With their dramatic flow, jazzy beats and a flair for the hypnotically melodic, Dream/Clone has been winning over audiences since their formation in 2003. The trio’s new EP, Transymphonic, is music for both the body and the brain; songs for both dancing and thought, and signifies the arrival of a unique and winning new act that have persisted and grown in some of the most unlikely of ways.

Staze

Dream/Clone originated at Amherst College in the late 90’s. Staze, (Dave Stasiak) a lifelong musician who had began his musical life in his church and school choir and had moved on to studying classical and jazz in college, began incorporating hip-hop beats in his work, along with elements of techno and house. In his senior year, while making an album for a school project, he happened upon Brett Richey, a Pittsburgh native and lifelong hip-hop lover and both an aspiring rapper and poker player. The two found that their music styles fit, and Brett ended up laying his lyrics and flow on Staze’s beats. The material they created would comprise over half of their debut album, Future Holds Nothing, released in late 2004, under their new name, Dream/Clone.

Brett Richey at the World Series of Poker

Going the independent route, the act financed themselves through a somewhat unorthodox manner – Brett’s poker winnings. As he explains, “After college, I didn’t want a real job, so I kept playing and getting better. I caught the eye of Eric Lindgren, one of the top players in the world.” Brett has appeared in the World Series of Poker on ESPN twice and played in the $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E. event. But as Brett states, the poker is a means to an end: “I care much more about the music. Poker is a job.”

With Brett’s poker winnings supporting the act, they began to play shows relentlessly, promoting the album and creating a buzz for themselves in the Boston underground, opening for acts such as Tonedeff and 2mex of the Visionaries. When Boston’s confines became a little tight, Staze and Brett took themselves to the birthplace of hip-hop, New York City, to bring their game to the next level. Dream/Clone would quickly take on a new member, the Ghanian rapper Nkozi, and record their new EP, Transymphonic.

Ghanian rapper, Nkozi

What one notices immediately upon listening to Transymphonic is Dream/Clones musicality. Unlike most hip-hop acts, the group used an approach more akin to that of a rock band. As Staze explains, “We don’t use samples. We compose the music more organically.” The effect is apparent in songs like the anthemic “Get Amped,” which sounds like Nkozi and Brett leading the world’s funkiest marching band. “KTU” showcases Staze’s house influences and Nkozi’s astonishing flow to create a song both substantive and danceable, with various percussive elements all working harmoniously. “Lookin” manages to use a well-worn lyrical theme – looking for women – and makes it inventive and fresh, with Staze’s fast-patter hook and Brett’s compelling story and flow.

Dream/Clone, while proud of Transymphonic, isn’t resting on its laurels. With upcoming touring scheduled, the trio is eager to take their music to the people and to expand its audience. As Brett states, “Our music is everyday music for everyday people. It’s music that anyone and everyone can relate to.” And with Dream/Clone’s persistence and elevation of their craft, one can expect Transymphonic to blow their game up in 2010.