Talentbanq presents… XANDER & THE PEACE PIRATES, AMBER DEE and AMY & THE CALAMITIES
Brothers Keith and Stu Xander were discovered on YouTube by former Gibson Brands CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and during their subsequent performances for the company at numerous international events from LA to Dubai the band caught the attention of not just an ever-growing collective of fans but also industry legends such as Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Rolling Stones) and Rick Allen (Def Leppard).
Defying all expectations, lead singer and guitarist Keith Xander was born without a right arm below the elbow and plays his guitar using a prosthesis and hook with a pick attached at the end. Although many who have seen Keith play believe him to be an extraordinary guitarist in light of his perceived ‘disability’, he is a virtuoso musician in his own right and his playing rivals the best in the industry.
With haunting riffs, genius melodies and a uniquely infectious charisma, Xander and the Peace Pirates continue to share their musical passion to standing ovations, while spreading a universal message of peace, love and harmony.
“This band are just awesome and take me right back to my OGWT days.” – Whispering Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2)
Flying the nest at just 16 years old Amber Dee, like many teens her age, had no idea where life was taking her. After meeting a group of touring musicians in a beer soaked local in rural France, she decided aiming for an idyllic career maybe wasn’t an impossibility. Since packing her bags and waving au revoir Amber has played countless gigs throughout the UK and France including playing acoustic sets at Bestival & Glastonbury
Amy & The Calamities is the creation of Amy Wawn, a singer-songwriter born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Inspired by sounds of Son house and Howlin Wolf, and influenced by artists such as the White Stripes, Eddie Vedder and Ray Lamontagne, Amy’s style ranges from lively foot-stomping folk rhythms to the dirty-delicious sounds of delta blues on the slide guitar. This sound is accompanied by a dark, brooding vocal range, lilting melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
