Band Member Spotlight: LS Bell (Former Member)

PRECAP:

Contributes:         

• Congas

Personal Websites:

• Facebook

Noteworthy links:

• Tea Factory Lofts

Favorite quote from the article: 

"I’m able to think a lot easier when I’m listening to music. I’m able to be in the moment when music is involved. So, as long as there is music to be heard, I’d like to be a part of it."

LS Bell plays the congas for I Am the Third and is well known for always having a smile on his face during performances. He was able to bring his positive vibe to the group almost by chance. It all began when he was playing with his cousin's hip hop band for the night at the Tea Factory Lofts in Bushwick, Brooklyn. After the set, LS headed to the bar for a little post-show relaxation, and, almost like something out of a movie, he found himself serendipitously standing next to Alec.


After the usual introductions, a short conversation took place in which Alec complimented LS's talent and let him know that he had been wanting to incorporate congas into his own music. Some niceties were exchanged and contact information was traded before Alec invited LS to listen to the next set, which he was playing. While LS was attempting to enjoy a watered-down whiskey ginger, Alec began his first song and caught LS's attention. "I heard this powerful voice come out of the PA and I was floored," LS remembers. Unfortunately, he also happened to be tired and needed to get home due to early morning engagements, so before long he and his cousin made their way out.


It turns, out, though, that the performance stuck with LS so that he "couldn’t forget that voice," and soon made use of the contact information he had been given. The two quickly made plans to work together and the rest is history. In LS's opinion, "it was pretty cool how it all started."

After playing with the band for a while, LS has, of course, a few songs he's fallen in love with, one of which is "Western Love," because, in his opinion, "it's probably the most fun." He adds that "it’s in 6/8, so I get to play around A LOT with the patterns and combos. Whenever I get the chance to infuse my folkloric influences in whatever way I can, I go for it, and, this song is the best example of that." He says that he really likes all the songs, though, and has fun with each. He enjoys the challenges the music presents.

In fact, LS has always felt a draw to music. For him, there is a very real connection there. He'll tell you that he is "able to think a lot easier when [he's] listening to music. [He's] able to be in the moment when music is involved. So, as long as there is music to be heard, [he’d] like to be a part of it."

When it comes to his favorite things to listen to, LS admits that he doesn't like to play favorites, but he's happy to share the music that inspires him from classic to contemporary:

"If I had to name some cats that really make me groove, I’d say Mongo Santamaria, Patato Valdez, Tito Puente, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, The Roots and basically anybody who gets into it with the sound they’re bringing forth."

He doesn't just draw from the artists that have made it big, though. LS is also "thankful to have been influenced by [his] friends and family alike who’ve been involved with music and have guided that aspect for most of [his] life." He strives for the challenge and innovation in music, and he has told me that "each time I encounter new sounds, I’m absolutely delighted."

Though a very significant part, music isn't LS's whole life, though. He also likes to think of himself as a whiskey/rum connoisseur. Or, at least, he likes to try find new ones he hasn't had before. If it's not whiskey or rum he's searching out, he's "finding some new restaurant or new chill spot, or [possibly] sleeping or reading." He also likes to "stay abreast of as much news as [he] possibly can," though he said that "the internet and brainfart of modern media" make it a bit difficult, but, he tries his best to keep up with it all.

If you catch LS out with his friends or family, you'll find him by his own words, "there in the moment, listening to the music and partaking in the debauchery."

If you catch him during a show, look for the big smile and listen for the intricate conga beats flowing into the music. His affinity to the music in his life shines through with this great parting thought from LS: "life is ever evolving and so is its soundtrack."