Heiruspecs
(pronounced high-roo-spex) is a live rap/hip hop band based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, specifically the Midway neighborhood. The band's name is based on a deliberate misspelling of haruspex
. [1]
Their album, 10 Years Strong
, was released in December of 2007. It is a compilation of new and old songs, many taken from Live from the Studio
and Antidisestablishmetabolism
, both of which are now out-of-print. The most recent Heiruspecs recording is the self-titled "Heiruspecs", and was released on December 13th 2008.
The band is mostly known for their live performances. In contrast to many contemporary hip hop groups that use sampling and turntables, Heiruspecs emphasize a raw, live sound, their roots and local scene. They have also been known to do shows with Minnesota-local hip hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment. They have a very upbeat sound and are typically on tour for at least half of the year. The group style has been compared to the live hip hop band The Roots. [2]
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HEIRUSPECS TICKETS
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History
Heiruspecs formed in 1997 when the members were attending
St. Paul Central High School. They met while taking a studio recording arts program. Sean (Twinkie Jiggles) would play bass while four or five drummers would rotate in and out of freestyle sessions, and Felix would rhyme throughout the whole process.
[3] Early Heiruspecs music contained trombone and saxophone, but these were absent on
Small Steps
and
A Tiger Dancing
. In 2004 Heiruspecs was named the best live artist in the Twin Cities by
City Pages
.
[4]
In commemoration of 10 years of St. Paul pride and good Hip Hop music, St. Paul Mayor
Chris Coleman declared December 22nd Heiruspecs Day in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
[5]
Heiruspecs took an unofficial hiatus after their tour van was totaled in 2005.
[6]
The next Heiruspecs recording, "
Heiruspecs", was released on December 13th 2008.
Previous members
- Felix (vocals)
- Muad'dib (vocals, beat box)
- Twinkie Jiggles (Bass)
- dVRG (Keys)
- Peter Leggett (Drums)
- Josh Peterson (Guitar)
- Martin Devaney (Saxophone)
- Brett Bullion (Drums)
- Bryan Alvarez (Trombone)
- Al McIntosh (Trumpet)
- Noah Paster (Percussion, 808pad)
- Tasha Baron (Keys)
- Tim Glenn (Drums)
- Alex Danovitch (Keys)
- Alex Oftelie (Drums)
- Conor Meehan (Drums)
- Joshua Herbst (Drums)
- Kevin Hunt (Drums)
Discography
- Live From The Studio
(1998)
- Antidisestablishmetabolism
(2000)
- Small Steps
(2002)
- A Tiger Dancing
(2004)
- 10 Years Strong
(2007)
- Heiruspecs
(2008)
The Song "5ves" appeared on the
Harold and Kumar go to White Castle
Soundtrack.
References
- Nishimoto, Dan (30 March 2005) "An Interview with Felix of the Heiruspecs" ''PopMatters''
- Harris, Keith (August 2, 2000), "Funk Is Instrumental" ''City Pages''
- Tatasciore, David (October 27, 2003), "Underground hip-hop sound of Heiruspecs invades area" ''The Daily Collegian''
- "BEST LIVE ARTIST: Heiruspecs" 2004. ''City Pages''
- Wheat, Mark (December 21, 2007),"Heiruspecs perform in The Current studios" ''Minnesota Public Radio''
- http://www.citypages.com/2008-12-03/news/minneapolis-hip-hop-heavies-heiruspecs-end-their-hiatus/