Nuttin' But Stringz
Siblings Tourie and Damien Escobar are the creative geniuses behind the innovative group ‘Nuttin but Stringz’ (NBS). The brothers grew up on the rough streets of Jamaica, Queens but found a way to escape the adversity that many of their peers fell victim to, by having the opportunity to play an instrument that would become to them a way of life. At the respective ages of 8 and 7 the pair began to study the violin and became not only great musicians but learned to transcend their classical training to incorporate pop, rock, and hip-hop, creating their own unique sound. Having studied at the acclaimed Juilliard School in New York City, the two were exposed to Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven and a host of classical composers. Due to their broad range of musical influence between school and home, their style is impossible to pigeon hole or label as suitable for only one genre.
This dynamic duo have grown immensely as artists from their earlier days as young teenagers, playing on the subways to help their single mother to take care of them. “We would play the trains and hold a captive audience, sometimes making up to $300 in a few hours” says older brother Tourie; “The subway was the equivalent of playing several performances in the space of a few hours. We did this every week and it gave us invaluable experience to prepare us for what was to come” adds Damien. What was to come for Nuttin But Stringz was a journey that would see them
Reach multi platinum status on their debut album, win two Emmy Awards, Grammy nods and a spot on numerous talk shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show with Katie Couric and more. They have been featured in the Major Motion Picture ‘Step Up’, America’s Got Talent ( 2nd place season 3) and played shows with legendary artists Al Jarreau, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and The Isley Brothers to name a few.
In 2006 Nuttin But Stringz released their debut album, aptly named ‘Struggle from the Subway to the Charts’ marking a transitional period for them on their voyage to becoming men and respected musicians. Their elevated success has truly been a rollercoaster ride with amazing highlights already encompassing their self written and produced song ‘Thunder’ (off of their first album) being used on both commercials and film, to performing at the inauguration ball for President Barack Obama.
Along with their success, these inspiring artists have worked with numerous charities to give something back, especially to young children. Tourie and Damien make no secret of the fact that their love for the violin was their route out of a life that could have lead to self destructiveness in which either one of them could have ended up imprisoned or dead. One of the charities that the guys work with is the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign who provides membership and assistance to kids and families who are unable to afford YMCA services. Nuttin But Stringz have also performed at many schools across the country where they encourage children to follow their dreams and aspire to be the best they can be. “We know it can be hard for kids to be individuals in today’s society but we are examples of where being different and following your dreams can get you” says Tourie; “Picking up a musical instrument can be very rewarding. We want to inspire the youth” says Damien.
These cool, edgy and unique brothers have stayed true to their own style of music that has taken them from playing their violins on the subways of New York to headlining shows across the United States and Worldwide yet it’s very clear that Nuttin But Stringz know that their journey has only just begun.
