Sweet T

In just a short time, the eclectic band Sweet T has garnered national attention for their collection of innovative yet commercially contagious songs and energetic live shows. Just a year ago the buzz surrounding the band escalated to new heights when Sweet T was chosen out of 500 bands to represent the Nashville NARAS chapter in the highly competitive Nashville Grammy Showcase. Since the Grammy Showcase victory, Sweet T has recorded and released their first independent album. The past year has been a busy one for the band and after completing the record, Sweet T purchased a 36-foot class “A” RV and has embarked upon their first national tour. The band, which formed in 2002 has developed a devoted following drawing crowds of hundreds of fans at nearly every performance. Building a fan base has been the highest priority for Sweet T and is largely due to the spontaneity and energy of their live performances. “We’ll do whatever it takes to put on a good show for our fans,” says bassist Kyle Whalum, “whether that means jumping off the stage and turning cartwheels or just giving people the most sincere musical experience they’ve ever had, people always have a blast at our shows. You can see it on their faces.” Sweet T recently wowed a crowd of 15,000 people opening for famed rap artist Twista. The band’s live shows capture the spirit of classic heavy hitters like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Earth Wind and Fire with songs that induce everything from head banging to dancing and everything in between. “We want to bring back the REAL rock shows,” says guitarist Tony Bakker, “I think one of the things that keeps people coming back to our shows is the fact that on any given night, you never know what’s going to happen.” Sweet T’s sound is derived from the diverse tastes of it’s band members and is showcased on the band’s newly completed record. “It would be safe to say that we’re all big fans of bands like the Foo Fighters, Weezer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers,” says lead singer Jeremy Yurek, “but we also grew up on the classics like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan….I think it all comes together on our record.” Sweet T’s first independent record was released to rave reviews and features high octane rock singles like “That Girl”, “The Edge”, “So Many Words” and “Can’t Wait”, as well as songs like “Don’t Worry About Me” and “Hole” which provide a glimpse into the bands above-average musical abilities. Don’t write Sweet T off as jock rock, songs like “The Door” and “Jump Blindly” have proven to be favorites among the band’s female listening audience. The record is currently available at regional Tower Records and Borders retail stores as well as Cdbaby.com and the Sweet T website: www.sweettmusic.com. Sweet T came together in 2001 on the campus of Belmont University where the band’s members were ppursuing music and music business degrees. Originally a seven-piece band with no steady drummer, Sweet T has morphed and modded their look and sound into the current line up. “We never set out to make a mixed-race rock band,” says key-tarist JonJax, “we were just five cats that loved hanging out and jamming. I think the look of the band makes it’s own statement.” The five permanent members of Sweet T finalized in 2002 after playing a show with local drum prodigy Lemar Carter. “Kyle and Jon convinced me to play a gig with their band,” says drummer Lemar Carter, who met the two in the Nashville session, and touring scene. “That gig happened to be the Grammy Showcase and after we won, I was hooked.” After a year long wirting period the band emerged in 2003 with all new songs and a tighter sound and began their quest to infect the world with the music that is Sweet T.