We met up with Turkuaz in Austin to capture just
what life in the city is like.
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this band of nine vibrant friends are experts in the city life. So it’s no surprise when this “kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and personality” bring their funk to a fifth full-length album (released September 28) ignited by that journey under the name: Life In The City. Luckily enough, we were able to catch them on their album-titled tour in one of our favorite cities… Austin.
Known for their exuberant performances, male-female harmonies, synchronized dance moves, uninhibited brass sections, interminable grooves, and of course, their consistently rainbow wardrobe, Turkuaz transforms each show into a lively dance party. It was no exception in the intimate setting at Antone’s when everyone became friends and dance partners rather quickly.
The theme of the night and record all stems from the highlight track on the album, “Life In The City”. This catchy, slow-groove tune talks about being so “pre-occupied with the hustle of modern life that we’re blind to what’s really going on underneath”, all while maintaining an infectious vibe. Being a topic that we can always relate to, it’s nice to mull over these thoughts for the first time on the dancefloor.
Adding to the talent on the album, their second single “If I Ever Fall Asleep,” was produced by Jerry Harrison of The Talking Heads, who worked on a couple of songs on the record. If you can’t already tell, this talented, sweet crew knows what they are doing and how to continue providing quality music to their fans album after album, show after show.
Impressively as a large band coming from the city with the most limited space to practice, their nine-year journey is proof of wild dreams becoming realities. Since emerging in 2011 with their self-titled debut, Turkuaz has brought stages to life across festivals such as Bonnaroo, Hulaween, Okeechobee, Electric Forest and brought a crowd to their feet at legendary spots like Red Rocks, Terminal 5 and The Fillmore.
Catch the band on their Life in the City Tour with added dates –
Dave Brandwein [guitar, vocals]
Taylor Shell [bass]
Craig Brodhead [guitar, keys]
Michelangelo Carubba [drums]
Chris Brouwers [trumpet, keys]
Greg Sanderson [tenor sax]
Josh Schwartz [baritone sax, vocals]
Sammi Garett [vocals]
Shira Elias [vocals]
Photos by Brittany NO FOMO / @brittanynofomo
