Since they first combined forces in 2004 to form Boombox, Zion Godchaux and Russ Randolph have been busy exploring the union of rock, house, funk and electronic music. The two former DJs began working together in the hallowed musical grounds of Muscle Shoals, Ala., and have since produced a trio of studio albums.
The duo has appeared at an array of music festivals, including the Hangout Music Festival and Wakarusa, their live act steering from danceable funk to stretches of jazz and electronic rhythms. Randolph mans the turntables and sequencers, while Godchaux, sings and plays the guitar.
Boombox has produced three albums on Heart of Gold records: Visions of Backbeat (2005), downriverelectric (2010), and Filling in the Color (2014). Both had years of experience in the music business as accomplished musicians, producers and DJs.
Randolph was raised on the thriving Muscle Shoals music scene, where he was exposed to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding as a youngster. Godchaux began playing drums when he was two years old, and started backing his mother, soul singer Donna Jean Godchaux, on stage at seven. His influences range from rap and jazz to reggae and rock, including artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.
Boombox draws much of its sound from the fertile music soil in Muscle Shoals, long known as for its rock and R&B roots. Boombox follows a loose set list, preferring to improvise as they play off the energy of the crowd.
Boombox fans might also enjoy Flaming Lips and Polyphonic Spree.