User:Jillianspeece/The Bergamot

The Bergamot is a Band that originated in the Spring of 2009 out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Singer/Songwriter’s Jillian Speece and Nathan Hoff created the band after working together for almost seven years. During May of 09’ they decide to name their duo the Bergamot after Hoff suggested to Speece that the name would suit their fun, lively, and multifaceted music well. Outside of their music purposes the Bergamot is actually an Orange that is grown in Calabria Italy, France, Asia, and in parts of America. It is commonly known for its use in Earl Grey tea, as an indigenous medicine, as an herbal remedy, and as an essential oil that induces happiness and relives stress in aromatherapy applications. After great deliberation Speece and Hoff decided that the name was a perfect fit for their name because it encompassed hues of playfulness but they chose it mainly because the bergamot oils were used to induce happiness and relive stress which was the same thing they sought to produce through sharing their music with others. Around five months later they decided that they wanted to expand their duo. During the fall of 09’ they began collaborating with their old High School class mate Grant Inman (Drummer, of Elkhart, Indiana) and Andrew Teeple (Bassist, of Fort Wayne, Indiana). After practicing with them for a couple months’ gigs and events began to pick up for them. By January 29th they headlined in Chicago, IL at The Elbo Room and Uncommon Grounds. The next week (2-5-10) they were featured on the Greg Jarrett show, WGN Chicago Radio Station. In addition, by the third week of March ( March 18th, 2010) they released their first album named, “Smile”. After two weeks it became a top seller on digstation.com and was released on i-tunes. Smile is the first ever album by "The Bergamot". The flavor of it is one of fresh citrus and pure enjoyment - accented with hues of passion and intensity. The Bergamot explores the personal influences of each individual within the band in their inaugural album. What came of it is a true masterpiece - that can only be truly enjoyed and thoroughly appreciated if listened to from start to finish. “Wow the Bergamot oh by… I am telling you we’ve got people outside on the sidewalk clapping as well. That is some nice, the heck with American Idol, the heck with the Grammys, we had no pitch correction, that was live right into the mic’s in the studio, Jillian that is a fantastic sound…remember you heard them first here on WGN Chicago”

-	Greg Jarret WGN Chicago Radio Show

The Bergamot continues to promote their music world-wide while playing gigs all over the US.

Artist Information

Biography Real Musicians Real Music, period.

The Bergamot. This is the real deal. No force-fed mass-produced garbage. You will not find a washed up lack of talent here. The Bergamot is already the next big thing. They are real musicians with real talents writing real music. They are well equipped to build strong relationships with both fans and labels alike. This band has the power to unite people, forming a cause for their music. You don’t think so? Then do both of us a favor – GO ON YOUR WAY. People are sick of GARBAGE – thankfully, there is The Bergamot – because YOU CAN NOT DENY REAL TALENT! These musicians are currently doing a fantastic job in a dire music scene. This is not just one band, but a universal CAUSE! Experience it for yourself.

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it." Michelangelo

Quick Facts •Featured on WGN Chicago's "The Greg Jarrett Show" 2/6/10 •First album, Smile, was featured on The Digstation.com TOP 10 SELLERS LIST. Reaching the top of the charts in less than 2 weeks. •Produced Smile, the top selling album, in their own studio •2009 Winner, Sweetwater Songwriting Competition •Headliner at Elbo Room in Chicago, IL.

(Extended Biography) The Bergamot is a good-natured, toe-tapping, and thought-provoking group that originated from the sweet cornfields of good ol' Indiana. This band incorporates the sounds of pop, R&B, and soul. It has been said "the voice of Jillian Speece is freeing and smooth as silk and Nathan Hoff's striking music flows effortlessly from his fingertips." Additionally, Grant Inman possesses beautiful rhythm, which opens doors for you to get lost in the beat of the music and last but not least, Andrew Teeple's bass skills provide a smooth, buttery and rich sound that brings an added depth to the music.

From The Bergamot's humble beginnings of self-production, their sound is brilliantly organic and flows from the heart. Between the cold winters and summer trips to Lake Michigan, this band has had ample opportunity to be inspired by the sights and sounds of their native region. Since 2003, Jillian and Nathan have been working, growing, and learning together. In turn, their unique vibe and noteworthy balance has bloomed and many of their songs originated in diverse places and from stories of old as well as new. "My writing allows the tangible world to dissolve, allowing my soul to integrate my spirit within my voice," articulates Jillian about songwriting.

Both Nathan and Jillian draw inspiration from people, books, and different experiences to create their eclectic sound. The passion that emits from The Bergamot's music is quite contagious especially since Jillian and Nathan brought the amazing Grant Inman and phenomenal Andrew Teeple. So tune in as The Bergamot takes flight!

Instrumentation Jillian Speece - vocals Nathan Hoff - guitar, piano, and backup vocals Grant Inman - drums Andrew Teeple - bass

Discography The Bergamot's first CD - Smile - in now available. Smile will be available for download on itunes in Mid-April.

Links http://www.thebergamot.com