What happens when two musicians meet up that have distinct personal backgrounds yet find common ground within the music they create ?
ADRIAN ESSIET was born in Nigeria and over the years has lived across Canada from the Maritimes westward, finally moving to Vancouver in 2010. IAN GREGSON was born in Liverpool and moved to Vancouver in 1981 and has lived in Vancouver ever since.
Together they form AI VERTIGO - a new Vancouver based duo that takes influence from the likes of classic 80's duo's Tears for Fears, Yazoo & Erasure yet pulls out all the stops adding classic rock influences from Thin Lizzy and Joe Bonamassa; add to the mix a sliver of electronica from the likes of Tangerine Dream to Infected Mushroom and you have a unique sound that is both familiar and new.
IAN GREGSON is a thirty year veteran of the Vancouver music scene. Most recently he played in Northern Soul tribute Mr. M & The All Nighters, he formed East Van Soul Club in 2006 to promote locally grown soul music. In the 80's Ian worked in radio, often meeting many of the musicians that would later influence his own creativity; interviews with Thomas Dolby, Billy Bragg, Level 42 & the late Gary Moore all helped move Ian's music to where it is today. Ian returned to music in 2000 and began recording his own creations on his Mac.
ADRIAN ESSIET Adrian spent his childhood as early as 5 years performing with his school band and church choir; it is during these years he found his love for music. While in the choir, he would often have to improvise and compose song melody on a weekly basis, a unique skill that has flourished till present day. He draws his influence from life experiences and several bands like Tears for Fears, Beatles, Queen, Imogen heap, James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson and Jamaroqui. In 2008 he furthered his music training at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. While still finding his sound he penned 2 singles ‘Broken Man’ in 2008, and ‘Crazy World’ in 2011. When Ian heard “Crazy World” AI Vertigo was formed.
AI VERTIGO brings together otherwise distant musical forms in to a package that is accessible and memorable, danceable and yet cognisant of where they have been and where they have yet to travel.
Band Members
Adrian Essiet - vocals
Ian Gregson - instruments
