Thursday, July 1, 2010

NBS Nuttin' But Stringz features in The Empowerment Initiative Online Newsletter - Publication of The Umoja Network

Nuttin' But Stringz is capturing the hearts of America with their brand of Hip Hop Classical Music
     By Abari Sankofa

                                   Nuttin' But Stringz
      Brothers Tourie and Damien Escobar are two dynamic young violinists who have captivated the America's music scene. Together, they are Nuttin’ But Stringz (NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is an unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music.
     NBS has been playing the violin for over 15 years and at the tender ages of 7 and 8 they knew what inspired them. They grew up in a rough area of Jamaica, Queens; where it wasn’t safe to walk the streets especially if you have a violin in your hands.  
     At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Juilliard School of Music in New York City. They played in New York City's subways for pocket change. They raked in over $300 each in 2 hours, and did it 3 times a week.
     In 2005, they entered a local talent contest at the legendary Apollo Theatre and won! As a result of the media attention surrounding the event, they have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Today Show with Katie Couric and have even been featured in major motion Pictures such as STEP UP. They have performed on show bills with legendary artists such as Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle,Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers and Yolonda Adams. They have even been invited to perform for the President Barack Obama at the White House.


     NBS debut CD, Struggle from the Subway to the Charts, was released through KOCH Entertainment in October 2006 on NBS Entertainment Inc./KOCH Entertainment. This spectacular CD is blended with an array of classical and hip hop music. Also, the CD focuses on their life's experiences and the best songs are:ThunderStruggle, Egyptian In The NightNu Day, andDance With My Father.  
     In 2009, NBS made an appearance on America's Got Talent, and made to the top three. Since that time, they have been touring the country and worldwide.  

    TEION interviewed Damien and Tourie Escobar of NBS via email about their experience on America's Got Talent; keeping music programs alive in schools; their influence on Black children; and favorite artists.  
   TEION: Did you both have the idea -- after excelling but failing to capture the top spot on America's Got Talent -- that your career will take off? What other things (besides the recordings and the "DWTS" appearance)  have happened for you since AGT?
   DAMIEN: We were disappointed, but it was natural, since were in the top three, and American voted, but we did not win. We knew there would be more and bigger opportunities ahead, we just had to keep the faith and move on.
   Shortly, after AGT, we hired a new manager, Nadia Over, who helped us scored some very big and high profile where we could perform before a larger audience. ABC's Dancing with the Starsis the most watched live TV show, and we made TV history, because Nuttin' But Stringz is the first instrumental in the 10 year history of the program to perform live on the popular show. Even Chelsie Hightower, and several dance contestant like Kate Gosselin thought were sensational.
   TEION: How important it is for county and urban school boards across the country to keep arts and music programs in elementary, junior high and high schools (especially in predominately Black schools) alive?

   TOURIE: It's critical. I was the first [of the two of us] to pick up a violin at age 10. We recently performed a benefit concert to keep the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music from closing. They helped youth and inspired our musicians of the future. We were inspired by their work and have become their spokesman. We don't have $100,000, but we hope to raise it for the music school.
   TEION: What influence have you made on Black children (6-17) who are in music programs by being violinists? How many of them want to become violinists?
   DAMIEN: Everywhere we go, parents are coming up to us and saying how much NBS has influenced their son or daughter in music.
   TOURIE: I look forward to the day when the guitar will be replaced by the violin. Kids of all ages from 5- 15 are picking a violin and basketball and playing both, and they don't get called a 'sissy' like I was teased in school for play violin music.
   TEION: Do both have a program that teaches Black children how to play the violin, or teach them about classical or other types of music? (R&B, Jazz, Blues, etc.)
   DAMIEN: Right now we are too busy on the road performing in various places, and this most recent assignment to keep Opus 118 Harlem School of Music open will surely keep us busy. They're teaching black children, Hispanic and Asian children how to play the violin, and all are learning about classical music, along with the R&B, Jazz, Blues and Hip-Hop music they hear on the radio.
   TEION: What famous musical artists (for example:NajeePamela Williams, MaxwellMary Mary, Mary J. BligeTake 6, etc.) would you like record a CD or perform live? Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
   TOURIE: We would love to work with Justin Timberland,JAY-Z, Stevie Wonder or any other great artists. When we were on MTV Unplugged last month, it was so cool to collaborate and play violin live for Trey Sonz.