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Many independent artists make the claim that their music is truly universal in appeal, but veteran rock soul singer/songwriter Jeff Brodnax has the frequent flier miles to back it up. Since venturing into solo territory after spending the 90s in the funk/rock groups 24-7 Spyz and Egypt, the Norfolk raised, NYC based multi-talented artist has performed in New York, Prague, Japan and Korea—and recorded his dynamic and heartfelt new album Forcing Me To Bend in Paris at ArtsSonor Studios, in part with producer and mixer Bob Ebeling, whose array of all-star credits include Rufus Wainwright, Eminem, Rob Tyner and Kid Rock.

The multi-faceted collection is the long awaited follow-up to his 2002 debut Acoustic EP, which has sold a cumulative total of over 10,000 units—many from his hundreds of street and subway performances in New York, Paris and Korea. So while Brodnax’s diverse resume boasts appearances at hot Big Apple clubs like Joe’s Pub and Rockwood Music Hall and The Guru Club in Prague, his burgeoning career has been forged as an old fashioned street musician (which Brits traditionally call “busking”).

Most days, he hits the streets (and below the streets) from his drive to survive as a musician, but on occasion, it’s by formal invitation. A few years ago, a big corporation in Korea was eager to promote the country’s new subway system and invited various NY musicians (including Brodnax) to perform onstage in their subway as part of a major production. He originally met Ebeling “down under” in New York, and it was while playing there one day with trains and people passing by that he was inspired to write the passionate and inspirational acoustic song “Forcing Me To Bend” that became the album’s title track and guiding thematic thrust.

While enduring powerful emotional changes over the years, Brodnax’s musical sensibilities have shifted significantly over the years. As a singer with the NYC based 24-7 Spyz, he sang everything from funk and rock to old school soul, reggae and ska. As one of the key songwriters with the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. based Egypt later in the 90s, it was all about the funk rock. At the heart of his solo songs are compelling lyrics and acoustic soul rock melodies and passionate harmonies which have captivated listeners all over the world. Many compare the vibe of his lyrics to those of the late Jeff Buckley and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, while musically, Brodnax—whose rich, nuanced dreamy vocals flow over mellow funky rhythms--is influenced by a fascinating combination of legendary artists: Nina Simone, Sly Stone, hardcore punk rockers Bad Brains, The Cocteau Twins, the indie rock trio Blonde Redhead and Led Zeppelin.

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