Hustle Souls is bringing its live instruments, brass section, and funk feels to the Key West Theater Feb. 2.
The Asheville, NC group, which debuted its self-titled vinyl, comprises band leader Billy Litz, Justice Mann (vocals/trombone), Kevin Scott (vocals/drums), Reid Parler (vocals/electric guitar), and Jonathon Taylor (vocals/bass guitar).
Litz, a vocalist who plays the keyboard, acoustic guitar, trumpet, and harmonica, credits his immersion in music to his father, Victor Litz, who owns the Victor Litz Music Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
“This was a huge part of my childhood, being around instruments and having access to experiment and take lessons,” Litz said.
In high school, he started a ska band that played DIY punk house shows around the DC metropolitan area. All of which was way off the radar of the industry.
These days, he and fellow band members write original music influenced by every corner of the music world they have accessed. Litz explained that the group can bring influence from indie rockers like Modest Mouse and Wilco or songwriting heroes like John Prine and Tom Waits into the groove-centric ‘60s and ‘70s soul styles.
However, Litz does not believe Hustle Souls’ sound could exist in any other time than now.
Recently, the group has had to contend with Hurricane Helene, which devastated infrastructure and revenue for Asheville residents, many of whom are active contributors to and participants in the local arts and entertainment. Litz trusts that while the local music scene took a hit, it will return through a lot of effort.
“We are not perfect, but there are so many amazing artists that call Asheville home and though it will be tough, I believe the soul of the city will live on.”
Alluding to Hustle Souls’ own history and dispensing advice for emerging singers, Litz subscribes to there being no cookie cutter path.
“Long story short is, there is no short story.”
He added that just a 1% difference in talent or business infrastructure, for instance, could lead to exponential gains. What helped him as someone who supports his family through music is versatility: playing solo shows, performing as a band, and occasionally being a session musician who can blend in and read.
“Other people launch themselves by being specialists. You’ve gotta’ invent the wheel while on a moving train.”
In anticipation of the concert, when asked, Litz did reveal that there is one song on the setlist, displaying said versatility, that he expects to resonate with a Key West audience filled with new listeners.
“We like to get people singing along to 'Ladder to the Sun' — it’s a high energy gospel inspired chant."
Hustle Souls Key West Dance Party takes place Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at The Key West Theater. Visit HustleSouls.com for more information.
