Chantel & DVS

Chantel & DVS
British born pop/soul singer Chantel Mead and New York native guitarist/producer DVS (Derek VanScoten) unite forces. Evolving from the multi-genre legacy of artists such as Gnarls Barkley, Chantel & DVS are cutting their teeth as the next great Crossover Duo.
Quickly becoming known for their slick production, conscious and crafty song writing and dynamic live shows, Chantel & DVS have recently opened for Kanye West, G. Love, and Robert Randolph. They have also collaborated with DJ Logic, Billy Martin, Devotchka, Kid Beyond, Particle and the Lee Boys, and are regularly featured on high traffic websites including MyCoke.com.
As the founders of the Colorado based modern funk outfit 8traC, Chantel & DVS have worked tirelessly to cultivate a sound that is compelling and danceable. Evolution has now brought them to the apex of their next chapter - that of electrorganic duo, combining the precision of electronic music with the dynamic energy and soul of a live band. (Recent 8traC performances include Aspen JazzFest, Wakarusa, and MTV’s Spring into Vail).
Chantel Mead…
Chantel's voice resurrects emotion in a hard-edged world. Experienced as both vocalist and performer, her style stems from a fusion of soaring British/rock melodies and urban/funk grooves. From sultry lows to stratospheric highs; unassailable belting to rhythmic rhymes, Chantel’s vocals are impassioned and rewardingly precise. With life-infused, affirmative lyrics, it’s quickly understood that this chanteuse draws from the empowered side of life. On stage, she keeps it varied and exciting. Often seen with 3 mics, Chantel combines straightforward vocals with effects and looping - all the while embellishing the beats on her SPD-S (drum sampler). Variety with slick transitions saturate Chantel’s style. Her training in both musical theater and classical voice comes forth with an urban edge gained from life. (Past Bands include: 8traC, Jyemo, Kutandara, Boubacar Diebate)
Derek VanScoten a.k.a. DVS…
DVS, can be seen bouncing back and forth between a pair of laptops and a myriad of onstage guitars. He is the best of many worlds - ultra intense sound designer meets raging live musician! Imagine fuzzed out funk lines, cleaned up R&B tones, acoustic orchestration, and turntable-esque scratching via 3 giant pedal boards. DVS's guitar playing has the volcanic attitude of a rock n' roller who doesn't know any better saturated with a grace and intelligence of a truly seasoned artist. A professional audio-engineer turned busy sideman/string-wiz, DVS has found his various tricks of the trade give him the "one-up" on both DJ's and live musicians. (Past bands include: 8traC, Cabaret Diosa, The Motet)
With a tastefully diverse sound and affinity for flexibility, Chantel & DVS offer both high energy as well as dreamy intimate sets. As a married couple, they bring a solidarity to their sound, their stage presence and their business interactions. With many years spent on the road and in the recording studio, Chantel & DVS approach their music with strength and balance. And, as seasoned improvisers, the duo is often seen/heard collaborating with a myriad of musicians including MCs, string and horn players, drummers, DJs and more!
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"Topping the sound is Chantel Mead, who's not just another hippie belter, as evidenced on "Into the Sun," which she croons with a sophistication beyond the capability of the area's many subpar Janis clones. These guys are tighter than the skin stretched across Joan Rivers's cheekbones!"
- Michael Roberts, THE WESTWORD - Denver, CO
"It's not unlike something Aretha might've done way back when she was roping in Grammy after Grammy, year after year."
- The Marquee Magazine - Boulder, CO
"A full fledged funk (group), 8traC blends jazz fusion and rolling funk grooves. Complicated instrumentation shows off the bands magical musicianship and powerful songwriting skills. ....I'm sure you'll dig their funky groove."
- J-Sin, Smother Magazine - Boulder, CO
"When it comes to creating beautiful, groove-based tunes teeming with texture and substance, Chantel and 8traC wear the crown."
- Rachel Hamilton, Adventure Records - Boulder, CO
“Original, expressive, soulful, and in the pocket! Chantel's love for music, people, and life shout out loud and clear through her lead vocals.”
- Skip Reeves “A Funk Above the Rest Show” KUVO 89.3 - Denver, CO
“What a voice and power. A joy to look at as well. And not pretentious. For Chantel, I knew it was about the sound. Her presence, the voice, and the musicianship was what it was all about for 8traC.”
- THE MOUNTAIN EAR - Nederland, CO
”Solid local funk bolstered by the soulful vocals of Chantel Mead.”
- Vince Darcangelo, BOULDER WEEKLY - Boulder, CO
”Disco-tas-tic-funk-rock with soulful female vocals, and a sultry, laid back vibe.”
- KUDOS Magazine, UK
*8traC’s album "Falling Up" voted Hapi Skratch Entertainment Pop/Rock Album of 2006