Scratch Track heads to Europe to jam for the troops

September 20, 2007 download story

Armed Forces Entertainment takes duo on first overseas tour

Scratch Track will bring their distinctive blend of hip-hop, R&B and soul to U.S. troops stationed in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany October 17-November 4.  

In 2000, Scratch Track began crafting their unique sound as college students at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. DJ Lee and Jason Hamlin have since built a large and loyal fan base while touring the United States and playing over 200 dates a year.  In 2006, they were invited to be the featured band for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) National and were nominated for the "Brightest Rising Star Award" in the Campus Activities Magazine annual readers' poll.

Lee, who grew up in Kansas City listening to acts ranging from Take 6 and Michael Jackson to traditional gospel, brings the funk sound and beat box groove to the group.  Hamlin, who grew up outside of Detroit, playing Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Jeff Buckley, brings the driving guitar rhythms and unforgettable riffs that lay the foundation of Scratch Track's unique sound.

"We're thrilled to be going overseas to perform for our troops and we're going to give them everything we've got," said Lee.  "We know they've been transported to a place far from home and we want to help encourage them.  We wanna let them know the people back home care and want them to come back safe and sound."

Scratch Track's sound has been described as "unconventional" and "undeniably original." The group's diverse musical influences range from Johnny Cash and DC Talk, to Metallica, Michael Jackson and Led Zeppelin.  "We've both always been inspired by so many musical genres, that it makes writing songs together a cool experience," said Hamlin.  "We never know for sure whether we'll end up with an R&B song, a pop tune, or just straight rock and roll”.

In 2003, the group released their debut CD, The Simple, followed by Unreleased Sessions in 2004 and most recently the 2006 EP release of Interpretation of the Afterwards.

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

For more information on Scratch Track, visit www.scratchtrackmusic.com.

The Scratch Track tour schedule: