BEAST, a project from Betty Bonifassi and Jean-Phi Goncalves, is one of the most refreshing and innovative music projects we have come across in long while. Mix together electronica, hip-hop, rock and jazz and you get BEAST. The duo jokingly coined their music “trip-rock” and the classifier has stuck. Really what we have here are two incredibly talented musicians with lengthy careers that came together in the spirit of creating something new. This natural creation is what makes the music so intense and exciting.
We had an opportunity to sit down with Betty Bonifassi and Jean-Phi Goncalves after a recent visit to the United States. We caught up with the pair after they had spent a long day of traveling in from Montreal and then sound checking for a show that night. After spending ten minutes with them we were hooked. It is clear that they are still getting used to the success and attention that their project has gained. Their single, “Mr. Hurricane”, was just recently nominated for a Grammy in the Best Short Music Video category along side of Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas and Depeche Mode. An upcoming SXSW performance along with a ton of touring is setting things up for much deserved global recognition.
We had a chance to watch BEAST perform live and it was an incredible experience. Bonifassi’s vocals burn with intensity. Goncalves’ instrumentation and production reminds us of a mad genius. At the end of the performance our hearts were racing and our eyes were as wide as saucers. Tank and I exchanged glances that simply said, “was that for real?”
KC’s Personal Picks: “Devil”, “Mr. Hurricane”, “Satan” and “Out of Control”
Check out our exclusive interview with BEAST
Listen to the album:
Buy the album:
Beast – “Mr. Hurricane”
This song is straight up funky fresh. “Mr. Hurricane” mashes up throbbing beats and infectious hooks that make it a truly unique fun track. Jam this song if you are looking for something to practice your karate dancing in front of the mirror.
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Hilary McRae – “Every Day (When Will You Be Mine)”
This young Floridian is setting the stage for a huge career. She recently connected up with the Starbucks label which injected her career with a shot of caffeine. Yeah, I broke out a coffee joke. You’re welcome. Hilary has a powerfully soulful voice that mixes incredibly well with a killer horn section. Take this track for a spin if you want to feel good about your love life.
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C.C. Adcock – “Y’all’d Think She’d Be Good 2 Me”
C.C. Adcock is hardcore swamp, pop rock and has had some tracks featured on the vampire-induced HBO show, True Blood. This song gets your blood pumping before it gets drained out.
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