Dumela Project

Dumela Project is a Jazzy Rock band committed to inspiring individuals through recorded and live music.  Formed in Kalamzoo, Michigan in 2012, the 5 member group is hard at work expanding their catalog and promoting their brand.  

Dumela Project, meaning, “I affirm you, I believe in you, and I see great potential in you” focuses around the idea of “positive living”.  Music is a way to celebrate, express oneself, and to create community with other people, and this is precisely what Dumela Project is promoting.  The name was inspired by a Western Michigan University professor that three of the five members had in school.  This professor stands by the idea of building community with others through positive communication and respect.  The name “Dumela Project” symbolizes this positivity and friendship in all of our members, while maintaining that this is a group effort, made possible through commitment, and the drive to create music.  
Mike Fish (Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocals), Chris Fish (Electric Guitar/Vocals), Miles Fish (Drums), Austin Peters (Saxophone), and Jake Wilkins (Bass Guitar) form the current lineup of the band, but in the short three years as an active band in Kalamazoo, the lineup hasn’t always been the same.  Dumela Project started in 2004 with solo acoustic guitarist/singer-songwriter Mike Fish, but was not named at this point.  Gradually, instruments were added with drummer Miles Fish and bass guitarist Aaron Beck in 2010. The five piece filled out in the summer of 2013 with the additions of electric guitarist Chris Fish and saxophonist Lasse Grunewald. An additional member, Austin Peters, joined the band in 2014. In the fall of 2014 bass guitarist/background vocalist Aaron Beck withdrew from the band.  Jake Wilkins is filling in as the bass guitarist until further notice.  Lasse Grunewald is involved with many musical endeavors, and plays with Dumela Project on a show to show basis.  The three Fish brothers are Kalamazoo natives, while Jake Wilkins is from the east side of Michigan, and Austin Peters from Northern Michigan.  Lasse Grunewald is from Germany.    
The band’s base material was originally created by Mike Fish during his time as a solo artist in Kalamazoo.  When other members began to join, the songs evolved to Mike’s ideas with everybody adding their own personality. Various sections to some tunes may have been altered based on group brainstorming from the band.  Up until now, various song ideas have been introduced to the band, and have been expanded upon, but nothing that is recorded yet.  Currently, Dumela Project is continuing to produce new material created as a band.
The first studio effort from the boys is in the final stages, and very near completion.  All 5 tracks are self-produced by the band.  It will be available before February 2015.    
Dumela Project is committed to being inspired and inspiring people through music and entertainment, and taking on any challenge that comes our way.  We are in it for the music.