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Biography
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Grobler’s first taste of music came when he performed and travelled internationally with the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. Since leaving the choir Grobler attending music school in Liverpool, England before settling in New York, U.S.
St. Lucia’s initial attempts at making music were strongly influenced by the likes of Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson and Phil Collins, however experimented with alternative and rock music in his later years wanting to create something big and bombastic, but has since returned to his eighties pop roots, with a combination electronic and acoustic instruments.
In 2012 St. Lucia signed to the label Neon Gold Records home to such artists as Gotye and Ellie Goulding and often credited with the discovery of Vampire Weekend and Lana Del Ray. Once signed Neon Gold re-released St. Lucia’s self-titled EP, which he previously had released independently. The EP had unintentional themes of loss that Grobler only realised after its completion, the eventual six-track EP was narrowed down from about 50 songs.
Grobler’s first full-length LP entitled “When the Night” was released in October 2013 and St. Lucia described as “an artist who has sharpened his knives, payed homage to his genre’s past, and created songs that are uniquely and rapturously his own”. Where his previous attempts lacked cohesion, the full-length, guides the listener through an exotic mix of unabashed indie-pop and synth-pop to a cohesive whole.
St. Lucia’s live performances have included a number of fellow musicians from Nick Brown, Patricia Beranek Ross Clark, and support slots for Two Door Cinema Club. Grobler has also shown a rather apt hand at remixing, for the likes of Foster The People, Charli XCS and fellow label-mates Passion Pit.
Live reviews
This was a fantastic show. I was so amazed at the live performance; this kind of music, ie: lots of synths, vocals, complex textures, etc (in my opinion) is really really hard to recreate live, and it was even BETTER IN PERSON. I love it when artists surprise me, and St. Lucia did just that. Not only did the music sound amazing, but it was a SHOW. Clearly a group of talented musicians who not only love to play, but love to play together and to and audience.
Jean-Philip Grobler went into the audience and weaved around while singing on a wireless mic, connecting with the audience in an already intimate venue. Oh and the percussionists were pretty much the best thing ever.
Definitely made my list of artists that I must see if they are playing in or around the Baltimore/DC area.
maribeth-kibbey
St. Lucia front man Jean-Philip brings so much energy to his sets, you're going to have a hard time resisting all urges to jump up and boogie down to his sweet, vocals accompanied by a live band whose talent is on par with their leader. Sweet pop-synth sounds, voices that sound better than their recorded albums, and dancing all night long.. you can't ask for much more than that.
I've seen them a few times and each time their presence has grown larger and larger! Most recently, an intimate pre-album release party where they blew the roof off of the venue and treated the audience to some amazing new songs.
It's obvious that they put a ton of care and heart into their music so you will truly get what you came for. Do yourself a favor and go see them!
jennie-yoon
St. Lucia and The Knocks make an unbelievable duo! The two bands are incredible apart, but when they perform together (like when they played "Modern Hearts") the room comes alive. Their combined energy was palpable in the concert hall, and rather contagious. I couldn't stop dancing the entire night. It also seemed like St. Lucia has a strong internal dynamic. All of the group members seemed visibly excited to be there performing together, and their music conveyed that too. If St. Lucia comes to your town, make sure you buy tickets! This is a band that should not be missed!
hannah.peters
Absolutely and without a doubt their best show yet. Full of energy, love, and flare. My BF and I got VIP tickets and it was basically the best show we could have ever imagined. Small and lovely venue (August Hall), awesome opener, and some 1:1 time with Patti and the guys! Literally THE BEST. Even after Jean blew out his ankle from going to hard on the dance moves he still insisted to finish "Physical," like a champ. THEY> ARE> SIMPLY> THE> BEST> Was also happy to discover opener, The Night Game, and snag St. Lucia's new vinyl for my collection. <3
megan-jones-43
This concert was terrific. They paired tremendously with Vacationer - I honestly would've love to hear more of them, but not at the expense of St. Lucia, of course. Metro is a small and intimate concert venue and puts one some fantastic shows. St. Lucia was so good they sold out their first show and Metro put on another night just for them! Both sold out. That should be an indicator. I loved seeing them... I've been lucky to get in on up-coming bands and see them rocket into the mainstream. I fully expect St. Lucia to be on Letterman soon.
Damn. DAAAMNNNNN. I discovered this band two years ago in a coffee shop and would never have guessed that I would later by front row of one of their concerts and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I love when artists sound just as good live, but St. Lucia sounded BETTER. Such an amazing, energetic, exciting show. I wish I could see them again tonight!
jessica-len-1
Saw them at Lollapalooza 2013 and they were great. Then I saw them at an awesome (perhaps the best) venue in Seattle and they were incredible. They don't do anything super crazy on stage, their songs are fairly simple, but they execute everything perfectly. I am not a huge fan of their new album, but live they are really solid. And Fun!
chip-reno
Awesome concert full of energy. Even if the repertoire is a bit limited. The energy started flowing from the moment they took the stage and did not let go until the last song. The whole thing make you feel like you are part of a small audience and that they are very dedicated to you having a fun time. Totally loved it!
gabriel-guido
So disappointed! Where was the rest of your band? Left after the 4th song. Way too LOUD for such a small venue. Seriously - Man Eater? You are/were so much better than that. Didn't hear any of the awesome songs that Sirius radio promotes for you. So sad to have wasted the money on tickets.
tamira-taggart
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