 Vir McCoy Musician, Producer, Composer, Lyricist, Voice, Theater Vir McCoy has written and recorded over 200 original songs in most styles of music including Children's, Rock, Hip Hop, World, Electronica, Funk, Avant Garde, and Spiritual and has appeared on many studio albums and sountracks for film, televison, the web and video. He currently plays in the award winning music group Hamsa Lila, and the children's band Kid Kaleidoscope. Vir is an accomplished composer, writer, arranger, producer, mixer, guitarist, bassist and plays the Sintir or guimbri a Camel Skinned ethnic bass of Morocco. He also plays a variety of unique instruments self created. In addition he has published the children's book Ephram Fomp and His Big-Time Sandals with original music and character voices, and teaches music privately and in schools. Vir has also created and produced special musical and theatrical events that focus on healing. Virs many talents and creative vision have made him an invaluable inspiration and collaborative artist on any team. Music History Vir McCoy grew up in Venice Beach, California where he was exposed to music from the womb. Vir's father Dave McCoy is an accomplished professional jazz musician and Vir's mother is an accomplished mexican/american singer. The eclectic influence and creativity of Venice Beach set Vir on his way into the musical and creative arts at an early age. Drums were Vir's first passion. At age 11 the family moved to a farm in Oregon where the sounds of the outdoors and the wild influenced Vir. A deep interest in sound and tonal quality developed at this time. Piano became the prominent mode of expression. A few years later it was back to Southern California to Costa Mesa where Vir attended high school and picked up the Guitar. He was in a notable band at the time as a guitarist, writer and vocalist. Virs love for theater also emerged during this time. Vir then attended U.C. Berkeley where he formed the notable group "Compost" with the "rot and roll" motto. Vir immersed himself in the art and music scene and picked up the electric bass during his studies. Then after a breif stint in Arizona working as a biologist he formed a group called Sasquatch that toured the southwest often opening up for well known acts such as Fishbone. Vir then relocated back to the bay area in 1997 to Oakland where he cofounded the Jingletown Gallery in Oakland, an artist and musicians venue. In additon to his own project "The Church of You" Vir immersed himself into the recording arts and appeared as a guest on many local albums at the time from Hip hop to Pop. During this time Vir toured the Western U.S. with his band and produced and released 3 albums as "The Church of You" on the Insiduous label from 1996-2001. A love of childrens music prompted Vir to produce and co-create "Kid Kaleidoscope" in 2001, a childrens music and puppet project. Vir became interested in world music and formed the group Hamsa Lila - a critically acclaimed and award winning act also featuring Ian Herman one time drummer for Sting. Hamsa Lila has headlined the Fillmore in San Francisco twice, won best act of 2003, and the Gathering One album reached #2 on the CMJ world Music chart. Hamsa Lila toured the United States and have opened for large acts including Femi Kuti and The String Cheese Incident. "Hamsa lila is my favorite" - John Barlow. In addition Vir has done sountracks for yoga videos and health oriented projects as well as recording projects including a sountrack for GTV, an alternative T.V. show, and contract to Sustain Lane for "Gorilla in the Greenhouse" an ecologically oriented web based animated childrens show. Vir currently is part of Green Theme Generator a collective of musicians to co-create green oriented jingles and them songs. Currently he is working with Radio Devi from members of Hamsa Lila; The Hottubbers Album featuring "the Man from Marin" and a devotional album called "Desert Fathers". Notable Album Contributions Soundtracks/ Film In the Pocket Records Radio Devi (2008-) DEVOTIONAL/ SOLO MISCELLANEOUS OUTPUT Green Theme Generator Hits From The Hottub Melvin Wedge & The Skid Kids (2007-present) www.greengorilla.com |
Albums
The Best Of Vir
ψ Radio Devi ~ Ngoni Butter
ψ Kid Kaleidoscope ~ The Belly Button Song
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