In the spring of 2001, drummer/vocalist John-Christian Urich, keyboardist Ethan White, and bassist JKriv got together in Urich's basement studio, set up their instruments, and hit record. They were inspired by a simple yet adventurous idea -- that modern dance music could be performed completely live. From this impromptu Brooklyn jam session the Tortured Soul sound was born; a blend of soulful song-writing, skillful production, and raw live energy. Since then the trio has blazed a revolutionary trail through dance clubs and live venues around the world, garnering the praise of DJ's, producers and multitudes of fans alike, who have witnessed the power of the Tortured Soul concept: Live Soulful House.

Tortured Soul's sound and style are a unique blend of seeming contradictions. While playing a style of music typified by DJ's and modern music technology, they perform completely live, in simple and organic instrumentation: live drums, vintage keys, electric bass and soulful vocals.

At the core of the Tortured Soul concept are three skilled musicians, songwriters, and producers. Urich, the lead songwriter of the group, has worked with such respected producers as Reggie Lucas and Roger Sanchez. Well known in the world of house and R&B as founder and leader of the band Cooly's Hot Box -- their classic "Don't Throw My Love Around" was sampled as the hook for Armand Van Helden's mega-hit "Funk Phenomena" -- Urich has also had three pop-disco-house releases on Coco Machete Records under the alias Cowboy Johnny Christ. JKriv also produces music under the names The Moves and bgb, and has had multiple releases on US dance labels such as Om, Coco Soul, Central Park Recordings and Germany's Dessous Recordings. As a remix artist he's scored #1 and #7 Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart hits for Sony Urban artists Vivian Green and Goapele, and recently reworked the song "One Shot" by Clive Davis' protege Mario Vazquez for Arista Records. White rounds out the group, bringing a learned and seasoned style to the Tortured Soul sound -- rhythmic and soulful -- blending his background in jazz with Brazilian pop, African rhythms, and 70's R&B. Summer 2007 sees his first release as a producer, collaborating with Lisa Shaw to release "Find The Way" on Large Records, and winning the Traxsource / West End Records remix competition with his version of the Larry Levan's classic "Let's Go Dancing."