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Soft Reeds

Though their debut album would like to suggest otherwise, Soft Reeds really aren’t bastards. Born of a twelve-year labor of heartache and love, Soft Reeds is the brainchild of Ben Grimes (formerly of Astralwerks' The Golden Republic), a Chicago native whose roots grip firmly in the ’77 Berlin sounds of Brian Eno, David Bowie and Iggy Pop, while embracing the ethos and attack of early American and English indie rock. Originally started as Grimes' post-TGR solo project, Soft Reeds became a full band in late 2009. They released the critically acclaimed 'Soft Reeds are Bastards' the following year, appearing on many 'Best of 2010' lists in the process. The band features a diverse group of players, anchored by the rhythm section of drummer Josh Wiedenfeld, an Austin, TX native who also moonlights as a producer and arranger, and bassist Beckie Trost, a fellow Chicagoan and childhood friend of Grimes. Filling out their sound on guitar, saxophone, keys and whatever else needs playing is Kansas City native John Mitchell. Together, they fashion a wall of sound that resonates behind Grimes’ signature vocals, which are often compared to the likes of Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music) and David Bowie, yet manage to stand uniquely apart. Soft Reeds continue to reap the benefits of Kansas City’s tight-knit music community, while building an impressive national and international reputation following high-profile appearances at SXSW and CMJ, buzzworthy headlining shows in Brooklyn and NYC, and several major television placements. With the help of a great label, The Record Machine, and with a new album in the works for 2012, they continue to forge ahead with their unique indie/art/pop sound, relying on their strength of collaboration, a unique sonic vision, and a shared interest in the roots of art and popular music to find new and beautiful ways to bring you aural delight.