Grit

KC Roberts & The Live Revolution (KCLR) releases its highly anticipated seventh studio album, GRIT, June 7th, 2022. Following their European tour in 2019, the album was funded by the band's devoted and expanding fanbase. GRIT’S track list of nine new original KCLR compositions is built on fierce grooves, complex instrumental arrangements, lush harmony, striking solos, catchy hooks and of course KC Roberts’ signature melodic, high-energy lead vocals, with backing vocals by some of Canada’s finest singers. GRIT is soulful, funky, original high energy dance party music that sounds unlike anything else. The album will be accompanied by a series of music videos, touring, and KCLR’s first ever vinyl pressing.

 

“If one needed proof of the vitality and authenticity of new Canadian funk music, they need look no further...” Matt Bauer – Exclaim!

​

Toronto's KC Roberts & the Live Revolution (KCLR) is a nine-piece original funk band fronted by the dynamic and distinctive guitar and vocals of founder KC Roberts. Entering its second decade, on bass is co-founder Matt Fullbrook, with drummer Austin Gembora rounding out the rhythm section. KCLR’s current live lineup is packed with Toronto's jazz heavyweights including Jeremy Ledbetter and Matt Giffin on keyboards, Rob Christian on saxophone, Andrew McAnsh on trumpet, Christian Overton on trombone, Marito Marques on percussion and some of Canada’s finest vocalists on backing vocals.

​

“One of the tightest bands in the city.” Errol Nazareth - CBC Music

​

Since forming in 2009, KCLR has developed an international reputation for its infectious funk, jazz, soul, rock, RnB and hip-hop influenced sound. The band has released six original studio albums and shared billings with international artists such as Lettuce, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Black Eyed Peas, Rhianna, Z-Trip and Mix Master Mike. Canadian music blog Ride the Tempo says “missing them on stage is one of the biggest disservices you can do to yourself if you are a music fan.” KCLR have performed at many of Canada’s great music festivals, including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Waterloo Jazz Festival, and London Sunfest. In 2019, KCLR completed their first European tour in Berlin, Amsterdam, Austria and various festivals such as Kultursommer in Oldenburg, Germany, where they played to five thousand new fans. Their latest studio album “GRIT” was recorded throughout the pandemic.

​

“Sharp technical skills and a unique blend of hip hop, electronic, pop and funk created infectious dance tunes that instantly turned hundreds of concertgoers into diehard fans.” Canadian Music Fest

​

Over KCLR’s twelve years together, their journey has been filled with highlights. The band’s self-propelled and self-funded tours across North America and Europe, along with relentless release of new material have helped to build a passionate global fanbase, as evidenced by over $90,000 in successful crowdfunding of various ambitious projects. KCLR’s impact on music fans can be seen around the world from cover bands in Colombia to dance troupes in Japan and Korea.

​

“KC Roberts is an outstanding guitarist and composer...his band is actually scary good.” Josh Grossman- Artistic Director TD Toronto Jazz Festival