V.P. Rao is a multi-faceted performer and songwriter with a background in hip-hop, world, classical, funk and rock music. For the past five years, V.P. has been a primary songwriter, bassist and de facto leader in the award-winning hip-hop/soul band, Animate Objects. Not content with winning awards and traveling the globe, V.P. is now, for the first time, bringing his experience and knowledge to his own solo project. A utility-man of sorts, V.P. plays a multitude of instruments on "Obrigado Advogados," including bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and drum samples. He also produced the EP and put together his supporting cast, which includes Charles Hammond, Jr. and Czar Absolute on "Eyes4U." V.P.'s musical journey began when he was five years old. A classically trained violinist, pianist, and Indian carnatic vocalist, V.P. received numerous awards for his performances. He was a member of the West Suburban Youth Orchestra, and Nan Zhou's Chamber Strings before dropping it all to pursue a career in Journalism. Realizing the music bug was still ingrained in his soul, V.P. was a founding member of Animate Objects' predecessor, Peoples of Paradox, all the while teaching himself guitar and bass. In the past year alone, V.P. has been a key factor in Animate Objects?Äô success. From a feature article in Billboard Magazine to a critically-acclaimed album to winning two Independent Music Awards, Animate Objects has benefited tremendously from V.P.?Äôs approach to his craft. "Music is the global language. It is most effective when its textures are simple. Those who stay in constant pursuit of a masterwork find their scope to be too narrow, and often ignore the simplicity that makes music its most effective and lyrical." V.P. draws influence from all genres of music, and the directions his songs take are determined by his surroundings. "I often just hop on the train, or take a walk, so I can soak in the surroundings. Inspiration takes all forms, shapes and sizes."
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