Kuba Oms
Jeff Scotney
Dallas Budd
Thomas Shields
Jason Cook
"How Much Time"
Tracklisting
1. Never Meant To Hurt You
2. Beautiful Uncertainty
3. Every Day That Goes By
4. Comin' Undone
5. In The Mood
6. Piece De Resistance
7. How Much Time
8. Miss You So Bad
9. Ride On
10. This Heaven
11. Brotherman
12. Wonderful
13. Whatever Tomorrow Brings
14. Wherever You Are
15. This Heaven Feat. dbClifford (Velvet Mix)
Dylan, Marley, Marvin, Kahlil Gibran, Paolo Coelho, Tolkien, Narnia, Otis, Bill Withers, Jamiroquai, Saabath, The Doors, The Graduate, HoBO Magazine, My family, Cobain, Grohl, Eckhart Tolle, Michael Mann, Johnny Depp, U2, Toots, The Police, Thriller, Ben Harper, Prince, Dylan, Neil Young, Zeppelin, The Stones, Hendrix, Dyer, Chopra, The Beatles, Geldof, Pearl Jam, David Gray, Dalai Lama, Bill Mahr, John Stewart, Chris Rock, Letterman, Angelina, Aunty Mina, John Frusciante and his brothers.
The time is now for Kuba Oms, the Canadian singer who mines 70s-era soul, funk and rock n’ roll on his solo debut, How Much Time. As the long-time musical director of the live house jam band Velvet, he has taken a contemporary approach to his own project that could be likened to a cross between Jamiroquai, Paolo Nutini, Jason Mraz, Ben Harper and Al Green.
Born in Victoria to a Scottish mother and Indian father, Kuba is a third generation Canadian. As a kid, his parents held studies every Thursday evening, which ended in huge sing-along jams, with his dad and uncle hosting on acoustic guitars. “This was when I’d come into the room,” he remembers. “I’d sit cross-legged and just listen.”
He started at age 15 by singing covers at school and around bonfires. An accomplished tennis player, he had the option of a scholarship to a U.S. college, but opted for music instead. And so his pursuit began.
To hone his chops, he started a cover band, Souled Out, that became really big in B.C. with renditions of old soul classics from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and Stevie Wonder. “That’s how I really learned how to sing,” says Kuba. “Covering those songs was quite challenging.”
The 15-song collection includes the timeless opener “Never Meant to Hurt You,” a well distanced reflection on his one-time love. The song was recently featured in the film Powder Blue starring Forest Whitaker and Jessica Biel. The album also features the upbeat pop of “Beautiful Uncertainty,” about taking risks and living life again; the soul destined classic “Piece De Resistance,” a ballad about fighting the state of the world with love and truth; the unique reggae-based soul song “Comin’ Undone;” and the velvet mix of the acoustic “This Heaven,” written to honour late great snowboarder Craig Kelly in the film Let It Ride, which won best film and best soundtrack at 2007’s Utah’s X-Dance Film Festival. Kuba has won the National Songwriter Competition and has recently been narrowed down to the top 20 in British Columbia's prestigious Peak Performance Project.
From there, he formed the legendary Velvet, an experimental, vibey, improv unit that crossed into dance/DJ culture. Kuba’s Sunday night residency with the ever-changing line-up of musicians (including then-unknown Nelly Furtado) sold out every week. Velvet released a series of live recordings and 12-inches and became so big that record companies came knocking. But suddenly, Kuba pulled back and disappeared.
He resurfaced, citing “girl problems” for his vanishing act. The experience had armed him with demos for his first solo album. “It’s funny what a little heartache can do. Some pretty good songs can result,” Kuba laughs. Those songs included “Ride On,” “Miss You So Bad”, “Whatever Tomorrow Brings” and “Every Day That Goes By,” songs that were re-recorded for this official solo debut, How Much Time.
“Most of this record was done off the floor,” says Kuba, “just old school stylings---the way they would have done old Stones or Motown. The deal with the guys was if this doesn’t go down in three takes, then the song isn’t making the record.”
So the ones that made the record — all 15, including the remix — are a stellar collection that bridges sounds, styles and eras. How Much Time is, indeed, time well spent.
Thanks for the request Kuba. I enjoyed checking out your music and page. Wishing you much continued success, good health and lot's of happiness. Hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving. Jeff in South Carolina
hello there Kuba Oms.. i'm Shark from Malaysia, I'm a part time musician in here.. so anything you wana share about music with me, just send me a msg k.. so you are a singer right?.. i haven't listen to your music yet.. but i will.. anyway thank for the add..
Hey my Fren wht up? hope all is with you. I just wanted to inform you, that i just uploaded another Hot record, It's very different frm wht your use to hearing frm me, but it's really a hot Record.. It's like a Rock/R&B/Pop song.. I would love to hear wht u think about it, so come over and kindly give me a listen ear, and leave me a comment on wht you think! It's Called "No test Drive" and if you didn't get a chance to listen 2 my other song now's a perfect time to do so. Thanks alot for your time I really appreciate your time.
Thanks for your friendship!!! If you like the music get the full CD "Change is Good" available now @ http://www.jacobtylerlucas.com or click the link below to download your favorite songs on iTunes!
Hi Kuba, thanks for the opportunity to check out your music. Damn! You're good! Your style reminds me of a couple of artists that I absolutely adore -Ben Harper & Jason Mraz- love your vocals. Wishing you all the best and much success on your musical journey...and I hope to see you perform live someday here in New Zealand! Peace & Love Hanna (Wellington, New Zealand)
I just wanted to say that I am happy I could be a part of your Peak showcase last night. Your performance and the crowd's reaction says it all- you are an undeniable talent! I'll support you all the way to the end and I look forward to seeing you on that big stage very soon!
Kuba, do u think 45 mins performing live are enough to satisfy my musical needs? Off course not!! I need more!!Kuba yr show @Cellar for the Peak Performance Project was more than outstanding! It really deserve my vote!
Hey, thank's for the add. I'm Sophie. I'm 24. I live in Tennessee. I really like your music. Your songs are great. I love listening to them. Best of luck with everything. Have a great Friday and a great weekend. Sophie
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