Brave Souls perform for 30,000 at the Suzuki Rock N Roll Marathon-opening
for SMASHMOUTH

passionateheartfeltdirectfunkycontroversialhopefulangryhonest......
 

      Hollye Dexter and the Brave Souls' music is a heartfelt, soulful alternative to the bland form of canned pop we've all been lulled into accepting on the radio. Stylistically speaking, they have successfully blurred the lines between pop, rock, funk, blues and folk to create their own original sound. They are often described as having a Fleetwood Mac-type sound. Their songs are lyrically driven with strong melodic hooks. Regarding their musicality, L.A.'s Music Connection praised their "…strong songwriting, incredibly talented musicians, and versatile vocals". It's good to know that those are still viable assets in the music business.
    Produced by her song writing partner and husband Troy Dexter, Hollye released her premier twelve song CD entitled Life Goes On in 1997, and  Hollye and the Brave Souls released their "Tales From the Green Room" CD in Fall, 2001. This collection of powerful songs covers subjects ranging from questioning faith to finding it again, from anger and loss to love, from prejudice to acceptance. The songs are honest and real. Her summation of the album:  "This is music for all brave souls living in the real world."
   Hollye and the Brave Souls have become a fixture on the L.A. club scene. They have played the world famous "Roxy", The Rosebowl, The San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon, and have opened for such acts as Smashmouth, Gene Loves Jezebel and Stephen Bishop.  They are also proud to be a MUSIC HEALS band, a non profit foundation which Hollye co-founded. Through Music Heals, they have performed for such charities as the American Cancer Society, The Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation, Project Angel Food, the Five Acres home for abused children and many others...The "souls" mission is to use their music to help heal their communities.
   When asked where the band's name came from, Hollye explains that many members in the band have survived some kind of life-threatening experience and have lived to tell about it.  "This band has a lot of heart and soul. Life is a gift. Music is a gift. We don't take any of it for granted, and are happy to share it."
    The Brave Souls consists of a group of seasoned studio musicians; Troy Dexter (guitars and other unusual instruments), Tracey Brown (percussion and vocals), Rick Robbins (guitar), Dave Kief (bass), and "Jake" Jacobs (drums).  Collectively, these musicians have previously toured with such greats as Joan Armatrading, Phil Collins, Tower of Power, Young Dubliners, Stephen Bishop, and others.
    Hollye had an unconventional childhood, having spent her early formative years on the road with her guitar player Dad, and started writing and performing in the coffeehouses and clubs at age fourteen with her songwriting partner Vonda Shepard. She was a child actress, starring in the popular 1978 film "The Wilderness Family" and had a recurring role as a troubled teen on the soap "General Hospital". But her first ever live musical performance at the tender age of 11 was at the local talent contest at "Beef n' Barrel Restaurant". She has been hooked ever since.
Hollye spent the early part of her career as a live and studio backup singer for other artists, but in recent years has clearly defined herself as a solo artist and community activist.