Sexy, ambient dance grooves move under layers of synthesizers, keyboards and guitars. Hauntingly catchy vocal melodies float provocatively over the music. Merging the acoustic and the electric, mixing soulful chords with funky beats; The West Exit is a sultry blend of pop, R&B, and electronic music.
The West Exit began in the spring of 2003 as the studio project of Kevin Jenkins, a vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist residing in Seattle, Washington. His previous musical affiliations include the bands Greg, Dim at Asia, Otis P & the Jivefunk, La Push, and Emblematic.
The West Exit’s first album, Nocturne, was released in February 2004. In addition to steady local and online sales, the album has received extensive podcast exposure. The West Exit’s music has also appeared in independent films and on several commercial websites and promotional media.
In the spring of 2004, a group was formed to take the music to the stage. Jenkins recruited his perpetual band mate Timothy Harper along with Nocturne contributors Shane Smith and Dave Billin for the task. Harper, a drummer and percussionist, had worked with Jenkins in live bands and studio projects since 1995. Smith provided his bass guitar talents to the album as well as the live band. Billin lent his sound design and engineering skills to the studio sessions and added his keyboard and vocal abilities to the stage show.
After a year and a half of performing in Northwest clubs and bars, Jenkins put the live show on hiatus and headed back into the studio to begin work on a new album. He retained the services of bassist Shane Smith for the recording sessions and in November 2006, The West Exit’s second album, Modern Interiors, was completed. It became available for download in early 2007.
Jenkins and Smith reunited in the fall of 2008 to record The West Exit’s third album, Extra Century Perception. Seattle guitarist RL Heyer lent his talents to the album as well. The new record continues in their vein of smooth, soulful electro-pop. But the stylistic elements have become more magnified and mature, with bigger beats, soaring melodies, thick harmonies, and more addictive hooks that will get your body moving. Extra Century Perception was released in November 2009.
I love that Magnatune says "Nocturne is the #4 all-time best-selling album of all-time." It doesn't add "on Magnatune" Heh. Still, that's _amazing._ I certainly feel that Nocturne is worthy of such good fortune (or smart promotion, or some combination thereof). Bravo and well done! Plus it's kinda nice to have my personal musical tastes validated like this.....
I know in your heart the impact of Karate Kid runs deep. I can hear the clear, mournful melodic influences of Peter Cetera. I'll be your knight in shining armor.
