How did you come up with the name Outta Nowhere?

We wanted something unique but familiar when we were looking for a band
name. We didn't want it to be just a name; we were looking for something
like a phrase. Something most of us use in everyday life. We had a list of
names to choose from and everyone liked Outta Nowhere. As we started kicking
it around, it just seem to fit what we do and how people see and hear us. At
show MCs would stay things like Outta Nowhere is out of sight or Outta
Nowhere is going somewhere. It works well for us and our music. And
hopefully people will remember the band named Outta Nowhere when they use
that expression in everyday life.

You're based out of the San Francisco Bay Area which is a hot bed for
great jazz, blues and funk. How do you feel that the region has influenced
your sound?

We were all raised in San Francisco except Mike who is from St. Louis but we
won't hold that against him. Steve, Mel, and Aaron were all listening to
local R&B and Funk bands at an early age. We use to go to church every
Friday night at Sacred Heart On the corner of Fillmore and Fell in the city.
They had dances with live bands in the basement. Everyone would come out and
have a good time. And this was for young kids, still in junior high. (I'm
showing my age. I guess they call it middle school now). So naturally we
picked up a lot of our flavor from that environment. Also there was a Radio
Station that really got us interested in Contemporary Jazz. That station was
KRE AM and 102.9 KRE FM. That station played a lot of fusion and
contemporary music that just got you pumped and ready to play. They
introduce us to artist like Stanley Clarke, Bob James, Grover Washington
Jr., Billy Cobham, George Duke and so many other great musicians. Although
we played in R&B Funk bands, we always knew that one day we would play this
kind of music, music that we love and is part of our soul.

Each member of Outta Nowhere is a world-class musician. Can you
drop a few names for us? Who have you guys played with?

We have played with a lot of great musicians. Not too many famous ones
though. Individually some of us have worked with some pretty famous
musicians in the past like Narada Michael Walden, Robert Winters, The
Weather Girls, and Felton Pilot from Con Funk Shun. We've also performed on
the same stage with Tower of Power, Rodger and Zap, Con Funk Shun, and Anita
Baker.

How do you write music together?

When we write together usually someone will have a rift, or a chord
progression, or a bass line, or even just a nice beat that feels good. Then
we just build around it. There are times when one of us will come in with a
song that is laid out structurally and has a good melody. Then everyone else
will add their personal flavor to it until we find something we like. Or we
will be warming up for practice and just jamming a groove and will think that
was cool and we record it. Then listen back to it and think hey, there's a
song in there somewhere. We will all take it home play with some melodies
add some sprinkles. Then bring it back to the band and BOOM! New song.

What's the band's favorite gig to play?

I think we explode when we are at outdoor Festivals. When the weather is
nice and there are other acts that we can enjoy listening to and then going
out and just BAMM! Outta Nowhere!! But we also like the small intimate venue
when the fans are close to the stage and the sound is warm and cozy. And you
can see the smiles on faces as the rock their heads to the groove.

You have a critically acclaimed debut jazz album and significant
radio play in the U.S. and abroad... What's the plan from here?

Really?? To keep it moving. Get out on the road so our fans get an
opportunity to see us live. And increase our fan base. Give them something
that they don't get with an every day smooth jazz artist. We want to put on
shows that make you want to come see Outta Nowhere every time we come to
town. Do some of the big Jazz Festivals around the country and then around
world.

Then start on our next CD. The next one we want to improve in performance
and sound quality. Ideally we'd like to grow musically and be able to get
our music to anyone who wants it. We'd like our music to be original but
familiar melodies that stay with the listener. Like every artist wants,
create something timeless. Music that you can play 10, 20 years from now and
still enjoy it. And maybe get picked up by a major label so we don't have to
foot the entire bill ourselves.