Purple Hatter’s Ball

 

Artist Spotlight on: Space Capone

 

Purple Hat Productions will be presenting the seventh annual Purple Hatter’s Ball at the famed Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. Taking place May 9 – 11, 2014, the three-day music festival honors the memory of longtime friend of SOSMP and music festival lover Rachel Morningstar Hoffman. The 2014 event features a diverse line-up of artists including: experimental world fusion performers Beats Antique; Emancipator Ensemble, a four-piece live band that builds on Emancipator’s original trip-hop downtempo production; England’s funky four-piece The New Mastersounds; dynamic genre-bending rock band The Heavy Pets; soul-music super group The Nth Power; the conscious world-reggae of DubConscious; Space Capone’s retro disco-funk; multi-instrumentalist sisters Rising Appalachia; bass-driven  live electronic trio Greenhouse Lounge, and more.

 

Appalachian Jamwich took a few minutes to talk with R&B and smooth funk artist Space Capone about his southern roots and his return to Suwannee since Bear Creek!

 

“There’s an open question as to whether it’s harder or easier for smooth white dudes to make inroads in R&B music. If you ask Robin Thicke, it’s not so easy. If you’re following the career of Nashville’s Space Capone, you might think it’s a breeze. The local press is smitten with Capone’s highly danceable, ’70s-style grooves and thrift store retro style, and the national media is starting to catch the vapors too, as Capone was recently featured on TBS’ entertainment program Sound Check.” -Mark Mays, The Tennessean

 

space capone

 

What was it like growing up in Tennessee and how did you get into R&B?

I’m actually from Indiana. I love both states though. I’ve always been into R&B. I guess I have my parents to thank for that.

 

Who do you think are your biggest musical influences?

Michael Jackson, EWF, Prince, Heatwave, George Benson, Ohio Players, Steely Dan, D’Angelo, Bobby Caldwell, the Whispers, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and lots more!

 

How did you think of the name “Space Capone”?

It came to me in a dream. And it was in my head when I woke up.

How did you link up with the members of your band?

I just started to meet people at bars and at social gatherings. It took a good six years to meet the guys I would eventually perform with.

 

Are you excited about your upcoming festival tour?What do you like about playing festivals?

I am very excited. I’m an outdoorsy type of person. I enjoy the elements and the energy.

 

We heard you played two killer sets at Bear Creek last year. Tell us about your experience at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park?

It’s one of our favorite venues in the country. We rarely get to stay and watch our peers. It’s always perform and then head to the next city. It was great to hang out with so many people we look up to.

 

Who is someone on the Purple Hatter’s Ball lineup that you might be a fan of or are excited to see?

Everyone. We love the Nth Power and the New Mastersounds though!!

 

Advance tickets are currently available for $100 at www.PurpleHattersBall.com and include three days of music, primitive camping and all taxes and fees. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is also generously offering a deeply discounted cabin and golf cart rental package to Purple Hatter’s guests. Cabins are limited, so jump on this deal quickly by calling 386.364.1683. Stayed tuned for additional artist announcements.