Today we’d like to introduce you to The A-Beez, Amy Bellamy and Aaron Bellamy.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
The A-Beez are a Boston based music collective with its roots in Soul, Funk, and R&B. At its core are keyboardist Amy Bellamy and bassist Aaron Bellamy. The two began their musical collaboration in the early 2000’s as members of the Sam Kininger Band (BMG Japan recording artists). This relationship would blossom, as they would go on to work as sidemen and studio/session musicians, backing up numerous artists including Chaka Khan, Beyonce, Terri Lyne Carrington, Nikki Glaspie, Martin Luther, Cody Chestnut, The Perceptionists, Club D’elf, Elan Trotman and many more.
In addition to touring nationally and internationally, Amy and Aaron are staples of the local Boston scene, hosting a long-standing (over 14 years and running) residency at Boston’s renowned Wally’s Café and performing in clubs and venues throughout New England and the East coast. In the years to come they would co-write and compile a catalog of original material that would eventually culminate in the release of their debut album “Never Going Back” which was released in April 2015. They released their second studio album “Say Goodbye” in March of 2018.
Please tell us about your art.
We make music: composing, arranging, producing in the studio, as well as performing live in a wide array of concert venues. We like to think of our music as honest and unpretentious, as we’re not striving to fit into a particular genre. Though neither of us sings, the lyrics we write reflect our personal life experiences, philosophy and spirituality. Our music certainly isn’t classified as mindless pop; however, you don’t need a music degree to appreciate what we do. At our shows we like to let the music speak for itself; our hope is the listener will take away a message of healing and inspiration.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Devote yourself to your art completely and do what you need to do to supplement income. As an “artist” you may need to have 5 or 6 small jobs in order to make your “artistic income” sustainable. There’s certainly no short road to financial success in this line of work and you have to be willing to make sacrifices and work hard. Say yes to everything especially when you’re young. Hone your skills. Trust that the more time you devote to your art the more opportunities will become available to you. It’s important not to measure your success in dollars or compare yourself to others.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We have several residencies in town. Every Tuesday night at Wally’s Jazz cafe (427 Mass Ave, Boston) and the middle Wednesdays of the month at Bull McCabe’s Pub in Union Sq., Somerville. Other venues where you can find us locally are the Beehive, Milky Way, and Lizard Lounge.
We have two original albums available for download (Never Going Back and Say Goodbye) on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon. And of course, all the social media outlets www.the-abeez.com, Facebook.com/funkyabeez and @theabeez.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thea-beez.com
- Email: abeezbooking@gmail.com
- Instagram: @theabeez
- Facebook: facebook.com/funkyabeez
- Other: www.youtube.com/thaAbeez
Image Credit:
Matt Teuten
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