LOUISVILLE, Ky. – May 17, 2011 – Country and soul collide in “Treat You Right,” the latest EP release from 64West. Based in Louisville, Ky. but popular throughout the region, the band is quickly making a name for itself through tireless performance of a high-energy show consisting of downright good music that people are often pleasantly surprised to hear in a club setting.
“Treat You Right” is a culmination of that show into a high-powered, five-song EP that spans genres from ‘70s soul and classic R&B to modern country and Americana, capped off with a gentle, yet crafty, acoustic track.
While an updated cover of Bill Withers’ classic “Use Me” and “Tryin’ Not to Love You” push the soul and country boundaries, “Treat You Right,” the EP’s namesake and single, seems to wrap both genres together nicely and cover a lot of ground in between. Acoustic guitar, mandolin and punchy four-part harmonies drive the song throughout, while a smooth saxophone solo transports the listener to a New Orleans jazz club for the middle of the song.
“We spend a lot of time focusing on the vocals and making them a priority,” said Aaron Weaver, lead singer for 64West. “There’s been a negative trend of beats and music getting louder and louder. What people really want to hear is what you are saying, and they’re amazed all over again when they hear good harmonies.”
It was vocal harmony that served as the basis for the creation of 64West more than six years ago when vocalist Aaron Weaver and guitarist Bill Yackey were members of the University of Kentucky a cappella group (The AcoustiKats) and Chorale. Having literally sung next to each other for more than six years in high school and in Kentucky All-State choirs, the two decided to add guitar to the mix and begin performing in the club circuit around Kentucky. “Bill & Aaron” caught on like wildfire on the college scene and operations were moved from Lexington, Ky. to Louisville in 2007, thus creating the name change to 64West.
After several years of relentless performing the duo made the much-needed expansion to a full band, keeping many of the songs and M.O. that made them successful in the past. Adding bassist Mike Lankford, guitarist Will King and drummer Justin Shaw, all live music veterans, has allowed 64West the ability to play larger venues, festivals and events and gather a growing legion of fans. The band played 63 shows in 2010 and is on track to repeat that number in 2011.
“Treat You Right” will be released Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Ear-X-Tacy Records in Louisville, Ky., CD Central in Lexington, Ky. and will also be available online on iTunes and CD Baby. 64West will be hosting a Release Show for the EP at Gerstle’s Place in Louisville, Ky. on Friday, May 20, 2011.
