Monqui Presents: Cobi, Redray Frazier

COBI

While singing the blues in smokey bars throughout Northern Minnesota, 12‐year‐old Cobi always had a vision of touring the world. He was eight years old when a family friend first taught him a few basic chords on the guitar. With money earned from mowing lawns, Cobi soon bought an electric guitar and began teaching himself to play his new instrument by ear, relaying heavily on his Godfather’s extensive eclectic music collection.

Cobi went on to team up with five other musicians in Boston to form the group Gentleman Hall, a synth heavy alternative rock band who would later sign with Island Def Jam Records. With local radio play and multiple TV syncs, the band performed at the Billboard Music Awards and were named "Best Breakout Boston Artist” at the MTV VMAs.

Cobi left Gentleman Hall in 2014 and moved to Los Angeles to follow his heart and desire to play his soulful style of rock and folk.

In 2016 Cobi toured as a guest vocalist for the electronic act Above and Beyond performing at iconic venues including Royal Albert Music Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, the Sydney Opera House, the Greek Theater and more.

Cobi's debut single was released on May 6th 2016. As powerful of a song as they come, ‘Don’t You Cry For Me’ caught the ear of industry veteran Lyor Cohen who immediately signed Cobi to his new label 300 Entertainment (alongside Grammy nominated artists Fetty Wap and Highly Suspect).

The track features a seventies vibe with a piano and moog under Cobi’s soaring vocals complimented by his layered backing vocals. The track reached #1 on Spotify’s Most Viral Chart (World) and has surpassed 23 Million streams to date.

Cobi is currently on tour performing at venues and music festivals throughout the US including Hangout, BottleRock, Electric Forest & Lollapalooza.

Redray Frazier
http://www.redrayfrazier.com
It’s been quite an evolution for this native New Yorker. From singing gospel music in his father’s Baptist church, to recording contemporary R&B and house music for Epic/550 and A&M Records, valuable experience was gained. Redray then toured the country as front man of the soulful rock-band “Mosaic” on the H.O.R.D.E. music festival. Through opening for Lenny Kravitz and Blues Traveler, to name a few, Redray gained notoriety. Soon thereafter, he joined former front man of “The Talking Heads”, David Byrne’s in his touring band from 2008-2010.

While Redray uses all of his influences, his songwriting draws comparisons from Ben Harper to Maxwell. However, his smooth and smoky vocal quality along with his gospel approach set him apart. “I’ve always listened to various styles of music, everything from Curtis Mayfield to the Strokes. It doesn’t matter to me, as long as the music has heart.”

Redray made the journey from New York City to Portland, Oregon late in 2002. Leaving family and band-mates behind, Redray knew he had an opportunity to create something new. Inspired by his change of scenery, he began strumming an acoustic guitar documenting his experiences and emotions. “I embrace playing solo because I hadn’t done it prior to moving to Portland, I consider it a challenge”. You can experience Redray’s rootsy blend of soul singing over sparse guitar strumming at various Portland venues. Whether it’s with a full band or solo, Redray has the innate ability to stir up deep emotion within his audience. You can’t help but nod your head and sway in your seat as you listen to Redray’s heartfelt lyrics and organic vibe.

Redray is currently performing in support of his solo debut cd release “Follow Me” while working on an EP with staples in the Portland music scene(Ezra Holbrook, Matt Brown, Jeff Baxter, and Tom Nunes) scheduled for a summer 2014 release. Look out for Redray Frazier! You will be glad you did.