From poetry, to soul, to funk, to hip-hop, San Diego resident Gill Sotu is an entertainer that transcends the power of spoken word through music. He successfully combines poetry and vocal melodies with music and theatrical elements to create a type of alternative hip-hop that resonates with a wide array of audiences. With influences ranging from Gil Scott-Heron to Paul Simon, his new album is a soulful journey in the spirit of America.
Sotu holds credits like Los Angeles Green Grand Slam Poetry Champion (2007), Ventura County Grand Slam Champion (2006), semi-finalist of the National Slam representing the San Diego Slam Team (2008), and three-time winner of Borders Books Annual Poetry Slam. His debut album “Elephant Heart” was nominated for five Mavric Independent Music Awards, including Hip-Hop Album of the Year (2008). Since 2009, Sotu has been the host of the most successful open mic in San Diego, "Train of Thought".
His latest record "Flawed American Male" highlights Sotu's exceptional writing and performance skills through polished deliveries and genuine emotion. Sotu and producer Dan Flores show a tremendous amount of musical maturity since their release of "Elephant Heart" in 2008. Their well crafted combination of poetry and vocal melodies with funk, soul, acoustic, and hip-hop elements makes this record an unforgettable journey from beginning to end.
Although “Flawed American Male” has a political title, it contains more of a spiritual tone. The record touches upon what it is to strive for perfection, yet never being able to reach a flawless state. It is about recognizing those flaws and seeing one another through them. Sotu writes, “The album is about what it means to be American in this rapidly changing world. To speak your mind. To fail and begin again. To realize that we don't know everything, and that while we are perfect in spirit, we are born with a need for each other's ability, understanding, and love.” With thought-provoking words throughout, Sotu mixes in plenty of fun with "Breakdancing Babies", "I Love You", and "In The Middle of Finding Peace".
You will find all of Gill Sotu's lyrics at www.gillsotu.com.
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