#ontherise

Candle lights flicker as the room fills, setting the tone. The vibe is undoubtedly sexy and smooth like the drinks being poured from the bartender – spirits for the spirited who made their way into the basement of The Iberian Rooster on a brisk Thursday night.

The room fills with people from all backgrounds. Artist, poets, musicians. Those that planned to be there, dressed to the nines after a long day at work and some who meandered downstairs after a great meal served on the first floor. Chatter fills the room as a man, who dons a wide brim hat and a beard, slips in and out of the shadows seemingly orchestrating people around him as if to have the night go off without a hitch.

It’s almost time. Set into perfect motion like the ocean’s tide under the moon, everyone’s waiting with baited breathe to ‘Enter The Bleu’

Venus Bleu, an emerging force on the music scene in St. Petersburg, FL has claimed their space as one of the area’s best Neo-Soul bands. Conjuring the soul of Badu with a shot of Floetry and a hint of The Roots with a melodic ode to the R&B of yesteryear, Venus Bleu is everything the music scene has been missing.

The close-knit crew, who started their musical journey from the pews of the church, consist of stellar vocalist Andria Young, Jessica Sweet and new addition, Shelby (who also plays the keys). Backing the ladies are triple threat businessman, drummer and poet, Karti Ex and talented bass player, Devon Gilbert.

Every time they hit the stage, it’s a reminder of why they have longevity in an industry that is ever evolving.

Going full force into the music industry, the group also makes time to have balance. Most of the members work full-time and some raise families – but at the center, is the love of music.

The Birth of Venus

After discovering their signature sound in 2014 while playing in another band, the crew decided to rebrand themselves. “We came together after playing for ‘REXP’, Romantic Expressions,” explained Karti Ex “ We fell in love with the sound we created and decided to completely rebrand ourselves as Venus Bleu.”

Five years later under their current name, the band is still going strong. Along with hosting their monthly Flytrap (a mashup showcase of local talented musicians/poets and visual artist) preparing for the upcoming Gasparilla Music Festival (where they will be sharing the same stage as Neo Soul group Tank and The Bangas) ,they are also spending time crafting their next EP after the success of the one they dropped in April of 2018.

Coming out the gate swinging with single, ‘Hold You Down’ and their very first EP, Soulfood, the two projects helped to solidify their place. The 4 track EP introduces us to the upbeat and funky namesake track, ‘Soulfood’ (featuring heavy hitter lyricist Dynasty), ‘Black Girl Magic’ ; an ode to all the melanated queens and the sensual track, ‘Baptize’ – a sexy song about a lover who is willing and ready to take your body out to the deep end.

Venus Bleu is both medicine for the soul and sex for the ears.

The project helped to catapult them into higher heights in a time where most would consider real R&B dwindling away. Describing their sound, Ex maintains that while familiar, their sound can’t be truly defined “ At first we were afraid that we couldn’t be pinned down for marketing purposes,” said Ex. “ I’d say with careful attention to detail, we are a hybrid of R&B and Neo-soul”

Appearing regularly in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, Venus Bleu have grown their loyal fan base by shutting it down at Rock The Park and The Tampa Black Heritage Festival. They are also regulars at local events like the Art & Soul and Wine & Rhyme series. They are well known and respected at local hangouts from Crowbar to Cabana Sands.

They sing familiar hits from artist like Daniel Ceasar and Anderson Paak while making sure to drop original content. Their sound is every evolving while staying true to their roots as their span continues to reach.