Lightheaded

In these days of digital downloads and virtual mc’s, it is rare to find a group that can exude soul yet still embody the DIY ethic that made Hip-Hop a creative refuge for the disenfranchised artist. Portland, Oregon based Lightheaded happen to be all of that and then some; as young artists they represent one of the very few bright glimpses of the cultures musical future.

Though Lightheaded have been winning fans all over the country with their high-energy live show, it was their dedication to life on the road that initially led mc’s Braille, Othello, and producer/mc Ohmega Watts to cross paths in the first place. While Braille had spent his formative high-school years away from his Portland hometown in the garden state of New Jersey, he soon found himself on the road during summer break to pursue his music career. One particularly fateful summer, he shared a Florida stage with Ohmega (a Brooklyn born, Florida resident). An immediate musical and spiritual bond was formed and, despite the distance, they formed the group Return to Sender. Shortly thereafter Braille finished high school and returned home to Portland, with Ohmega soon to follow upon graduation from art school. After reuniting, the two began rocking shows up and down the Pacific Northwest. It was during a show outside of Seattle in 2001 that Braille and Ohmega would meet Othello, an mc who would soon complete the musical trio and birth Lightheaded. With a solid friendship as a foundation, the mc’s began work on their first album. With solid lyricism and soundscape contribution from Canadian producer Muneshine, Pure Thoughts, Lightheaded’s critically praised debut album, introduced the world to the deft talent of the three.

On the strength of their well-received overture, Lightheaded began an unremitting global tour schedule and built a reputation, show by show, as unstoppable entertainers. In their downtime they would open for national acts coming through Portland, and it was during one of these shows that they caught the ear of renowned producer Thes One of People Under The Stairs. So impressed was Thes with their showmanship that he demanded a demo and it was not long until they became part of the burgeoning Tres family of artists.

Adding to the collective acclaim of Lightheaded, the respective solo releases of each member since the trio’s debut have garnered substantial critical praise and set the scene for an anticipated return of the group; Braille was named one of “Urb’s Next 100”, Othello’s Classic EP was a best-seller overseas, and Ohmega Watts’ solo 12” on Ubiquity has been a continual DJ favorite around the globe. With production handled primarily by gifted group member Ohmega, Lightheaded’s new album on Tres, Wrong Way, culminates the experiences of the meantime, presenting a more focused, mature collective. With uplifting, introspective lyrics on hard hitting and soulful beats, Lightheaded prove they are able to temper their art with the style and energy of the history they are very much becoming a part of.

Tres is very proud to present their new album Wrong Way, if only to prove one thing: From their sophomore release to the stage, Lightheaded prove they are definitely on the right path.