On his new release Another Day (Eusonia Records, 2011), Zach Deputy demonstrates his extraordinary ability to perform and record in multiple contexts and conveys the sensibilities of a mature singer/songwriter. Another Day offers another look at Zach Deputy and seeks to help him cross over into other audiences. Rich with ballads and mid-tempo songs, the music on this recording is best described as soulful rhythm and blues, with flavors of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder emerging in the swells, changes and modulations of the music, in the voice and even in the lyrical content. The record will appeal to fans of contemporary artists like Jack Johnson and Amos Lee, but the origins of the style and feel remain classic.

Recorded over 5 days in August 2010 at Mission Sound Recording in Brooklyn, NY, Another Day is the truest example of pure musicianship. As heard in this recording, Grammy winning producer Scott Jacoby and his team of musicians demonstrate that large budget recordings and “over-production” are simply not necessary. Drummer Graham Hawthorne (Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, David Byrne), bassist Al Carty (Lou Reed, Alicia Keys, Gavin DeGraw) and pianist / organist Will Buthod (Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, The Harlem Gospel Choir) and Zach Deputy met for the first time on day one of recording and– despite their diverse backgrounds– instantly clicked with each other and created the perfect landscape to support Zach’s songs.

In contrast to the music and feel of Another Day, Zach Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound. To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage. The constant touring and the compelling live show may be the key to Zach’s success on the road, but it is an unlikely inspiration for Another Day, as there is little similarity between what fans have come to expect from Zach and what is offered up in this new record.

Thus, Another Day is an appropriately titled album, and it is truly an album in the classic sense— a collection of songs that come from the same time and place, inspired by the same muse. Reflective and introspective, it provides a glimpse at the soul of an artist and the depth of a songwriter. Full of hope and anticipation of the promise of another day, a new day, it is a pivotal point in the career of a touring musician. Whereas it is a departure for Zach Deputy, it is one that he feels confident his fans can relate to, but it isn’t the end in itself. Deputy’s multi-faceted diamond gets one side polished in this offering, and it is a side that will shine brightly for a new audience.

In April 2016, Zach released an album called Keep on Movin’ under the name Zach Deputy & the Hashtags. “Keep on Movin’ is a turn-around point in my career. All I expected was a jam session, with maybe a cool take or two, but to my astonishment in only two afternoons at the boat house, we produced an entire record and inspired the birth of a band.”

Bumpin’ Uglies was formed by lead singer/guitarist/song-writer Brandon Hardesty in 2008, when he set out to create a sound and an approach that was unique and immediately identifiable. It’s the same thing every artist says that they want when they form their band, but Bumpin’ Uglies are the rare act that does stand out in every way, making them utterly memorable to everyone the come across. They incorporate many styles into their music, with a major emphasis on ska, reggae and punk. But they don’t really care what bucket you want to put them in, either you love ‘em or you don’t—it’s your choice to join the party or sit outside instead; and It’s always more fun in the party.

With two full-length LP’s, a live show LP and two EP’s under their belt, Bumpin’ Uglies prolific studio work is the product of continuous song writing and a desire to keep putting out fresh material for their ever-growing fan base. They achieved national recognition with the release of their 2011 LP “Free Candy”, and they have continued to gain momentum with each subsequent release, including “Load in-Load Out” (live show LP), Ninjah Reggae Assassins (LP released in 2013 which reached #1 on iTunes Reggae chart), and EP’s “Freak Out Hell Bus” and “Sublime with No One”, both released in 2015.

Bumpin’ Uglies match their output in the studio with a road-warrior approach to touring that makes it seem as though they rarely come off the road. To date, they have completed 8 national tours, and dozens of regional tours. They have toured as direct support for Ballyhoo! and co-headlined a tour with Bastard Suns, moving effortlessly between punk and reggae crowds who flock to Bumpin’ Uglies in equal measures. Their touring dossier is topped off with some major festival experience, including California Roots in 2014, the Rombello Cruise in 2013 and Warped Tour in 2012.

Bumpin’ Uglies have proven every existing maxim about hard work paying off in the last several years. Their DIY ethic coupled with their grassroots approach for building a major national fan base makes them the epitome of punk rock, but that description sorely sells their music short. Bold, a bit brash perhaps at times, but Bumpin’ Uglies name, their songs and their work ethic get a definite point across: they make music their way, enjoying a freedom that is easy to aspire to, but most difficult to achieve together with success. In this day and age of political correctness and people growing more uptight and offended by the minute, it doesn’t take long to realize that Brandon and Bumpin’ Uglies “Eff you/can do” attitude makes them stand separate and apart as a band. And their fans love them for it.

Midwest Hype’s “The Time” is out right now.