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Ultraviolet Hippopotamus / About This Artist

Artist Details and Stats:

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Management: WideAwake

Website: www.uvhippomusic.com

Sounds Like: Umphrey's McGee, Pink Floyd, Phish, The String Cheese Incident, Genesis

Genre: Rock

#-
Rock charts for Grand Rapids, MI
  • 12,714
    Total Fans
  • 10,771
    Profile Views
  • 79,435
    Widget Hits

Biography:

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus is an explosive five-piece progressive improvisational band with a rapidly growing fan base across the U.S. and, more recently, Europe. Described as “brightening the future of the jam band scene,” Ultraviolet Hippopotamus mixes tight, funky jams with new dance beats, heartfelt lyrics, compelling composition, eccentric effects and a vibrant light show for an incredible, one-of-a-kind musical experience. Known for its on-stage musical alchemy – cultivated from years of relentless touring – the band performs an eclectic selection of technically demanding compositions and improvised material along with unconventional and fun covers.

The group deftly journeys between funk, jazz, livetronica, space rock, reggae, bluegrass, and progressive rock within a single show and, sometimes, within a single song. Exploring new ground and taking risks make every performance unique, and fans are never sure what exactly the band will deliver each night; other than exceptional music.

Anyone remotely familiar with the ‘jam band sound’ will immediately recognize Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ influences and genre-mixing musical objectives, but the band adds a level of talent, intricacy and polish that truly sets it apart. Tight, energetic jams and outstanding vocals — a true rarity among the band’s peers — coupled with the act’s spontaneity and strong songwriting add to its appeal. The word is out, and the band is quickly developing into an international sensation.

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ highly praised third album, “Square Pegs, Round Holes,” reached No. 3 and spent much of the year in the top 25 of the Relix Magazine/Jambands.com National Radio Chart and was voted “2011 Studio Album of the Year” at the Home Grown Music Network. It also received similar nominations from several radio programs, among other acclaim. The album continues to sell steadily and receives airplay across the U.S. as well as internationally in Italy, Brazil, France, Switzerland, England, Spain, Germany and other countries.

Press:

“I frickin love Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. In fact, I don’t think love is even a strong enough word for how I feel about this band.”
Summercamp Review

“First up was UV Hippo and this was really the main event for me. I have been hitting this band hard lately and I am continually blown away. These guys maintain such a diverse musical spectrum. They can go from bluegrass to the greatest Pink Floyd & Frank Zappa covers you've ever heard to jazz fusion to the wildest mind-blowing jam rock your little brain can handle.”
Jeremy Frazier - Chicago Jam Scene

“Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, or UV Hippo as many know them, has revived my passion in seeing local acts over the past year and a half.”
Greg Molitor - Music Maruaders

““This Grand Rapids band does the groovy, experimental, jam-rock thing in a way that would make Frank Zappa proud.””
Brian McCollum - Detroit Free Press

““UV Hippo...plays jam-rock with mind-boggling proficiency.””
— Troy Reimink - Grand Rapids Press

“Ultraviolet Hippopotamus adds a level of talent, intricacy and polish that truly sets it apart. Tight, energetic jams and outstanding vocals — a true rarity among the band’s peers — coupled with the act’s spontaneity and strong songwriting add to its appeal.”
Jeffery V. Smith - The Marquee