Imagine fix wheeled bicycles chained to a yacht, flannel shirts and Remy Ma… Read Full Bio ↴Imagine fix wheeled bicycles chained to a yacht, flannel shirts and Remy Martin, Hip Hop and R&B with a hipster twist. This San Francisco foursome has managed to craft an indulgent sound that takes advantage of all the things we love to hate – a little sparkly bling bling mixed with a dash of dirty hipster.

Le VICE is an Indie Hip Hop and R&B band whose determination is to bring a little fun and personality to their live shows and recordings. Their LARGE sound includes cosmic and ambient synthesizers, moving bass lines, hard-nose drumming and angular guitar licks. This is topped off with front woman Alex Lee’s hip hop swagger and soulful singing. The result is part throw back and part future; but something that is none the less catchy.

Le VICE’s band members come from a variety of backgrounds and musical tastes. Alex Lee (vocals) and Sean Stillinger (bass/keys) spend a fair amount of their time riding bikes and hustling in San Francisco’s music scene (both actively produce Math Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B at local Studio SQ). Renzo Staiano (guitar) is about as precise and diverse a guitar player as they come. He’s studied everything from Funk and Jazz to Metal – and has been known to play with some Peruvian guitar masters from time to time. Darrin Thomas (drums) brings the soul to the group. He’s a heavy handed drummer who started playing gospel for his local church as a kid. Later he became a successful touring Soul and Jazz drummer.

With many crossover R&B groups the “live band” can be something of an afterthought. But what truly makes Le VICE great is that the band is THE CORE. In the end their individual musical talents, experiences, influences and willingness to experiment all contributed to the unique Le VICE sound that explodes out of their music. The sum of this group is truly greater than its parts.

Le VICE’s debut release (August 17, 2010) is an album of ten dance floor jams that will remind you of the better parts of yester year female hip hop leads. Top tracks include “Shy Guy” and “Why Fight” (Indie, Electro), “Hard To Be Ill” (Dance Pop) and “2 O’clock” (organic Hip Hop).

Le Vice Lyrics