic is the opening voice for the band. I think he reps the group well.  The groove is established early and the guitar riff draws listeners in with an easy
counterpoint to the vocals.  What made you guys decide this was the right opening song?

RS: Yup, One Rhyme opens the cd. A lil of the hook kinda sets it off, “Patiently waiting like I’m standing in the lunch line, it’s crunch time, I hope they feel 1 punch line, I’m tryin to shine but it’s gon take more than 1 Rhyme”. We felt that would be a good introduction, it’s gonna take more than 1 Rhyme, 1 song, 1 show, 1 practice and so on. The Journal some what chronicles the journey of Arteless.

nK: I hate to pick favorites but if I had to, track 3 aka “Country Boy” might top my list. Can you give us some insight into how this song emerged from idea to finished product?  Cratic really seems in the zone on this one.

RS: Thanx Bro, Country Boy is a crowd favorite live as well. Cratic being from Texas, this song resonates deep with him. R&B really put down some really good guitar before lyrics were put on it, I thought the music was spot on for this song.  Sy lends her vocals on the hook & her being from Tenn. know a thing or two about Country Boys.  Cratic just heard the music & really just went to work on it live @ a practice & finished it by the time it was time to go home.  It’s so fun playing Country Boy, having people feel your music is an awesome feeling.

nK: Speaking of in-the-zone, let’s talk about “If I Want To”.  You mentioned writing specifically from the perspective of a strong female voice for this one.  What was it like to escape your own perspective and write for someone else?

RS: I had asked Sy what she thought about when hearing that track. Her answer was that of a bad chick that got her way.  So I wrote from the perspective of things that men ususally wouldn’t do unless this bad chick has them just open.  Sy takes it there with soul & she wrote from the view of if i want to, this is what’s gonna happen. For me it was easy to co write this because of how strong & bad the female had to be to pull it off. Having a dude, at her crib doing chores, wiping down the counters, cleaning hard wood floors, just because she wants him to.

nK: Many of our readers aren’t pro musicians.  Give them a little insight into the studio experience.  What was one thing you learned, and one thing you wish you could have done better?

RS: As I stated earlier, so much behind the scene things that go into it. I learned first hand that you can’t rush the process of production, ensuring that everyone is invovled, that will take some time if all are to agree. What I could’ve done better was talk to cats like yourself regarding the nuances of the studio.  Even though they’re all different, there will be some similarities.  Since then you & I have done that on many occasions & I’ll continue to do so.

nK: Okay, big bro, you’re off the hook.  Tell our readers where they can come to check out Arteless in the next few weeks!

RS:  Thanks again my Didi.  Arteless will be playing Juanapalooza this upcoming Sat, Aug 27.  This is a annual Health Awareness Festival organized by our manager Dave Morgan. Check Juanapalooza.com for full details, this is a party no one should miss.  Then Fri, Sept 9, We’ll headline wk 2 of  The Herndon Jam Brew Beerfest. You can keep up with us on under Arteless on FB, Artelesslive.com, contact us Arteless@gmail.com. Nicky, my friend I enjoyed it, thank you.

nK: Special thanks to my good friend and fellow bassist, Raymell “Manwich” Smith. (Follow him on Twitter at @RayManwich)  Thanks for your time, and dedication to the beautiful language we call music.

Let’s make every excuse to get together soon.  Till then…

One love,
nK