For many of us, soul music is a fondness we just can’t shake, and finding “new” soul music often means digging deep into the crates for something fresh — if you’ve found yourself in this situation, might we recommend checking out THE SPLIT (www.thesplitsoulmusic.com).
For the 7-piece ensemble homegrown in Canada’s capital, new life is breathed into the soulful sound you’ve been yearning for by stark ingenuity. The band’s break-out project Can’t Get Enough is energetically infused with guitar parts, horns and bass reminiscent of 60’s soul rock and 70’s soul funk, and features dreamy synth sequences that render its sound euphoric and entirely distinct.
THE SPLIT’s original songs are both vivacious dance tunes as much as they are melancholic reflections on life and love. Lead singer Matt Chaffey’s smoky timbre elicits memories of Chess Records’ golden era, while poignantly expressing thoughts of loss, stress, heartbreak, and starting over. In sum, if you’ve been searching for a sound that reflects and distinctly re-imagines the best of soul music, look no further than THE SPLIT.
Working with the talented and experienced Ken Friesen (MonkeyJunk, The Tragically Hip, Great Big Sea et al.) and Phillip Victor Bova (Feist, Bahamas, Hilotrons et al.), THE SPLIT’s debut EP Can’t Get Enough combines the mind-blowing vocals of frontman Matthew Chaffey, hard-hitting bass lines, and incredible horn tracks laid down by the legendary Texas Horns (Austin, TX).
Can’t Get Enough was released in March 2014 under Label Records (Ottawa, Canada; www.labelrecords.ca).
- Matthew Chaffey – lead vocals
- Matt Aston – drums
- Curtis Chaffey – guitar
- Dan Grewal – bass
- Michael Grewal – keys
- Horn Section (Various musicians)
In addition to the regular band members outlined above, The Split is honoured to have had the legendary Texas Horns provide backing on their latest recording.
The Split will free your soul, cleanse your mind, and take you to a better place. Connect with them online at www.thesplitsoulmusic.com.
“…incredible pipes of Matthew Chaffey and the electric guitar dexterity of Curtis Chaffey…the result was a fresh and upbeat take on modern soul, with songs they’ve written themselves.” – Lynn Saxberg (The Ottawa Citizen’s Digital Lounge)
“Their groove is a melting pot of classic soul and 60s rock, with astonishing results…” – Festival International du Blues de Tremblant
“This region’s most exciting new soul band featuring all-star musicians; highest recommendation possible…” – The Black Sheep Inn (Wakefield, QC)
“This band does not look like they sound. The Split was soulful and surprisingly crunchy and gruff. Their YouTube videos do not do them justice – this band is heavy (and that’s good!). Would recommend.” – Pete Hates Music (www.petehatesmusic.com)
“A top standout in the 2014 CBC Searchlight Competition” – Grant Lawrence (CBC Radio 3)
