R.C. Holmes

In the world of music there are few documented instances where a youthful musician seemed to master the sounds of the past. When such a person is found, the masses generally suggest that person has an old soul, has lived before, or has come with a message of old for modern times. Artist R.C. Brotha Slymm Holmes encompasses all of the preceding and much more.



A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, R.C. displayed his strong musical ability at the early age of six. His mother found him on the family's piano playing music he overheard his older sister play as she prepared for her piano lessons.



During high school, R.C. realized that music was a large part of his being. He then decided to formally study music and moved from Shreveport to New Orleans. While in New Orleans, R.C. founded the band Mental Metropolis. The band's notoriety and following resulted in Mental Metropolis being asked to open for headliners such as The Roots, Outkast, and Run DMC. Mental Metropolis also made a cameo appearance on MTV's The Real World during its New Orleans season.



In 2002, R.C. moved to the Maryland/DC area to concentrate on solo performances. While there, he performed at NowChild Sound Stage, Club Five, Cafe Mawonaje, and the University of Maryland-College Park. From there, R.C. relocated to his current residence of Philadelphia. Performance venues include, World Cafe Live, The Five Spot, La Salle University, Swarthmore College and University of the Arts. R.C. also travelled to New York to perform at the Hudson House.



R.C.'s influences are extremely eclectic and include genres of music such as bebop, cool, delta blues, New Orleans brass band, reggae, gospel, classical, and country. R.C. plays baritone horn, hand percussion, and alternative instruments. In addition, he is a songwriter, vocalist, producer, score arranger, and poet.