Colin Ovitsky ~ bass
Max Monaco ~ drums
Jim Chekos ~ guitar, vocals
Mike Rakusin ~ keyboards, sax, vocals

♦ One-Sheet Press Kit (8.5" x 11" PDF)
♦ Promo Poster (11" x 17" PDF)
♦ Promo Flyer (8.5" x 11" PDF)

hi8us is a four-piece original band from Boston that plays a brand of rock-n-roll they call “Groove Pop.” Their music is focused on the craft of songwriting, blending lush vocal harmonies with bass-driven, soulful grooves, all served up with an unmistakable pop appeal.

hi8us consists of Jim Chekos (guitar & vocals), Max Monaco (drums), Mike Rakusin (keys, sax, & vocals), and Colin Ovitsky (bass). hi8us keeps up a busy gig schedule throughout the Northeast with frequent performances in the Boston area, including Cape Cod and the North Shore, as well as regular visits to New York City, Vermont and New Hampshire. When hi8us rang in the New Year in 2009, it marked the fourth time this band of experienced players has sold out Cambridge, Massachusetts’ legendary Lizard Lounge.

Since forming, hi8us has embarked on 5 national tours, including 3 coast-to-coast sprints in 2006, 2008 and 2010, and has performed in major markets such as Austin, Boulder, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and a near-sellout performance at the renowned Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. Other notable career highlights include performances at the New Orleans JazzFest in 2005, 2010 and 2011, and the Berkshire Mountain Music Festival in 2003 and the Berkshire Mountain Music Festival in 2003, as well as sharing the stage with prominent touring acts such as Soulive, Steve Kimock Band, The Samples, Ryan Montbleau and Mofro.

With the release of The Superficial Deep, the band’s first full-length album, hi8us took great strides to further define and solidify their inimitable musical style. Marking a milestone event for this dedicated quartet, and demonstrating a defined growth in their songwriting and stylistic definition, The Superficial Deep calls out to music lovers of many stripes and colors, garnering new, enthusiastic fans with each listen.

hi8us shares a work ethic and love for the art that allows all of this to happen. Its members are veterans of the live music scene, and this experience is evidenced by their professionalism both on and off the stage.

The Superficial Deep is currently available through iTunes, Amazon, Amie Street, eMusic, GroupieTunes, Last.fm, Lala, Napster, Rhapsody, and ShockHound.