DTF: Dance This Friday

Categorization be damned, the Madison-based five piece, Steez, consisting of Matt Williams (keyboards/synthesizers/accordion), Steve Neary (guitar and vocals), Rob Bessert (drums), Chris Sell (bass), and Andrzej Benkowski (saxophone, oboe, and violin) is — in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions – a funk band … , a jamband, a fusion band, a disco-fanged multi-beast, and a basket case.

Churning out their self-described Creepfunk, a high energy, danceable variety of funk — one uniquely laced with electronic and improvisational sensibilities – Steez has garnered a loyal following throughout the Midwest. After receiving repeated acclaim for their live performances, which typically include a seamless weaving of thoughtfully composed originals and crowd pleasing covers spanning from Madonna to clever obscurities like Genialistid (Estonia), Steez hit the studio and released their first full length album, Creepfunk Crusade, in August 09 with independent label, Mason Jar Records.

Hoping to carve out a niche in the competitive jamband landscape, what really sets Steez apart is the camaraderie and endearing sense of humor. The band’s humble beginnings include getting banned for life from a venue after their first ever live performance, maneuvering a moped accident involving a parked car, and cruising the Midwest in the inspired 35 foot band bus, “Big Brown.” While it’s the original songs and taut musicianship that initially grab both fans’ and critics’ attention, the band’s personality keeps it.

Steez is currently enjoying success from their debut album which has been nominated for Home Grown Music Network’s album of the year, the album charted on both the Homegrown Music Network Radio Charts and the Jambands.com Radio Charts, peaking at #19 and #23, respectively. Steez was featured in the December 09 issue of Relix as an band “on the verge,” and most recently Steez was named one of the 10 most influential bands to come out of Madison in the last decade. The band is again poised to hop on the bus and build upon the success they’ve garnered from grinding it out on the road.Steez