This is a collective with a natural instinct for sonic storytelling.
Crafted basslines that are both foundational and expressive, drive the bands dynamic interplay between improvisational dynamic but tight-ass drums, manic guitar riffs, kinetic keys and vibrant vocals.
Their fusion anchors UICs refusal to be constrained and when you listen, you're pulled into a movement that's as physical as it is musical, from dub, funk and jazz to experimental soul.
Powellski : Bass
Charlie Sorensen : Drums
Jayne : Keys
Johnny F : Guitar
Elle Dee : Vocals
Recorded live at Attic Attack Studios, Bristol.
At the heart of Urban I-Land Collective (UIC), a bassist whose deep, resonant grooves shape the very identity of the band. A skilled instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and co-founder of Urban I-Land Collective.
His fascination with the bass guitar spans almost 20 years, after watching a documentary, featuring live performances from the world famous Chick Corea Electric Band, with legendary bassist John Patitucci, playing 4 & 6 string bass guitars, along with the double bass. After listening to the band’s signature tracks, ’Cool Weasel Boogie’, and “King Cockroach’, for the first time, he immediately became hooked on the bass guitar.
Graduate of Access To Music, he has worked with music organisations such as Black Orchid, Bristol Community Sounds Gospel Choir, the artist Teish O’Day and Bristol Jazz Collective.
Charlie is a Bristol based drummer who has been playing drums since he was 9 years old, inspired by his dad's interest in prog rock, fusion and jazz. He has contributed his considerable skills to a number of innovative bands including My Octopus Mind, The Railway Sleepers and Lil Maxine.
After studying music at Bath College (where he was taught by Rob Brian) he went to Falmouth University where he graduated with a degree in Music Performance. He spent 3 months in India studying with the brilliant tabla guru Suresh Talwalker and the complexities of Indian music have had a lasting influence on his style.
Charlie is a fond improviser who enjoys pushing the boundaries in order to make exciting and exploratory music.
Jonny-F has been a regular on the Bristol funk scene for many years, playing with bands such as The Contraband Beats Ensemble, Jama, Big World Skunk, including gigs at Glastonbury Festival and supporting artists such as Arrested Development, Tower of Power, Snowboy and the Latin Section and The James Taylor Quartet.
As well as playing guitar, he was a one-time director and teacher at the Bristol School of Samba. He plays regularly around the UK with Speaking in Tongues, a live tribute to the music of Talking Heads, including gigs at London’s 100 Club and Dingwalls.
Music has been a lifelong obsession, starting with a white Casio keyboard and a whole lot of curiosity. From those early experiments, she followed the sound and hoped for the best — and it’s taken her on an incredible journey.
Over the years, she's collaborated with some truly talented and creative people, performing in original funk, soul, swing, and jazz-inspired acts as both a vocalist and keyboard player. Also deeply drawn to electronic music, working on both studio-based and live electronic projects.
She's passionate about music that’s emotive and soulful — the kind that moves you. Whether on stage or in the studio, she aims to bring energy, depth, and melody into everything she creates.
Bristol based vocalist, songwriter and recording artist and co-founder of UIC. Elle Dee has a rich and diverse musical background and career spanning multiple genres, including funk, soul, drum and bass, dub and jungle.
She has collaborated with several artists and collectives in the Bristol music scene, such as More Rockers, Smith & Mighty, Edenheight, Subversions, The Vitalics, The High Fives and Future Dub Orchestra.
With deep roots in musical theatre she is known for her soulful and expressive storytelling vocal style.