The Muso Project

“The Muso Project performed as part of the Live from City Hall concert series. They’re a great live act,” says Tanner. “[This song] grabs you right away with a classic Motown rhythm and then layers some great R&B-flavoured vocals and keys on top.” - The Toronto Star

"In addition to being a staple of their hometown music scene, the pair has also successfully licensed tracks from Dare Yourself for television use. One listen to their track “Miss Melody” or the funky, bass-driven “Dare Yourself” and you’ll quickly realize that the attention and acclaim are indeed warranted." - Canadian Music

The Muso Project kicks off Toronto's great initiative for local musicians to have a place to build a community and culture for like minded artists at The Rotunda of City Hall. - Toronto: CityTV

"Husband-and-wife-fronted folk-pop outfit the Young Novelists and funky fusionists the Muso Project were the first two acts to grace the new City Hall stage on Thursday. " - The Toronto Star

"On opening night, around 200 people were in attendance, including Mayor John Tory and city councillors to hear rock-roots artists the Young Novelists and R&B/soul collective the Muso Project. Each group played a nearly one-hour set and attendees could purchase wine or beer from a licensed bar." - NOW Magazine

"The first performance will be held at the Rotunda at City Hall Thursday January 7th, from 5-7PM and feature folk-roots band The Young Novelists and R&B and soul collective The Muso Project. Mayor John Tory will be in attendance." - Indie88

"Thursday’s launch also includes a performance from The Muso Project, a live sound band known for playing jazz, funk, R&B and soul hits in Toronto since 2008." - The Metro

"Mayor John Tory was joined in the City Hall Rotunda by Kevin Barnes, executive of sponsor TD Bank Group to help launch the new Live from City Hall music series. The launch event featured performances by Toronto groups The Young Novelists and The Muso Project." - The Bulletin

The Muso Project was a featured musical artist for On The Mic with Rudy Blair to talk about their journey as a band, and their running for the International Song Of The Year award for The John Lennon Sogwriting Competition. - Rogers TV/680 News

New Canadian sitcom "Schitt's Creek", starring Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and Dan Levy, coming to CBC in Jan 2015
featuring music produced by Mike Rocha with "Girl Meets Bear" and
"The Muso Project" - Mike Rocha

Grand Prize Winner: Category - RnB - JLSC (The John Lennon Songwriting Competition)

By: Jenna Melanson

Album – Dare Yourself
Release Date – April 30, 2014
Genre – R&B/ Soul/ Funk
Label – Independant

The Muso Project was originally started as a duo by Rachenne Regozo (Vocals) and Edward Monzon (Vocals/Guitar). They had began performing acoustic sets in and around Toronto and quickly became noticed for their talents.

Since then, they have been joined by some incredible R&B, soul, funk and jazz musicians, who have collaborated to develop the unique sound we hear today. The band currently includes Charles Collymore (Bass), Ben Healey (Drums), Alex Tikhonov (Sax), Kevin Cato (Sax), and Kierscey Rand (Keyboards).

The band previously released their EP, “Let’s Go Back” in 2012, which included five of their crowd favourites. Now they are excited for the release of their first full-length album, “Dare Yourself” which is expected to be released by the end of the April, 2014.

I have been given the opportunity to review an advance copy of the album, and now you are getting an exclusive first look at this amazing album. The second song on the album is the title track, “Dare Yourself” and also first single, which is the song that had me so excited to review the album. The sound is so unique and you can hear that the band is just having a blast. The lyrics are beyond catchy, and you are going to find yourself singing along with them in no time.

My favourite on the album is the sixth song, “Miss Melody” which I find has a similar to sound to “Dare Yourself”, which the upbeat, catchy sound that I find very infectious. With lyrics such as, “Fix me up a catchy tune, that keeps me smiling when the grey skies are clearing”. I would highly recommend this song to anyone. I think it could appeal to fans of almost any genre.

The final song I want to mention is the eighth song, “Better Than You” which has a strong funk tone, that the band does perfectly. Rachenne and Edward’s voices meld together in an absolutely flawless ways.

Now, I don’t want you to think I only enjoyed the upbeat songs, cause that is not the case. There are some great slower songs on the album as well, such as “Thousand Times” which has a strong R&B feel to it, and “In My Dreams” which is a duet with Rachenne and Edward.
All in all, I would say that this album is a complete work of art. Each song gives off a bit different vibe and it perfectly pulls together a mix of genres, which not all bands can pull off. Be sure to check out “The Muso Project”, you won’t regret it.

Rating: 4.5/5

Connect with The Muso Project:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusoproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/themusoproject - Canadian Beats

What do you get when you take peace, love, and music; shake them up in groovey 4/4 time, and serve cool-as-ice? The Muso Project, of course! Let’s get the collective “aww’s” out of the way: The Muso Project was founded by the soon-to-be-married Toronto couple Rachenne Regozo and Edward Monzon. They spent two years as an acoustic-soul duo, making audiences swoon with their heartfelt originals and sing-along covers. They’ve since joined forces with some mega-talented R&B, soul, funk and jazz musicians: Charles Collymore (bass), Ben Healey (drums), Alex Tikhonov (sax) Kevin Cato (sax), and Rachenne’s funk-soul-brother, Kierscey Rand (keyboards). With the full band, they’ve got all the makings for slick Stevie Wonder-esque grooves that’ll get your body movin’.



The Muso Project have been recognized for their incredible vocal harmonies, funky solos and wildly entertaining covers and mash-ups. They’ve set stages ablaze at Lee’s Palace, El Mocambo and Sneaky Dee’s, and performed at large-scale events like TD Jazz Fest, Big on Bloor, and Toronto Wine and Spirit Fest and they have been selected to perform at Canadian Music Week ‘14.

They’ve got more big things coming up in the next few weeks! Firstly, their crowd-funded, highly-anticipated full length album, Dare Yourself is set for release on April 30th. Then, they will blow the lid off the Rivoli on May 1st for their CD release party!

Members of The Muso Project gave us the down-low on their music, writing, and advice for how to kill it on stage:

How would you describe your music?
RACHENNE: Our music is really soulful and smooth… with the right amount of funk. It’s the type of music that gets you bobbing your head, and you find yourself singing it the next day. Since our songs range from booty shakers to chilled-out vibes, we like to think we play feel-good music that anyone can enjoy.

What song would you like SDTC readers to hear, and why?
EDWARD: “Dare Yourself” is the track to hear since it will keep you wanting more. Not only is it a fun and catchy tune, but I originally wrote it to embody an important life philosophy of mine: dare yourself to do things outside your comfort zone. This album is a prime example. We never thought we’d have a full album, but with lots of hard work from our talented producers and band, along with support from our friends, family, and fans, we pushed our limits, and our dream came true.



What do you love most about living in Toronto?
BEN: Toronto is great for the diversity. The fact that there are so many different cultures and new things to immerse yourself in is truly amazing.

What inspires you to write?
CHARLES: What inspires me is the chance to express my thoughts, feelings and opinions through my instrument. It’s also an opportunity to inspire, create positive energy, and alleviate stress for those who choose to listen and enjoy it.
RACHENNE: For me, it mostly comes from very emotional experiences. I used to write only when I was frustrated or upset since those were times I’d need an outlet to express myself. Nowadays I find inspiration more from positive aspects of my life, including the creativity of my bandmates and hearing other artists that influence me.

If you could listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
RACHENNE: Amy Winehouse – Frank (deluxe album if possible!)
EDWARD: John Mayer – Continuum
CHARLES: Jamiroquai – Return of the Space Cowboy
KIERSCEY: Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
BEN: Led Zeppelin – IV…maybe?

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
RACHENNE: Before any gig, we always have a group huddle on stage right before we play. Ed usually gives a pep talk to help us relax and get into the right mindset. A shot of tequila isn’t a regular ritual, but it doesn’t hurt every once in a while!
EDWARD: Not even the band knows this, but I go to the bathroom just before we hit the stage to actually look at myself in the mirror dead in the eye to psyche myself up. I picture myself in the moment and tell myself to kill it on stage. After playing so many gigs, you find that confidence is the key. You have to be honest with yourself and exude the fact that you love your craft, no matter what happens.

Keep up with The Muso Project on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! - Indie Radar

The Muso Project's First year participating in the annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival - TD Toronto Jazz Festival

I was on my way to a friend’s wedding that afternoon but I had to stop by at the Harbourfront Centre first where they held the Mabuhay Festival this year. I wanted to catch up with The Muso Project who was performing at the side stage. I shot this duo back in 2009 and I haven’t had the chance to come out to their live performances since then.

Check them out, visit their social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusoproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/themusoproject
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/themusoproject

Currently they’re trying to raise funds to produce, manufacture, and distribute their first full length album via Indiegogo. I encourage you to support them if you can, spread the musolove.

http://igg.me/at/musolove2013 - Raymond Santos

If there was ever a show The Muso Project ever wanted you to be at, it would be this show!!

Our long awaited EP, "Let's Go Back" is finally ready to make it's debut and we want to celebrate this momentus occasion with YOU :)
come out for an amazing night of live music, food/drinks, and dancing up a storm! it'll be a night you won't wanna miss!

$10 cover (includes free EP!)
19+ event, valid photo ID required

special guests:

Adam Martin
(http://www.adammartin.co/)

Arlene Pacualn
(http://www.arlenepaculan.com/)

Down By Riverside
(http://www.myspace.com/downbyriverside)

DJ Silver
(http://djsilversmixtapes.blogspot.ca/)

Also catch all the updates here:
http://www.youtube.com/themusoproject
http://www.twitter.com/themusoproject
http://www.themusoproject.com/

And if you want a taste of the EP:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pretty-little-thing/id515531660?i=515532547&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 - BlogTo

The Muso Project was part of a great line-up of featured local music on "InSauga Radio", a station dedicated to promote local artists. They featured The Muso Project's original fan favourite "Sexy Silhouette". - In Sauga Radio

AND HERE WE GO PEOPLE!!

I know its been a loooong time coming, but The Muso Project is at the end of finishing their new EP, and is now looking to take their new music to the next level by blazing up the stages in Toronto! And they're starting with, The El Mocambo!

The Muso Project wil be sharing the stage with local talents:

Adam Martin

http://www.adammartin.co/
http://www.youtube.com/user/armartinmusic/featured


Leela & The Agrestics

http://www.leelaandtheagrestics.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/LeelaAndTheAgrestics/videos
http://www.facebook.com/LeelaAndTheAgrestics

with 2012 Canadian Music Week DJ:

DJ RyFi

http://onesheet.com/DJRyFi/
http://www.mixcrate.com/JRyDee
http://www.facebook.com/DJRyFi

This night will feature The Muso Project's lead off single/ music video, "PRETTY LITTLE THING", which will be on their upcoming EP that was produced by the very talented Mike Rocha and the amazing Kierscey Rand.

So to all those people that came out to show their love and support after all these years, come on out!! And help us start off this year of music with a bang!!...and to those of you that haven't been able to catch us live, this would be the one to catch. I swear, you won't be disappointed :)

Where? El Mocambo

What for? The Muso Project's kick ass SINGLE RELEASE PARTY!!

When? Friday, April 13th, 2012

Doors? 8pm

Cover? $7 @ the door, $5 guest list
*please contact pillarandpost@gmail.com for guest list inquiries*

and also, as a thank you to all those that have been supporting us, and to future supporters as well, the first 50 confirmations for attendance of the show (through guest list) will receive a Free Digital Download card of our single "Pretty Little Thing"

SO COME ON OUT FOR A NIGHT OF FUN, WITH GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT MUSIC. DONT BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR LOCAL TALENT AND SPREAD THE GOOD VIBES!! SEE YOU SOON!!

http://www.youtube.com/themusoproject
www.themusoproject.com
https://twitter.com/#!/themusoprojec - BlogTo

We had an amazing turn out, performances, and overall CD release PARTY on Friday Sept 3 at The Piston. It was off the hook!
For those of you who made it out, you know what we're talkin' about!


Thanks for celebrating with us! :D


And a special thank you to our friends/special guest performers:
- Bravina J
- Glass Tambourine
- Dashworks
- Joel Martin & Selyne Maia
- The Muso Project

One Love

- THE MACHAMS