He's poetic. He's folky. He's engaging. He's hip-hop. He's sometimes comedic and sometimes so touching he will make you cry. He's soulful, and always from the heart. GILL SOTU is the master of connection, engaging audiences throughout southern California for the last four years.
SOTU got his start in slam poetry, and in 2006 was Grand Slam Poetry Champion of Ventura County. He went on to win the 2007 Los Angeles Grand Slam Championship, and in 2008 become a semi-finalist in the National Poetry Slam representing the San Diego Slam Team. SOTU is currently host and co-creator of 'Train of Thought', a successful weekly open Mic in North Park, San Deigo. In addition to poetry, he spends his time as a DJ, artist, emcee, and educator.
SOTU's 2008 debut album "Elephant Heart" (Re-issued 2011) was nominated for five Mavric Independent Music Awards, including Song of the Year, Acoustic Song of the Year, Hip Hop Album of the Year, Song of the Year for Comedy, and Best Mixing of a Full Length CD.
More success is anticipated with his follow-up album, "Flawed American Male" (2010), where Sotu and co-producer Dan Flores take it to the next level with exceptional musicianship and soulful vibes.
INFLUENCES: Gil Scott Heron, Walter Mosley, Mos Def, Saul Williams, Erykah Badu, Blackilious, Talib Qweli, Common, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Paul Simon, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, soul music in general.
"Gill Sotu is a sincere reflection of a counter punch to the notion that real music is dead. 'Flawed American Male' proves that there's a pulse pumping, alive and well!" -Ise Lyfe, HBO Def Jam Poet, Commissioner of Arts & Cultural Affairs
"In the middle of listening to 1500 songs that were submitted I popped in the CD from Gill Sotu and I was automatically hooked in! Before I knew it I had listed to the CD 3 or 4 complete times because I had enjoyed it so much. I can't remember another artist that happened with. Gill's CD soon made it onto my iPod and into my 'favorites' playlist."
-Doc Rogers, Founder of the MAVRIC Music Awards
"His music and words make you stop whatever you're doing and listen to something beautiful." -Paul Mabon, HBO Def Jam Poet
"Gill Sotu is fearless. His words cut straight into my heart and fire up my imagination. Recently during his performance, someone turned to me and asked, 'Did he write that?'. I answered, 'Indeed he did.' How lucky are we to have such an expressive gifted artist here in our own backyard." -Gregory Page, San Diego Artist
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RADIO: Email info@cixidigitalrecords.com - GILL SOTU in the subject line - for a copy/download of "Flawed American Male"
(click image to download artist one-sheet)
(click image to download 8x10 Promo)
NEW ALBUM "FLAWED AMERICAN MALE"
Release Date: October 15th, 2010
FLAWED AMERICAN MALE
$12.00
(Urban/Alternative HIp-Hop/Spoken Word Soul/Funk/Acoustic) 2010.
Sotu pours his heart out in his sophomore album. You may laugh, you may cry, and you most probably will shake your booty to his hot single "Breakdancing Babies". Whatever you do, you are guaranteed to be moved by this outstanding poet, thinker, mover, and shaker.
(Alternative Hip-Hip/Spoken Word Soul/Acoustic/Comedy) 2008.
Nominated for five Mavric Awards, including Hip-Hop Album of the Year and Best Mixing of a Full Length CD, Sotu's debut is filled with a unique blend of poetry and sonic movement that creates a true masterpiece.
Produced by Dan Flores.
He's poetic. He's folky. He's engaging. He's hip-hop. He's sometimes comedic and sometimes so touching he will make you cry. He's soulful, and always from the heart. GILL SOTU is the master of connection, engaging audiences throughout southern California for the last four years.
