The pairing of old-school Brisbane hip hop alumni, producer-turntablist Geoff 'Jigzaw' Boardman aka Blunted Stylus, and American-born, Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Asabi Goodman, The Soulicitors style of juicy, vintage, funk-soul grooves aren't shy mingling with uptempo vibes for a saucy, delicious finish.
'Rhythm's Got Soul' is the debut collaboration between the two, styled as Blunted Stylus feat. Asabi Goodman, that was released in May that also features the B-side cut 'Rhythm's Hot'. Moving forward, the duo will be using The Soulicitors title as their brand.The combined impact of supreme vocals and powerhouse production, 'Rhythm's Got Soul' brings authority and intrigue to the dance floor and has 'groove and style' reminiscent of the back-to-back, wall-to-wall packed dance floors of the fever-pitched disco era, steady spinning in at 115 BPM.
The pair bring original songs and compositions realised with collaborative efforts of the local creative community. The recordings and sessions audio from K-Rasta Studio in Brisbane were tracked, (sometimes sampled), arranged and mixed at the Hangmad Production House by Geoff, resulting in a fresh, new, emerging sound.
Currently on tour in the Broadway production 'Chicago: The Musical' playing Matron 'Mama' Morton, previously Asabi has toured Australia and the US in the Broadway musical 'Hairspray', and appeared in the hit Baz Luhrmann film 'Elvis'. In Brisbane, Asabi continues to perform with the bands First Summer, Golden Sound, Kerbside Collection, The Soul Men, and others.
Who is The Soulicitors... Our writing credits sound like a legal firm; Boardman & Goodman Solicitors!
We sound like... A funky good time, reminiscent of the back-to-back, wall-to-wall packed dance floors of the disco era.
Our first gig was... At Can You Keep A Secret? in Woolloongabba (Brisbane) for the single launch.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name Soulicitors sort of stumbled out of conversation and we looked it up to see if it was in use. It wasn't and we decided to go with it.
In the studio we usually... Have a great time filled with laughter, the pondering of world events, and music making.
If we could tour with anyone... A: Sade, Lauryn Hill, or Thundercat. G: Each other would be nice. To support any of the many talented Australian funk-soul artists would be the go.
Social media is... A: A dirty job, but someone's got to do it.
My favourite app at the moment is... A: Skip-Bo. I play it all the time.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... A: It's a LONG story!
Life on the road can be... A: Lonely, but exciting.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... A: Kittens!
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... A: Getting kidnapped on a bus in Dubai. It was scary.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... A: Jimmy Fallon; it's my dream to perform on his show one day. G: Nile Rogers – we're into what he's about, chances are you are too: Chic, Daft Punk, Diana Ross, Madonna, David Bowie, B52s, INXS, Duran Duran, Sugarhill Gang, Sister Sledge; the list goes on. Aah freak out!
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? A: Technically, I'm already living abroad in Brisbane, but if I had to choose another city, it'd be London. I just love the culture there. G: Geneva, Switzerland. They never have wars, a country with the oldest policy of 'neutral military', the elites' safe-haven, money's good, tax isn't stupendous, I'd be singing 'Smoke On The Water' with Funky Claude, then head to a jazz festival.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... A: Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu, Shonda Rhimes.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? A: Fried chicken and buttermilk waffles. G: One-pan big breakfast, any time of day – includes seared cucumber covered with burnt-edge cheese, cross sectioned capsicum used for egg rings (red, green, or yellow), with bottomless coffee (or your brew of choice).
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? A: I LOVE pets; especially cats. G: Pets are rad, cats are way-cool pets.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... A: Paul John Single Malt Whiskey. G: Caramel Afghans from the Frosted Kitchen.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... A: April in Melbourne. G: High school.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? A: Mopping.
Do you have any phobias... A: Arachnophobia – I literally become petrified.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? A: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' as a guest judge.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? A: I'd target my best friend, Carmel Rodrigues, and tell her that I secretly auditioned for and got a role in the upcoming musical, 'Beetlejuice'.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? A: Funny Funny in Brisbane CBD.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? A: Hermione Granger, because like me, she's super nerdy. G: John Nash (Beautiful Minds). I get it!
Last show you binge-watched? A: 'The Rookie' – it was a guilty pleasure watch. G: All music documentaries. Last? Otis Redding.
Blunted Stylus DJs monthly with the collective Wax On Brisbane the first Sunday of every month (except this Father's Day 1 Sept); Wax On is a selection of Brisbane's finest DJs and record collectors who come together to share their wares with each other, and everyone else. Blunted Stylus also DJs at Can You Keep A Secret (Brisbane) 9 September.
Asabi Goodman is currently starring in Chicago: The Musical which is about to open a September season in Canberra. Geoff also services turntables as well as doing custom designs; check out this cool video.
