Former Champions are a modern music ensemble focused on expressing ideas and emotions through sound and words. Targeting to influence and inspire the human spirit with dynamic groove-based compositions, their music has been described through a multitude of genres including Rock, Funk, World-Beat, Electronica, and Jazz. Within this varied genre approach, the music combines tightly composed and adventurous passages with in-the-moment improvisation. Despite the genre bending output, FC does indeed have a sound that is instantly identifiable and unique to themselves. Their ability to transform and shape this sound to fit the surroundings and setting of each venue is what sets them apart.
FC have recently shared the stage with Lotus, Perpetual Groove, Tea Leaf Green, EOTO, Toubab Krewe, John Brown's Body, Zappa Plays Zappa, Deer Tick, Telepath, The Hackensaw Boys, Brother's Past, Conspirator, U-Melt, The Breakfast, Biodiesel, Indobox, and the Bridge among others.
"The crowd moved and danced with an intensity that most would have to see to believe…There is no doubt they are going to do big things" -Brandon Samuel, Richmond.com
"It was toxic and addictive. We wanted more" -Ben Cokeley, Magazine33
"A melding of talented musical personalities… The Former Champions are highly recommended." - Alex Jasperse, Musemuse.com
"All the instruments are played so superbly and in varying fashion, that each song is unique in its own way." - Celebrity Cafe by Sari N. Kent
"Quite exceptional." - John Book, Music For America
"The roles within a song are constantly changing — who's the rhythm section, who plays the melody, who improvises up into the stratosphere."
-Tristan Lejeune, Charlottesville Progress
"Breakneck beats underscore a swirl of organ, synth and guitar. Elements of '70s prog-rock mingle with dance-club grooves."
- Jonas Beals, Fredericksburg Freelance
"the band finished their second set but most of the crowd wasn't ready to stand still and stop dancing." - Lucas Fritz, RVAjazz.com
