With all eyes fixed on the nation’s capital, DC’s Wickedest Band Alive, Rare Essence, launches the iTunes Takeover; bringing the sound that has dominated DC culture for decades to the world.   This national campaign kicks off with a timely promotion through MTV Networks; which most recently spotlighted Washington, DC for its contributions and innovations to the music industry. On the heels of one of the most significant occurrence of our time, Rare Essence is energized to showcase their sound across national platforms.

On January 27th, Rare Essence (RE) embraced the power of change by propelling go-go music into the digital age with the release of their ‘download-only’ single, “Rock With RE”. With the help of music fans across the country, RE anticipates their new single will rise to the top of the charts on iTunes and other digital music retailers.  This original composition blends a live percussion sample from an RE signature track with hip-hop lyrics and a hard rockin’ Go-Go groove. The single is just a taste of the forthcoming full-length album to be released in late 2009 in both CD and digital formats. 

The Rock with RE campaign challenges fans to prove that Go-Go is more than a genre of music indigenous to DC, but one that has a growing cult following around the world. With a live show which rivals concert greats and a party energy that never stops, RE has grown Go-Go from music to lifestyle. In the city where Chuck Brown is regarded as “The Godfather of Go-Go”, Rare Essence has been crowned the “Wickedest Band Alive.” 

The online initiative is an extension of the band’s effort to promote their catalog of hits, also available for download. Original band member, Andre Johnson, notes, “We see this as an opportunity to bring our music to a very active and social community of music fans.” Rare Essence is a musical tour de force, continuing to play for packed houses while embracing the digital sales platform to reach a new generation of music consumers worldwide. 

Today, Rare Essence consists of original member Andre “Whiteboy” Johnson (Lead Guitar), as well as Milton “Go-Go Mickey” Freeman (Congas), David “32″ Ellis (Vocals), Charles “Shorty” Garris (Vocals), Roy Battle (Keyboard), Michael Baker (Bass Guitar), Quentin “Dud” Ivey (Percussion), Darrell “Blue Eye” Arrington (Drums) and Leroy “Scooter” Taylor (Keyboard).

About Rare Essence

Rare Essence debuted with the single and classic Go-Go hit, Body Moves. Their unique hard  percussive groove and delivery saw crossover and commercial success with the original hit singles Lock-It, Work the Walls, and Overnight Scenario. Collaborations have included work with Doug E Fresh, Redman and Ludacris (with whom they performed on both the Jay Leno Show and the MTV Awards). Their recent cover of Ashley Simpson’s Pieces of Me rocked Mid-Atlantic radio. With over 30 years of music innovation, Rare Essence continues to put out new hits and attract some of the most talented musicians worldwide, maintaining their well-earned moniker - “The Wickedest Band Alive”.

For more information on Rare Essence, visit www.RareEssence.com

Media Contacts:

Tracy Press (202) 415-9520

Brandi@TheBoutiqueAgency.com