Downbeat Switch
Downbeat Switch is a Richmond, Virginia based rock band that was started in the Summer of 2002 in Mathews County, Virginia. The band's funk, rock, and reggae infusion set them apart immediately within the local scene. Using extensive instrumental vamping, dynamic vocal harmonies, and a style all their own, Downbeat Switch was able to develop a diverse following. The band became known for their high energy live shows, positively oriented lyrics, and a hard hitting funky sound that allowed them to tour extensively all over the area during the following years. The band has three independently released albums; "Funk Shui"-2004, "Seconds"-2005, and "Run from the Sun"-2009. The band's most recent release of 2010 was an EP entitled: "The Red Door Sessions", featuring the band's new frontwoman, Jenna B on several previously released songs.Band/artist history
Downbeat Switch is a band of friends with a passion for music, life, and positivity. The group was founded in the Summer of 2002 in Mathews, VA by Wayne (bass) and Meredith (guitar, vocals). They moved to Richmond, VA for college that Summer and began playing with another Mathews High School friend, Michael Register (drums), who had also moved to Richmond for school. They began jamming and recording in Meredith's basement beneath his apartment in the Fan district of downtown Richmond. They soon met Bryan Clark (vocals), a Richmond-born vocalist whom they met through Meredith's sister. The band recorded and mixed their first L.P. entitled "Funk Shui", that was comprised of raw demo songs compiled on one disk which they released on June 29th, 2004. Blending rock, funk, reggae, jazz, hip hop, and folk in an eclectic ensemble of riffs, melodies, and grooves. With rhythms from the Caribbean, to Southern rock break downs, Downbeat Switch became known for their quick changes, tight rhythmic melodies, scat-like vocal harmonies, and high-energy live shows around Virginia.
In 2005, Doug DeForge (keyboard, turntables), another Mathews, VA native joined the band and the band recorded a follow-up album entitled: "Seconds", which they released on July 6th of 2005. Downbeat Switch continued to tour around Virginia and North Carolina for the following three years until Doug left the band in the Fall of 2008. Tommy Vinson (keyboard), another Richmond-born musician and friend of Meredith's joined the group in the Winter of 2008. They began writing and recording in their new studio they had built in the West End of Richmond at Wayne and Meredith's house.
Downbeat Switch released their third self-produced album entitled: "Run from the Sun" on June 5th, 2009. During the recording sessions of "Run from the Sun", the band brought in a talented female guest vocalist named Jenna Bayly, to add backup vocals to a few tracks on the album. She worked out beautifully in the songs she was on, and the band asked her to start performing shows with the group full time.
In the Winter of 2010, Bryan left the group after 7 years as the frontman, and Jenna stepped up to become the lead vocalist with Meredith and Tommy singing backup. She brought a whole new sound and image to the band, and inspired the group to embark on a different level of musicianship. Jenna strived to diversify the sound and lyrics on new songs, while also staying true to the rich harmonies with Meredith that the band had always been known for.
On October 1st, 2010, the band released an EP entitled: "The Red Door Sessions" that featured Jenna on lead vocals on 8 previously recorded and released songs from "Run from the Sun", as well as minor mixing and mastering adjustments were done. The EP was released for free at live shows and as a free download on several of the band's websites. "The Red Door Sessions" was very well received and the group was able to distribute hundreds of physical copies just within a few months.
In the Winter of 2011, after 9 years as the co-founder and drummer for the group, Michael parted ways with DbS to pursue his career in marketing and embarked on an extensive U.S. tour with a promotion company. But with his recommendation and wholehearted support, the band asked their long-time friend and supporter, Rob Reardon to pick up the drumsticks. With Rob's diverse drum styles and seasoned skills, he was the perfect fit for Downbeat Switch. Shortly after Rob joined the group, Tommy stepped down as the keyboardist and was replaced by Sean Reese. A local Richmond musician who was eager to add his own flavor to the groups already diverse sound. Since then, the band continues to write, record, and perform their music for their fans all over.Have you performed in front of an audience?All the time. We LOVE it! Every show is special.
