LUVPLANET
"Feel good, genre bending Rock'n'roll for the soul"
Guitarist/Singer/Songwriters
Nicole Sutton and Mark McGee (Gregg Allman)
create timeless, potent songs on par with the great bands of our time. Their undeniable chemistry and persuasive sound captivates live audiences! With hearts slung on their sleeves they've has graced many stages from clubs to theaters to festivals. Passionate songs about life, luv, pain and joy tap into Rock, Pop, Country and Blues sounds all woven together with lush harmony vocals, optimistic lyrics and tasteful jams. With seven full length albums they continue to blaze a trail of creativity as their genuine musical vision continues to reach new heights. With a brand new album coming in 2025, the future is bright!
History...
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Luvplanet's story began in the Spring of 1999 when Nicole Sutton was recording at SRS studios in San Rafael, CA. Musician Mark McGee was hired to come in and add guitar tracks to the recordings. A few weeks later he was invited to take part in a jam session with Nicole, bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Jeff Campitelli and the vibe between everyone was great! It was clear that the search for band members was the objective. While Mark wasn't looking to commit to a new project, he realized that he and Sutton had much in common and to create music with her and such an incredible rhythm section was an exciting opportunity. Magic was in the air and quickly an inspired partnership was unraveling right before their eyes.
Throughout 1999 they met for weekly rehearsals preparing full band arrangements for Nicole's songs. By the end of the year they performed a small batch of shows in Northern California and things felt amazing! But then unexpectedly Stu and Jeff's commitments with Joe Satriani came calling and puled them out on the road. Looking forward, preperations and planning for the recording of the debut album was the main focus. After locking in the incredible Studio 880, Stu and Jeff were on board to come in and bring the first album to fruition. The debut release, 2003's 'Luvplanet' was a stellar outing and prime way to launch the band.
Following the debut release the search for a permanent rhythm section was the obvious mission. Following many lackluster auditions, Mark would eventually reach out to his former bandmates drummer Scott McKenzie and Tommy Sisco which proved to be a winning combination.​ Nicole and Mark's alliance was passionate and prolific and together the two churning out countless new songs. For the next 6 years the band played many live shows establishing themselves as a premier band in the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time came the release of three new studio albums, 2004's 'State of Mind', 2008's 'Lucky One' and 2010's 'Luvolution'.​ Then in 2011, McKenzie's commitment's were not in sync and the band was forced to seek out a replacement.
They discovered drummer Cedric Wilmott and although he didn't appear on any Luvplanet albums, his time with the band was a positive and forward looking period. His drive and demeanor was empowering and they had much fun together but then due to Family obligations, his path demanded he relocate to Tennessee. In a strange twist of events McKenzie returned for a brief stay but it didn't stick and the band moved on with expert Michael Amos! Michael was actually the very first drummer Nicole and Mark played with following Campitelli's absence at a jam session in Alameda, CA. In retrospect, it was a sign of what was to come.
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With the drum chair firmly locked in, the band was eager to begin work other 5th album. They were soon prompted by an industry professional to re-record a stripped down version of the song 'Gem' from the 'State of Mind' album for a possible film placement. It was finished and released as 'Gem 2016'. The beautiful rendition was presented more as a duet rather than the original where Mark sang the lead. Keyboardist and Bay Area native Stephen Salinas added tasteful piano to the track.
Now ready to record their 5th studio album. 'Rivertown' the goal was to capture a more organic, earthy sound and the outcome clearly delivered that. The response was positive and many of the songs remain fan favorites!
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In 2019 the band expanded its guitar driven sound with the addition of keyboardist Steven Anderson. Originally from Kentucky, Steven had repeatedly reached out to Nicole about playing together and as it tuned out his perseverance paid off. His personality was full of positivity and the addition of keys added new layers and texture to the band's sound!
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By 2019 the band was heading back into the studio to record their 6th studio album but before it's completion the global scare came and inspired the song 'The Day They Closed The World'. This healing anthem was a song of hope and a beacon of light for so many. By end of the year the band returned to the studio and created their new album!
On June 21st, 2020, the band unveiled it’s most ambitious record to date 'Something Good'.
This double CD includes 20 original compositions (and a hidden bonus track) and shows a more diverse Luvplanet than ever before! This incredible body of work is a true testament to their artistic convictions!
In 2023 'Live Waves',the bands first ever live album was released. It is the culmination of two decades as one of the premier music groups holding the torch for Original Rock'n'Roll and features 13 exciting live tracks.
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Now they've begun recording their 8th album and with their future shines bright!