Fundamental Elements short bio
Fundamental Elements mix a fresh blend of soul and pop/rock, with catchy song writing and remarkable musicianship to create songs that are making people take notice. Their tight, high-energy live performances have them being praised as one of the most promising and talented bands to come out of St. Louis.
The Cycle We're Living In is the much-anticipated follow-up to the widely acclaimed Untied LP. A culmination of hard work and a partnership with producer Stephen Leiweke, the new album represents a definite maturation of the band. More energetic sonically and thought-provoking lyrically, the new record is a bold statement of the band's interpretation of the world around them. Two new musicians and the introduction of keyboards has added another dimension and texture to the already eclectic Fundamental Elements' sound. Jorge Casas, a long-time bass player, producer, and arranger with Gloria Estefan and other renowned artists, makes an appearance co-producing the politically-charged song, "All Burns Down."
The incredibly tight rhythm section comprised of brothers Luke and Mark DeJaynes, together with the high-energy guitar playing of Joe McGill and the keyboards of Dustin Burggraaf, all make-up the foundation of Fundamental Elements. But it's the sweet, soulful voice of lead singer Russ Mohr, coupled with his tasteful trumpet lines, that truly communicates their soulful music.
Drawing comparisons to artists such as Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, and Jamie Lidell, Fundamental Elements consistently amaze crowds in venues across America. An ever-growing resume of accomplishments include pairings with the likes of Rihanna, Matisyahu, Ozomatli, Bob Schneider, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Three 6 Mafia, The John Popper Project, The Spin Doctors, Matt Wertz, and Will Hoge (among others).
Fundamental Elements full bio
The R&B, rock, and soul sounds of Fundamental Elements have always brought a blend of uniqueness and edge to a dry musical landscape. Their musical brilliance is quite evident within their recordings, but it is during their live performance that the real genius emerges. With Russ Mohr's sweet, soulful vocal delivery alongside Joe McGill's innovative and fresh guitar licks, Luke and Mark DeJaynes brothers' tightly knit jazz/funk drum and bass rhythms, and Dustin Burggraaf's keyboards soaring overhead, their raw musical agility takes root displaying their versatility, showing that their talent doesn't merely lie within the console in a studio. Mohr, also a seasoned trumpet player, adds texture and diversity with various horn arrangements scattered throughout both the albums and on stage.
Their captivating performances have landed them on the stage with such artists as Matisyahu, Ozomatli, Bob Schneider, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Three 6 Mafia, The John Popper Project, The Spin Doctors, MC Divinity, Matt Wertz, Shawn McDonald and Scratch Track. The band was also voted "Best Band in St. Louis" by the musicians competing in the 2005 Emergenza Finals. Fundamental Elements have also made strides on the internet, as their first single "Talk To Me" held a top 20 spot on the charts on GarageBand.com. Their singles "Talk To Me" and "Untied" both receive regular radio play on St. Louis FM radio. FE's music has also been featured on Arizona Jeans Co.'s "Radio Free Arizona" online campaign, and they are regular mainstays on the top 5 band list on iChannelMusic.com. Currently, Fundamental Elements tour extensively throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States, averaging 125 dates per year at clubs, festivals and college campuses.
Taking direction and influence from a wide range of artists like Maroon 5, D'Angelo, The Roots, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Hackson, their unique blend of R&B, rock, and soul has made audiences stand up and take notice.
With a world seeking fame and notoriety, what it really boils down to for Fundamental Elements is their unabashed love for music. Fundamental Elements feel that great music is timeless; that it has no boundaries and should be appreciated by people of all demographics. "That's our goal," states Mohr. "To create music that everyone can love."