Enlightened, manifestation, jamming: All different terms, yet they describe one experience. This is the way the band Color 8 described its time in the Phoenix music scene.
The band started around a year ago when Kal Benion, the guitarist, rounded up a group of local musicians with the idea of creating music that is genre-inclusive. Each member has past experience in music; whether it be within their families or in gospel choirs, there is plenty of accumulated playing time among the band members.
There was a sense of uncertainty in creating a band with random songs that don't necessarily go together. But, the group still had its goals and is pushing to make them a reality in the Phoenix music scene and beyond.
From heavy metal to rhythm and blues, the widespread selection of music reflects the vibe of the band during the performance.
"You set your own limitations," Benion said.
The band played its first show at a First Friday in Phoenix last year, where the musicians said they were surpised by the accepting atmosphere and positive feedback they received.
"I was like, 'Woah. They like it,'" Benion said. "That was the greatest feeling ever – to get paid for a free show on the street. I'd never seen that before."
The band performs many genres of music as well as covers. They change songs and 'jam' with one another throughout the course of a show.
"A lot of times we don't have a set list," said drummer Emmett Nash, "so when we perform, it's really us."
The band's emcee and saxophonist, Ashton Vaughn Charles, said he attended a local concert where an acquaintance was opening for a 500 person crowd.
"I remember putting it on Snapchat sometime this year ... (that Color 8) is going to perform in front of this sized crowd or bigger," Vaughn Charles said.
A few weeks later, his prediction came true, as the band performed at ASU's DevilPalooza, the group's biggest performance to date.
