Featured Gallery Music The Sound of Sweeney

August 18, 2011 - 10:27 am

It was last September when we last checked in with Tutu Sweeney and his talented sidekicks, The Brothers Band, as they record ed tracks at Red Bull Studios for his debut album. Fast forward to today and Tutu is happy to report that the record is finally complete and ready to shop to labels – a task which will occupy his every waking moment upon returning from an upcoming East Coast tour with Aloe Blacc and the Grand Scheme. While video chatting with his brother Te’Amir in Switzerland, Tutu showcased his multitasking skills by simultaneously answering interview questions over the phone.

Tutu gives us an insider look at tracks off the new album and discusses his latest show at the Santa Monica Pier, growing up near the chaos of Venice Beach, and almost getting his arm cut off alongside “The Rock” in The Scorpion King.

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Gallery Music Tutu Sweeney & the Brothers Band Grace Red Bull Studios

September 1, 2010 - 11:56 am

Being at Red Bull Studios in Santa Monica is an audiophile’s dream.  Perfect acoustics, the best gear available, and all the Red Bull you could drink.  It is especially fun when a studio like that gets put to use at the highest level, recording a full band “live.”

I walked into Friday’s session not knowing what to expect and was delighted to learn that Tutu and his gang of artist friends would be tracking the session “live.”

As the studio engineers set up the microphones and EQ the instruments, Te’Amir Sweeney (Tutu’s older brother) eases into a tasty groove.  Tutu and friends join in. Tutu’s tunes are arranged, but as guitar player Michael McTaggert tells me, “They come out different every time.”  The band is young, most of them circa 20 years old, but by their casual demeanor, I can tell this is probably not their first rodeo.

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