A lively and energetic rock duo, these two multi instrumentalists blend the subtlety of singer-songwriter intimacy and passion, with the aggression and fun spirit of rock star theatrics, to create an unexpectedly fresh and dynamic genre-bending sound. Their live performance has been called “vaudevillian,” “intense,” and “inspiring,” and is like no two-person act you’ve ever seen before… Nick and Joel generate a completely unique and intense full band sound by rotating through a myriad of instruments onstage (including Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Drum Kit, Keyboard, Congas, Hand drums & other percussion, etc.) and by utilizing multiple effects and looping. New audiences are inevitably left shocked and dumbfounded after ELEMENOPY leaves the stage, consistently voicing their amazement that “all that sound came from just two guys!” And devoted fans always return to see “what they will do next,” as Nick and Joel are never satisfied to play the same show twice and they always have something new and exciting to unveil.
Joel Rutkowski & Nick Liberatore are longtime friends from Syracuse, NY. Since the early 1990s they have played in a number of moderately successful East Coast bands and have pursued a variety of musical endeavors. In 2004 they moved to Los Angeles and formed a new project called ELEMENOPY with one simple mission statement: make the best music possible with any means available. With no boundaries of who would play what instrument when or sing what song or even what genre would define them, they began writing and performing music in any way that the moment inspired, trading off between a range of instruments, making whatever collection of sounds would best be in service to a particular song. The result is music that is exciting and engaging, yet honest and unassuming. Their songs are characterized by passionate high energy fused with a strong knack for catchy melodies and colorful harmonies, as well as a flair for lyricism that is steeped as much in poetry and emotion as it is in sly wit and clever articulation.
Originally Joel and Nick conceived forming the traditional rock band by adding more members. However, as they continued performing as a two-man acoustic group, they attempted to realize the lush full band sound they envisioned for their songs by any means possible. Their once minimal stage setup quickly gave way to the addition of a full drum kit, percussion, keyboard, multiple effects and looping, all done just by the two of them. The spectacle of these unique performances generated a highly enthusiastic crowd response. Nick and Joel therefore decided to embrace and perfect this style of showmanship, the result being a stage show that is just as exciting as the songs themselves.
In 2005, ELEMENOPY released their first official EP, Sgt. Walruss Westward Journey (Independent). The six songs reflect the full-band sound and energy that is ever-evolving and expanding live. Already, ELEMENOPY has added many new songs as well as a highly prolific list of unique covers to their set. They are currently working on a follow-up record due out in early 2007.
UPDATE!: PLEASURE WILL BE PLAYING WITH ELEMENOPY AT THE UNKOWN THEATRE SAT. MAY 31st IN LA! (MORE INFO AND FLYER TO FOLLOW!)
