In these days of hyperbole, groups are prone to throw around phrases like “truly unique” and “genre bending” when it comes to their music. That’s not to say these groups aren’t great. But truly breaking out of a genre and creating a sound that is all your own is a very difficult and rare thing to accomplish for any band.
Enter in San Diego-based, Vokab Kompany, who has done just that. Composed primarily of two emcees, Matt Burke and Robbie Gallo (also known as Burkey Baby and Rob Hurt), the duo tours as a seven-piece live indie electro hip-hop musical ice cream sundae, complete with a violinist on top. The group is known for their high energy stage performances, playing to crowds everywhere as they tour constantly. If you were lucky enough to have been there, you could have caught them at big name festivals, including SnowGlobe, Electric Forest, And Coachella.
Vokab Kompany opens for Dopapod on Friday, July 10 at The Catalyst Atrium.
Vokab Kompany has been around for almost 10 years now and it seems like you guys are constantly on the road. What are some tricks you guys use to stay sane on the road?
MATT: In 10 years I have become a parent of two and really toned down my lifestyle. I definitely conserve my energy much more and try not to burn the candle at both ends. We have changed members as well. Our current group is very professional when it comes to travel, so it no longer feels like it’s a bunch of buddies on a road trip. It feels like it should – like going to work (albeit the most fun job on the planet!). Thankfully our pay has gone up enough to afford us a few luxuries along the way as well, like hotel rooms as opposed to floor space and the infamous van-cram. A 24-hour Fitness membership is a great escape from the van when we dock. I know Rob loves to search for the local record store and take a jog. The guys always make friends and spread their wings, enjoying the fruits of each city.
You won several awards, including Best Hip-Hop album and Best Hip-Hop performance at the San Diego Music Awards. Not the categories you’d expect from a group that tours as a 7-piece band, uses heavy synths and a bunch of different instruments.
MATT: Let me answer this question with a question, ‘Do you listen to only one genre of music?’ We are most definitely kids who grew up on hip-hop, but also on soul, R&B, rock, jam band antics and the whole lot. We often say we are, ‘everything but country.’ We all love the festival scene, too, as it’s the place where the true musicians express themselves without the uniformity that’s so often forced upon us through the genre classification of the mainstream bubble.
I have heard your tracks on two Kia commercials, a STARZ and Southern Comfort placement, and on TV shows, including Franklin and Bash. How did it feel the first time you heard your music on live TV?
MATT: It never gets old! The first time I saw the Kia commercial, my mom, daughter and wife were in the room with me and all started cheering and singing the song; it was a really special moment. Rob and I have really been through it all and are closer today than ever. We are always pitching music through our channels and our licensing agency is busy at work, so be on the lookout! Right now we have a great spot on the Tahoe Tourism campaign that airs everywhere throughout California.
You are no strangers to Santa Cruz, what are your plans for this trip?
MATT: Actually, I went to Harbor High School! I lived in FSH on UCSC campus while my step-dad got his PHD in physics. For me, it is coming to UCSC campus and romping in the redwoods, hitting the caves or lounging in the quarry. As a group, I think the most fun we have had was at the De LaVeaga golf course for disc golf with some of my best mates from high school. We got deep roots at the The Cat too, with my highschool buddy, Cory and our manager, Thomas, holding down the fort. Santa Cruz and Tahoe, thats the connect from 93 till infinity! We are just stoked to be able to share our particular brand of music that was so influenced by our upbringing in the two communities.
Info: Vokab Kompany opens for Dopapod. 9 p.m. Friday, July 10. The Catalyst Atrium. Tickets: $10/$14. Photo: Vokab Company via Facebook.
