Today we’d like to introduce you to Curtis Lee.
Hi Curtis , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Curtis Lee was born in Peoria, Illinois where he grew up listening and singing to his parents’ 8-track tapes and 45-records. Among the artists in the family record collection were Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson 5. Curtis’s love of music can also be attributed to his mother, since she grew up singing in choirs. Curtis would hear her powerful soprano voice echo throughout the house, and he enjoyed listening.
While Curtis had a love for music, it was only a hobby in his youth. It wasn’t until he learned from his family and voice teachers in grade school that he could actually have a successful music career. At that time, he dropped his dream of becoming a professional football player and began to listen to different genres and artists. To hone in on his craft, he decided to attend Texas State University to study classical and jazz voice.
Currently, Curtis Lee lives in the live music capital of the world – Austin, Texas. He started his professional career as a working musician on 4th, 5th, and 6th street. In this downtown district, he performed at some of the most popular clubs and venues with a 60s and 70s funk-soul cover band called The Bumps.
Over the course of his stay in Austin, Curtis has performed with The Atlantics, London Calling, Soul Sessions New Braunfels,In The Pink, Dahebegebees, 80H Project, The Grooveline Horns as well as his own group, The Curtis Lee Band.
His debut album, Catalogue, was released in the fall of 2015 – a collaboration of the many artists with whom he performs and records. While his focus remained soulful, the myriad of musical flavors found throughout Austin gave Curtis the opportunity to “catalogue” his versatility as well as feature his friends and colleagues. He is now working on his second studio album, where he would like to take his singing career to the next level. He aims to become an original soul artist in the music business and create a nice sound for all ears to hear.
FAM
At a very young age, Curtis’ parents realized he had absolute pitch. Indeed, music had always been an integral part of his family. During the 1970’s, before he was born, his father was a drummer, and his mother was a trained vocalist. They would hold jam sessions and rehearsals in their home in Chattanooga.
These weren’t small gatherings. They included drummers, keyboardists, lead and rhythm guitarists, bassists, various horns, percussionists, and enough vocalists to put a choir to shame. These sessions often turned polyrhythmic, transcending style and sound.
By the time Curtis was born, his parents had moved to Peoria, Illinois and had left behind all the trappings of life immersed in live music to take on those of child rearing, but they had brought with them a vast music library. They had everything on 8Track, on reel, and in their hearts.
Though he never owned another drumset, his father could never seem to stop tapping to complex rhythms on the steering wheel, in the bathroom, and on the table. Curtis’ father provided for his family on a high school diploma for half his life and ended up as a college professor with a Ph.D degree.
Though his mother never sang with another group, she would often use her skills to wake her children up every Saturday morning to clean the house. Indeed, the work ethic starts with Curtis’ father and ends with his mother.
His parents had also brought Curtis’ older brother and sister to Illinois, and both siblings had been indelibly shaped by their parent’s past musical lifestyle. His sister, the second oldest, would plan and rehearse musical performances in the washroom often and would drag her younger siblings into back-up roles. Curtis’ sister would also hold weekly performances for everyone. Curtis’ younger brother took an interest in hip-hop, and he became a professional rapper and goes by the name of DubFresh in the Austin scene.
As could be expected, Curtis was molded by the several musical experiences at home, and therefore, he carried them with him to the live music capital of the world.
Curtis Lee is now working on his second album with two singles already released ” Proof ” which was released January 6th 2023 and “Higher” released May 29th 2025 and will be releasing a single a month until the album is finished. So stay tuned for the next one to drop soon!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Its been pretty smooth for the most part. The music business can sometimes be a little tough to get the ball rolling with putting out new material and playing shows so you just have to be patient. For me its getting inspired to write. I wish I was more prolific with that so it takes me while to put out new tunes. But when i do best believe the songs are gonna be legit fire! Then its booking shows. Its a numbers game these days. It used to be If they see how good you are they book you. Now its all about your social media and streaming platform presence. How many views, likes and fans you have. And I get it, they are trying to cover themselves if you have a bad turnout But it would be nice if it were more balanced.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The music of Curtis Lee is neo-soul, funk, jazz, and R&B that is both upbeat as well as a slow vibe. His influences include Michael Jackson, Babyface, Maxwell, James Brown, Phonte, Al Green, Jeff Buckley, and many more. Curtis Lee has a very active and vibrant stage presence, and his performances can branch out to a jazzier sound while keeping the listener’s attention. Curtis Lee aims to become an original soul artist and to create a nice sound for all ears to hear.
A true soul man. He ply’s his trade amongst the bustling scene of the live music capital of the world, Austin Texas. It’s there that he learned to hold the audience’s attention.
A consummate entertainer and soulful performer Curtis is all about defining himself as an artist. Catch a live show if your able and your in for a treat. You will be transported and entertained. Curtis is always on the hunt when it comes to the stage he’s serious! He came to play and he’s gonna get ta ya. If you don’t believe me check it out for yourself.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
What helps me do my best in my music life is just watching and listening to my favorite artists and learning how to navigate my career the best way I can. And going out and getting inspired watching live shows. What helps me do my best in life is growing spiritually and being grounded in faith in God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curtislee.club
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtisleemusiq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurtisLeeMusiq
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-lee-68766621
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtisLeeMusiq
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt4pPEU7_6i5kM8Z1_5TaSQ?view_as=subscriber
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/curtis-lee-musiq?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=37B49CD904C94D06A64128DEF475170F&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curtisleemusiq1?_t=ZT-8xBdITvs9Rz&_r=1
Image Credits
Michael Anthony Davila
Eshton Loh
The Checkering Project
Mark Del Castillo
