Endoxi
Endoxi is a unique blend of artistry that brings a timeless energy to music in a nostalgic manner without reinventing the wheel or rehashing what has already been created. The culmination of exceptional artistry Endoxi exhibits is rooted in the musical evolution and experiences of front man Chris Wilson. The group, comprised of Wilson on vocals and guitar, is further distinguished by the evident talents of saxophonist Joe Cardillo, bassist Wally, and drummer Matt Caskitt, who form this powerhouse band that is known for high-energy shows, memorable melodies, and unrivaled instrumentation.
Officially formed in 2007, Endoxi has been a work in progress since Wilson began playing guitar at the age of ten. Living then in Mill Valley, CA, a suburb of San Francisco, Wilson received the first of many big experiences that laid the foundation for what Endoxi has become. After a run-in with musicians in the top 40 band Mr. Big, Wilson dedicated himself to learning and mastering the guitar. He remained in the sight of Eric Martin and within eight months became a routine guest in his band.
His talent and enthusiasm landed him sponsorship deals from guitar companies, gigs with big name acts throughout northern California, and caught the attention of songwriter Andre Pessis, who writes for the likes of Carlos Santana, Huey Lewis, and Bonnie Raitt. Pessis, who strongly fostered Wilson’s songwriting abilities, became not only a mentor, but also a friend.
A Greek term that means “everything in it’s place”, Endoxi is not just another identity for a group of musicians drawn from a hat. For the band, it is the way of life that has effortlessly created an unmatched niche in the music circuit. And for Endoxi, the pure message in their music means work hard, live right, and for that, everything will be OK; it is much more than any other trendy name.
The foursome known today as Endoxi draw influences from wild and diverse backgrounds. While the band’s coincidental kismet in finding one another may seem like luck, the probability of another foursome producing the same distinguishing sound through diverse stylistic influence is little to none. What started as Wilson, a bass player and drummer playing a few gigs around San Diego became the brotherhood of musicians and friends that comprise the band today.
Wilson met Cardillo, who was his replacement as roommate at a house in a subset of San Diego, and they began playing together. The instantaneous chemistry led to the addition of Cardillo to the group. Later, Wally replaced the band’s original bass player when he tried out to join the band just two days before a planned move to San Francisco. Whether or not it was fate that led him to Endoxi, Wally brings an added layer of diversity and artistic depth. Caskitt, joined the band in 2009 a month before the recording of Earthbound, uniting with the band’s existing members in the dedicated journey that has led Endoxi to the forefront of emerging independent artists.
Currently recording their second full-length album in San Diego at Studio West, the group has enlisted the help of engineer Kellogg Boynton, who mixed the band’s first full-length record, Earthbound. Released in August 2010, Earthbound is exemplary of the raw melodies that display the band’s intimate connection to the listener but powerful display of solid instrumentation.
Earthbound is right in line with the band’s first release, an EP in 2008 titled New Blood, Old Soul, both of which prove to be an organic mix of tunes backed by clever and introspective lyrics that never fail to leave listeners punch-drunk with awe. New Blood, Old Soul merely wet the appetite of listeners with its five superbly crafted tracks that showcased the band’s talent and ability to connect with listeners. The band’s successes, past, present and future, rest in their ability to create catchy tunes suitable for radio airplay but distinguished enough to earn “indie” credit for their well-produced sound.
Beyond the myriad of musical flavors discovered in the music, Endoxi never fail to entertain any crowd. Each show delivers an unforgettable experience, whether it is Wilson playing the guitar with an electric drill, the guys wirelessly playing their instruments while dancing with fans, Endoxi is that rare band that 4 generations of families can listen to and enjoy.
