Phoenyx & Phyre Rise With Phorged

Long Beach based band Phoenyx & Phyre, will celebrate the release of Phorged, its first album in a release party live May 8, at B&B Music Studio in the City of Orange.

Phoenyx Kym, the lead singer and songwriter for the group, is a vibrant presence in Long Beach at local venues like the Prospector and Sevilla. She has also performed at various Los Angeles venues like at The Mint to the festival stage channeling her artistry into an original blend of soul, jazz and funk. With a melodic voice, Kym sings with confidence and magnetism. Her songs tread themes of love and loss, but bring a surprising, thoughtful newness. Her band is dynamic. Phoenyx & Phyre’s distinct sound harkens improvisational jazz, vintage soul richness and a powerful funk flavor — all this, despite being together for less than two years. 

Sirens, is a haunting exploration of the pandemic’s impact. “When I wrote it,” Phoenyx said, “it was really late. I was drunk, crying, alone, and terrified. I picked up the guitar and started playing chords. I had no idea what I was doing, but I recorded it, and it all came out in one take.”

The song floats, and one can hear the ebb and flow of grief and anger and sadness. She sings, “Nothing feels right. Everything has changed, a new way of life. My blurry sight can’t see the light. I wanna fight but I don’t wanna die.”

The band features Phoenyx Kym on lead vocals, Scotty Salmon on keyboards, Liam Coats on bass, and Lowden Harrell plays drums. 

The group draws on their creative diversity to craft work that seamlessly blends genres. Harrell explained that “It allowed me to pull from all the different kinds of music I’ve heard. Whether I was playing drums/percussion, singing background vocals or arranging and conducting for the horns, recording the album let me play a different role in the studio every time we went back in for another session.”

Phoenyx and Phyre has gigs booked at Alex’s Bar and Shenanigans in Long Beach, on May 6 and June 23 respectively and on June 5, they will return to The Mint in Los Angeles. Twice a month, Phoenyx co-produces Pulsar Jams, a free music event at Los Cerritos Park in Long Beach, with their next show at 6:30 p.m. May 1. 

To stay in touch with the band, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @phoenyxandphyre. Follow @pulsarjams on Instagram for upcoming events

“I’m very proud of this work,” Phoenyx said. “Having written music for the first time in my life, it’s surreal to see this all come to a fantastic fruition with amazing musicians who I’m proud to also call my friends. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Listen to Cool from Phorged on bandcamp. https://phoenyxandphyre1.bandcamp.com/

An early demo of Sirens can be found on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=/sirens.

Time:7:30 p.m. May 8

Cost: Free 

Details: RSVP to Phoenyxandphyre@gmail.com.

Venue: B&B Music Studio, 260 N Tustin St. City of Orange