The Record Company, a bluesy rock and roll trio from L.A. is rocking a classic sound for the present day and by the looks of it this band is having a blast playing music. Performing at the Crystal Bay Casino on Feb. 28, the band has a new album out.
Jaco Blickenstaff
Chris Vos, vocalist for the group, plays guitar, lap steel, pedal steel and harmonica. He moved to L.A. to play music full time and met band members, bassist Alex Stiff, who also plays guitar and drummer, and Marc Cazorla who plays piano. All the men lend vocals to their gritty, raw sound. The group formed in 2011 and has been on a tear ever since.
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“It’s a busy world, they don’t have to be at our show, so we
put on the best performance possible.
– Chris Vos
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“When we formed the band we didn’t expect to be signed to a label we just wanted to make music. It was a nice surprise. We love playing live,” says Vos. The band writes original music, and Vos said about the band “that first and foremost is finding a sound that reflects who you are. It’s been great creating a loving sound, and playing with two fellow musicians I had a connection with musically creatively and personally.”
Vos’ integrity for his music and the audience he plays to is evident when we spoke. With a deep respect for his audience Vos explains, “We don’t lie to them. It’s a busy world, they don’t have to be at our show, so we put on the best performance possible.”
The Record Company’s songs have been featured in commercials for both Miller Lite and Coors Lite, and numerous television shows such as “CSI,” “Elementary,” “Orphan Black” and Showtime’s “Shameless,” while their tune “Feels So Good” was featured in the theatrical trailer for “Last Vegas” with Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas and Morgan Freeman.
Vos explains that the band collaborates on their music, they write their music together and run their business together, “We do everything as a team. We are three guys with one goal. Being focused as a musician is about believing in what you are doing. It makes everything a lot easier. It is important to stay in the moment you’re in. It’s good to have goals and stay on the path, but being true to who you are and your music and being honest with your music is what it we’re about.”
It’s this authenticity and tenacity that is driving The Record Company’s success.
“We write songs that people respond to and are doing what we love,” explains Vos. “It has taken time and repeated failures, which teaches you what you are made of. Failure and time and energy and being honest equals the real you.”
As someone who is passionate about music, Vos says that he seeks out any voice or instrument that comes from a deeper place.
“I love music that has something to say, that bleeds from the center of the being,” he says. His love of artists new and old inspires Vos. He says that he loves when a person needs to be playing and that’s what moves him.
Their new album “Give it Back to You,” released on the Concord Records label, was recorded by the band in their living room where they mixed the album themselves in what Vos says was an organic experience. Full of blues and good old rock ‘n’ roll, it’s a fun listen. A recent Rolling Stone Magazine review gave a nod to their new album.
What will The Record Company bring to Tahoe? “Well first I’ll say, hello, we are The Record Company. We play rock ‘n’ roll. Come play with us. Come down and have a good time,” Vos responds.
Feb. 28 | 9 p.m. | $30 | $50 booth
Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.
The Record Company will be performing with Galactic at Crystal Bay Casino followed by an after party with Earphunk. For tickets, visit crystalbaycasino.com.
