NE3 is a three-piece band based in Richmond, VA. The four-year-old ensemble has been dubbed anything from pop or acoustic rock to folkternative. The band's modern mix of intricate guitarwork, classical and rock violin, percussion and sharp vocal harmonies gives it an innovative and original sound that has frequently earned the accolade "refreshing." NE3 was founded at the University of Richmond's freshman orientation when Jake and Jen met in a courtyard after a new student mixer. They quickly began playing together and creating the sound that would soon characterize NE3. Not long after, Rich (Dicky) Murphy added his bass skills to the band, but transfered schools after one short year. Jake and Jen returned for their sophomore year to find new student Will Judd's percussion skills to be a perfect match for their sound. The band played, recorded and performed for three years together. In 2002, they released a full-length album, Step Outside. More than four years after Jake and Jen started the band, they are still writing, recording and performing, now with new drummer Brian Albright. Since its inception, NE3 has shared shows with nationally recognized artists such as Maroon 5, The Pat McGee Band, The Graham Colton Band, Virginia Coaltion, Agents of Good Roots and Alana Davis. The band has played a variety of venues including The Lions Den in New York City; The Canal Club and Alley Katz in Richmond, VA; Eddies Attic in Athens, GA and a number of colleges and Universities including The College of William and Mary, University of Richmond, Eastern Carolina University, Lynchburg College, Hollins University and Reinhardt College. NE3 has recorded at Sound of Music Studios in Richmond, VA, and Pilot Recording Studios in New York City. In addition to the full-length album, Step Outside, the band has also released at EP entitled Change (2004).