Jenny Robinson : Drums, Vocals

Barn Stradling :
Bass, Recordings

Benjamin Shillabeer :
Guitar/Keys

Andy Wells :
Drums

Benjamin Owen :
Guitar/Vocals

Aaron Dewey :
Cornet

Daniel Cornfield : French Horn

Soeza began as a 5-piece, early in 1997, with two drummers, French horn, bass, guitar and vocals. An extra guitar fattened up the sound later that year. Then, in 1999, a cornet player joined, consolidating the brassy Soeza sound. Currently Soeza consists of seven very individual characters: Jenny Robinson (27) - Drums, Vocals Barn Stradling (30) - Bass Benjamin Shillabeer (24) - Guitar/Keys Andy Wells (33) - Drums Benjamin Owen (27) - Guitar/Vocals Aaron Dewey (23) - Cornet Daniel Cornfield (30) - French Horn.

Over the last four years Soeza have developed a strangely allusive, angular yet soulful rock sound, whose emphasis shifts and fluctuates between all seven members. Their dynamic live shows have seen them sharing bills with such legends as 'The Fall' and 'Nomeansno', as well as with underground favourites like 'Sweep the Leg Johnny' and 'Gallon Drunk'. They have been compared with early 'Adam and the Ants', 'Dexy's Midnights Runners', 'The Ex' and 'The Nation of Ulysses', although this does not truly define their richly layered sound.

The unique Soeza horns (Dan & Aaron) skilfully ride the waves of rhythm beaten out by Andy and Jenny, and combine melodically with Barn's gnarled but tuneful basslines. The recent addition of Jenny's beautiful and original vocals have seductively augmented the mood created by Ben Owen's more contrary, sharp and rhythmic singing style and the striking dual guitars of Owen and Shillabeer. These boys angle their axes to complement each other, moving in and out of focus with the vocal melodies.

The latest batch of Soeza songs presents a brave and diverse take on modern rock. They combine influences from folk, jazz, punk and soul, with a unique approach to songwriting and performance, motivated entirely by the band's love of playing. The lyrics are representative of Soeza's fragmented opinions and passions, which have helped keep them going, free from links with any press-driven scene.The forthcoming first album will be released early next year through Prohibited Records.

Soeza's releases to date include their first tape, 'Seven Demonstrations', then a four song CD 'Ground Tricks' (picked up by John Peel's Radio 1 show). In 1999 a three song 7" EP came out on the German 'X-Mist' label, to international acclaim, and recently Soeza have contributed to the 'The 'Hospital Radio Request List' compilation CD, released by Ben Shillabeer's 'Sink and Stove' label. All of Soeza's music has been recorded by Barn, on his 16 track, analogue studio. The recent sessions, which make up the new album, were recorded over the first six months of 2000 in his (very patient and understanding) parents' attic.

The members of Soeza are from various parts of the south west of England, but for the last few years have been focused around the city of Bristol. The band is part of the wider 'Pull the Strings' collective; an artists' platform organised primarily to bring together like-minded people, concerned with interesting music and energetic ideas. It has promoted shows and artistic concerns in Bristol, and delivers well organised, low cost gigs involving local, national and international acts, ranging from Punk to Electro. Soeza's strength lies in the multiplicity of tastes and styles which they have learned to weave into a unique and satisfying whole. Standing out against the background of generic rock which currently prevails, this band's pioneering style is as fresh and exciting as it is inimitable.

SOEZA
CD album "Founded by Sportsmen and Outlaws"
Prohibited Records 2000
purchase at the SHOP


SOEZA"How To "
unreleased song
CD album "Ten Years Of Prohibited Records. Un anniversaire!"
Prohibited Records 2006
purchase at the SHOP