The Original Virgins have been performing as an acoustic duo since April 1996. Steve Wambsganss and Carl Hodson met in New York City in September 1995 whilst Carl was on holiday. They became life and music partners when Carl moved to New York in January 1996. For the next 3 years they worked on their lyrically-driven 'soulful vocals with folk sensibilities' sound, gigging at various Manhattan venues.
Many of their songs deal with issues of failed relationships and the struggle for inner peace and self-acceptance. Steve's lyrical inspirations are many and varied, but he holds the Canadian songwriter Sarah McLachlan and author Armistead Maupin especially close to his creative bosom! Carl's writing is coloured by his love for the poem's of Philip Larkin. Their melodies are beautiful, emotive with delicately expressive yet powerful vocals. Songs such as Barbed Wire Rhapsody are the strongest, where Steve's lyrics and Carl's vocals combine into a captivating whole.
During their time in New York The Original Virgins recorded their self-titled debut CD. They were fortunate to work with fellow acoustic performer Dave Hall as producer. He introduced a wealth of talented musicians to the recording who were sensitive to their live gig sound. One reviewer has said:
"(The Original Virgins)...blend beautiful images with gentle harmonies that are thought provoking and soothing at the same time."-Patrick Arena, LGNY Newspaper
Moving back to the UK in June 1999, The Original Virgins began to do the live gig circuit in London and have currently played at the Twelve Bar Club, The Acoustic Cafe, The River Bar and Sound Bar. Since October 2000 two new players, lead and bass guitars, have become a regular part of the live act. They are currently working on new material and have a number of dates lined up for Spring and Summer.
Special Note: On August 11, 1999, Steve was granted "Leave to Enter the UK" based on his relationship "akin to marriage" with Carl. Steve entered the UK on September 8, 1999 as a resident. This September marks the second anniversary of Steve's life in England and he will be granted permanent residency. For more information on the issue of immigration for same sex couples please feel free to contact us at: Flat 3, 2 Abersham Road, London E8 2LN -- (020) 7249 7915 or by email at originalvirgins@hotmail.com.
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Stephen
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Born: Arlington, Texas
Raised: Madrid, Spain
Influences: Gospel, Soul, Folk, Jazz, Classical Spanish Guitar and Mainstream Rock. Having grown up in Spain during the 60's and 70's, Steve's earliest exposure to any form of modern "pop" music was John Denver and The Carpenters. As sad as it may seem to have dedicated two lost decades to Country/Folk/Pop, Steve quickly made up for it by shaving, spiking his hair and painting it pink and seriously dedicated the mid-80's to listening solely to really cool music and partying like a bastard. Steve, of course, now is bald (duh!), but does manage to get out from time to time.
Where Has He Been All My Life: Texas, Madrid, Barcelona, Canary Islands, Seattle, Honolulu, New York, London
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Carl
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Born & Raised: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK
Influences: Practically everything. Being the youngest child in a very musically-oriented family with five older siblings straddling three decades, Carl's influences range from from Al Jolson, to Stevie Wonder, to Joni Mitchell, to The Sex Pistols, to David Bowie, to The Specials, to George Michael, to Elvis Costello, to The Eurythmics, to Sarah McLachlan, to Skunk Anansie and everything in between. Carl, despite the torture he has received at the hands his older siblings, has emerged as a world-class graphic designer and has managed to keep a full head of hair (much to Steve's chagrin).
Where Has He Been All My Life: Wolverhampton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, New York, London
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