About the Band
Indigo Soul is the alter-ego of Seattle-based
singer/songwriter Mark Protus
In the late 70’s, Mark dreamed of fame and fortune while developing his songwriting
skills in the bands Upstanding Members and Soup, Rope, Gun.
By the mid-eighties, Mark abandoned his quest for fame (along with his
instruments and principles) and picked up a computer to seek his fortune in the
land of Hi-Tech. It took Mark several years to realize that the constant
burning in his belly was not acid reflux, but an intense and unfulfilled
passion to create music.
After a couple of solo CD releases, Mark formed the band Warriors Path and released a
CD with a stellar line-up that included former members of the Doobie Brothers
and Chicago.
Warriors Path performed several shows
with various line-ups, eventually recruiting the talents of vocalist Lisa Dawson.
In
2005, Warriors Path morphed into Indigo Soul and released the CD Wake UP! The band first
enlisted bassist David
Salwitz and has recently added guitarist Don Holtzinger, keyboardist Mitch Leisten and drummer John Heile.
Music
critics describe the Indigo Soul sound as "very melodic song-based rock that’s
in no way enslaved to any current trends." The band combines smart and
thoughtful lyrics with "fresh sounds and catchy and soulful classic-rock
styles."
The band gets its name from a psychic reading Mark once had in which he was
told he had an indigo aura and soul. It is rumored that on full-moon nights,
you can see Indigo colors flickering like fireflies in his hair.
Mark Protus – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Mark is the creative song-writing force of the group. Mark has led numerous
bands and founded Indigo Soul in early 2002. He adds vocal passion as well as
musical and lyrical sensibilities to the band.
Lisa Dawson – Vocals/Percussion
Lisa brings a fabulous voice, amazing range and balance to
Indigo Soul. When Lisa isn’t singing lead or back-up, she’s playing percussion
and rocking out with her characteristic high energy.
Mitch Leisten – Keyboards
Mitch is influenced by classic rock and progressive keyboardists along
with blues, jazz, rock, psychedelic and alternative pop bands. He has played
in many classic rock bands on both the East and West Coast. Mitch injects
his range of styles when covering the organs, synthesizers, pianos, and
string sections that create the rich sound textures of Indigo Soul.
Don Holtzinger – Lead Guitar
Don (aka Donnie Barren) honed his chops in LA, writing an underground
“hit” song called “I Love My Cat’s Meow”. His style provides Indigo Soul
with a diversity of sounds to accompany all moods.
David Salwitz – Basses/Bass Pedals
Dave has played music ranging from alternative, progressive, and
classic rock to blues. His style is melodic and in-the-pocket. Dave’s love of
the low end creates the backbone of Indigo Soul’s sound.
John Heile – Drums/Percussion
John has been banging the skins since he was a kid and has developed an eclectic percussive style. He performs with a strong technique and a keen sense of what to play to achieve the correct balance for each song. With an impressive setup, his drums provide a solid foundation for Indigo Soul, while his hand drumming and percussion give the music a world feel.