For the last decade, the group OutKast has been making incredible music. But Big Boi and Andre 3000 don't just rhyme with fancy beats, and the tracks they MC to don't just come out of nowhere.
The band that helped create the original sound that OutKast has become legendary for is named Whild Peach, and the band is working on creating a separate name for itself.
"I'm Whild and she's Peach," says group founder David Whild during a phone interview, referring to his band's name and its female vocalist. Her name might not be recognizable, but her singing should be. She has provided rich, consuming and memorable vocals on the OutKast album ATLiens. (The track You May Die showcases her voice.)
The band, originally from Dallas, Texas, moved to Atlanta in 1994. After adding extra members, Whild Peach hooked up with OutKast.
The entire band worked on the albums ATLiens and Stankonia, and toured with OutKast on its tour for the latter. More recently, Whild Peach performed on parts of the obnoxiously popular album Speakerboxx/The Love Below, including The Way You Move. The OutKast recognition is well deserved, but Whild Peach isn't a cover band. Aside from having worked with other hip-hop acts such as Goodie Mob and Big Gipp, the group has a full selection of original tracks that they play on their own tour.
"We try to do as many original songs as we can," Mr. Whild said. "But if it's a college crowd, we might play some stuff they know, just to keep the party going."
The band's original music is an assortment of melodies, deep bass beats and straight-up jam band flavor.
The song Matron Luv drips with so much soul you need a dump truck to carry it. And the track Aeroplane sounds like Earth, Wind, and Fire slowed down. It's old-school funk with a nice, modern, Southern twang, but the band's sound can range dramatically, especially during live performances.
"We might jump from originals," Mr. Whild said. "We can go anywhere from George Clinton to Led Zeppelin. The people we like, that's what we play."
Whild Peach plans to release its first album sometime in the near future. You'll have a chance to sample the band Saturday night at Marrz. Prepare to shake it like a Polaroid picture.
Whild Peach's Southern Funk Has Added A Sweet Flavor To OutKast's Hip-Hop Jams
