King Washington

Unique in today’s music world…classic songwriting…soulful vocals…the musical journey continues…intelligent rock done to perfection…with something for everybody…and timeless appeal…to fans across four decades….nothing short of hypnotic…with far more to offer than their musical ancestors…they will make you feel emotions you weren’t sure you could feel…

But don’t let the critics tell you why King Washington is your new favorite band – hear it for yourself!

It won’t be hard. Why? Because they can and will play any genre if it makes for a great sound: Rock N’ Roll, Folk, the Blues, all of the “Alts-,” even Pop when they need to. In fact, the main goal of King Washington (see also: complete takeover of music) is to never to settle into a particular genre, to instead focus on making GREAT music.

As the band will readily admit, if you’re looking for three cords, a pop hook and the club dance-floor you will not find them with King Washington. But if you are looking for a musical experience that will melt your face, please your ears and squeeze you heart all at once, look no further…

Their approach is actually quite simple -- by taking the harmonic and compositional traditions of the 60s and 70s and blending them with the modern sonic environment and some serious musicianship, their sound comes together in way that’s as unique as it is familiar. Depending on the song you might hear hints of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Talking Heads, CSNY, Radiohead, Bowie, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Grizzly Bear, Dr. Dog or Steely Dan. Hints only, because you will quickly learn that the King Washington experience is unlike any other.

Each member of the band is a lifelong multi-instrumentalist and accomplished vocalist, with a unique background that makes the blending of styles and genres seem so effortless. Front man Tyson Kelly, in addition to his songwriting and guitar talents, has been a classical pianist since age 14; he also plays the harmonica, ukulele and surprises himself with his percussion skills. Lead guitarist George Krikes started even younger, singing as soon as he could talk and learning the piano at age 4, the guitar since he was 12, and in the meanwhile adding drums, bass, and most recently cello to the repertoire to go with his degree from USC Thorton in Studio and Jazz Guitar. Last but certainly not least, Billy Lee took the long way around to his bass, starting as a child singing harmonies for his sister and later adding tuba, acapella talents and advanced choral work to his skills before being approached with the world’s best ultimatum – learn the bass and your vocal talents can come along as the bassist for King Washington! Locking himself away to do just that, six and a half months later he emerged with the catalogue locked in, and the band has never looked back.

It’s that complete, decades long devotion to music that makes them the rare band equally comfortable in the studio and on the road -- they love making phenomenal sounds whatever the environment. The studio really allows them to craft each track to perfection; but their songs truly come to life with the energy of the crowds; each show is a new experience!

So head to their next gig or pick up their latest album and join the growing crowds of…everyone. King Washington is proud that you’ll find 16 year old budding musicians and 80s hair metal fans getting down next to jazz cats, classic rock enthusiasts, teenagers and baby boomers alike. Everyone’s listening for the same reason – the music.

Catch them live but catch them now, because your next chance might just be from the upper deck of a stadium. Recently selected to play a Grammy showcase at the Roxy and voted one of the top 10 live bands in LA by LA Weekly, they’re going places and just can’t stop. Previously opening for Michael McDonald and Ambrosia, as well as the Artic Monkeys, they are proud to announce that they will join Collective Soul for 17 dates in the Fall and Winter 2015!

Speaking about the band and their mentality, George puts it well: “Our songs I think...We strive to create music that reaches the depths of your soul without you giving it permission. I think we’re on our way to being our best, but still work to be done. The live show really comes across well, I think that’s where people get it. The three of us up front can sing and play independently so there can be a lot of parts happening at once without needing a lot of people. I think it’s a rare thing to hear a band put out that much music and sound without using pre-recorded material.”

So to all of you who like music with substance, soul and style all in one place – welcome, you’ve just arrived home.