Heiruspecs
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Heiruspecs | |
---|---|
Origin | St Paul, Minnesota, United States |
Genre(s) | Hip hop/Rap |
Years active | 1997 – Present |
Label(s) | Razor & Tie Interlock |
Website | http://www.heiruspecs.com/ |
Members | |
Felix Muad'dib Twinkie Jiggles dVRG Peter Leggett Josh Peterson |
Heiruspecs (pronounced high-roo-spex) is a live rap/hip hop band based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, specifically the Midway neighborhood. The band's name is based off of a deliberate misspelling of haruspex.[1]
Their most recent album, 10 Years Strong, was released in December of 2007. It is a compilation of new and old songs, many taken from Live from the Studio and Antidisestablishmetabolism, both of which are now out-of-print. The band is mostly known for their live performances. In contrast to many contemporary hip hop groups that use sampling and turntables, Heiruspecs emphasize a raw, live sound, their roots and local scene. They have a very upbeat sound and are typically on tour for at least half of the year. The group style has been compared to the live hip hop band The Roots.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
Heiruspecs formed in 1997 when the members were attending St. Paul Central High School. They met while taking a studio recording arts program. Sean (Twinkie Jiggles) would play bass while four or five drummers would rotate in and out of freestyle sessions, and Felix would rhyme throughout the whole process.[3] Early Heiruspecs music contained trombone and saxophone, but these were absent on Small Steps and A Tiger Dancing. In 2004 Heiruspecs was named the best live artist in the Twin Cities by City Pages.[4]
[edit] Heiruspecs Day
In commemoration of 10 years of St. Paul pride and good Hip Hop music, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman declared December 22nd Heiruspecs Day in Saint Paul, Minnesota.[5]
[edit] Previous members
- Felix (vocals)
- Muad'dib (vocals, beat box)
- Twinkie Jiggles (Bass)
- dVRG (Keys)
- Peter Leggett (Drums)
- Josh Peterson (Guitar)
- Martin Devaney (Saxophone)
- Brett Bullion (Drums)
- Bryan Alvarez (Trombone)
- Al McIntosh (Trumpet)
- Tasha Baron (Keys)
- Tim Glenn (Drums)
- Alex Danovitch (Keys)
- Alex Oftelie (Drums)
- Conor Meehan (Drums)
- Joshua Herbst (Drums)
- Kevin Hunt (Drums)
[edit] Future plans
According the their official website, the Heiruspecs are taking a break from the road to record a new album. Little is known about this album, but the band is known to play new songs at shows before the album is official. It will not be on Razor & Tie, as the group amicably split from the label.
[edit] Discography
- Live From The Studio (1998)
- Antidisestablishmetabolism (2000)
- Small steps (2002)
- A Tiger Dancing (2004)
- 10 Years Strong (2007)
- The Song "5ves" appeared on the Harold and Kumar go to White Castle Soundtrack.
[edit] References
- ^ Nishimoto, Dan (30 March 2005) "An Interview with Felix of the Heiruspecs" PopMatters
- ^ Harris, Keith (August 2, 2000), "Funk Is Instrumental" City Pages
- ^ Tatasciore, David (October 27, 2003), "Underground hip-hop sound of Heiruspecs invades area" The Daily Collegian
- ^ "BEST LIVE ARTIST: Heiruspecs" 2004. City Pages
- ^ Wheat, Mark (December 21, 2007),"Heiruspecs perform in The Current studios" Minnesota Public Radio
- Bucket, Charlie (September 22,2004). Heiruspecs. Urbansmarts. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- Carlson, Keri (September 23, 2004). Back to the future. The Minnesota Daily. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- Roberts, Chris (September 30, 2004). The pride of St. Paul. Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.