- In 2020, Bastards Of Soul was on an explosive rise through the Texas music scene to sold-out headlining shows. On the cusp of global recognition, the Texas band grapples with a tumultuous journey of success, heartbreaking loss, and enduring music. Through intimate studio sessions and electric live performances, discover a tale of resilience, brotherhood, and Soul's unwavering beat.
- "BASTARDS OF SOUL" offers a deep dive into the heart of an electrifying Texas band on the cusp of international recognition. As they navigate their burgeoning success and spellbinding live performances, a global pandemic and the sudden tragic loss of their unexpected frontman, Chadwick Murrey, cast a somber shadow. Having made his mark primarily as a bass player, Chadwick's transition to lead singer was captivating, revealing a dynamism that few could have predicted.
This film provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band's final recording sessions, their lives, and the electric energy they command on stage. Viewers are granted an intimate fly-on-the-wall perspective, particularly during the production of their last studio album, "Give It Right Back." These raw, unfiltered moments are juxtaposed with electrifying live concert footage, showcasing a band in its prime, exuding passion and mastery of live Soul.
Yet, it's not just a story of loss. It's a tribute to the enduring spirit of music, resilience, and brotherhood. Bastards Of Soul, through trials and heartaches, stands as a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and immortalize. Chadwick, with his infectious laugh and boundless energy, may have left the stage, but his voice continues to resonate.
WHERE IT STARTED: Bastards Of Soul stormed onto the music scene in the spring of 2016 and created a substantial buzz with their dynamic live set and tight musical chops. Led by the raw soul power of charismatic frontman Chadwick Murray, the veteran Bastards crew put East Dallas Soul on the map as they evolved from a ragged bar band intensely learning the classic ropes to a confident, well-oiled songwriting machine. The super-tight rhythm section of Danny Balis (bass) and Matt Trimble (traps) anchors a groove that's sweet and gritty, with Chad Stockslager's warm keys and Chris Holt's cool guitar flavors rounding out the sound to soulful perfection.
Eastwood Music Group released the band's debut vinyl 7" single in November of 2019 and created a big stir locally when "The Way It Should Be" with its 70's Atlantic/Stax feel found its way to KXT's airwaves. But the smooth urban Soul of "The Waiting Time" created giant waves, catching folk's attention both on the left coast and the UK's hefty soul scene, where over half of the single's initial pressing ended up.
Bastards of Soul released their debut album, "Spinnin'," in February 2020, a week before the US entered lock-down. Despite that, it became a hit for the band, selling through 2 pressings despite no live support. They spent the remainder of the year writing their 2nd album, and as Summer 2021 approached, they hit the studio to record Corners at the famed Niles City Studio in Ft. Worth, Texas. Corners show the band hitting their stride as songwriters, weaving together nine intricate yet soulful tunes.
WHERE THE FILM PICKUPS UP: While the band was on a roll writing and recording enough songs for their 3rd studio album, "Give It Right Back," when they decided to take the July 4th weekend to track the first single.
Encouraged by label boss and band collaborator Jeff "Skin" Wade to keep the single sounding unique from the other projects, they enlisted Producer and recording engineer Matt Pence to capture the song at his vintage Echo Lab Studios.
Intrigued by the opportunity to capture the recording process, Director Paul Levatino camped out that holiday weekend with his team to film what would become a full-length documentary.
Shortly after the sessions ended, tragedy struck with Chadwick's sudden passing. The charismatic singer died September 1 in the same hospital where his son was born, not long after he had slipped into a coma due to health complications.
While the band will never be in the same form as it was during its explosive rise on the music scene, its songs remain timeless and cemented in the hearts of fans worldwide.
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