Animus (group)
ANIMUS is a world fusion music & dance ensemble based in the Philadelphia, PA area. Led by Bill Koutsouros, Animus has been creating and performing original World music since 1994.
Animus is primarily an instrumental ensemble utilizing culturally diverse musical concepts and traditions from ancient to modern alike. Elements of Greek, Blues, Middle Eastern, Jazz, Spanish, Funk, Latin, Rock, Indian, Klezmer, African music can be found in Animus' music. Animus' instrumentation includes: Bouzouki, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Oud, Doumbek, Conga, Bongo, Acoustic & Electric Bass (instrument), Drum Kit, Djembe, Accordion, Clarinet, Ney, Recorder, Percussion, Vocals, Saxophone, Zurna, Tabla, Electronic keyboard, Zills
Animus performs at private events, corporate events, charity events, festivals and various music venues. Animus has performed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, World Cafe Live and many other fine venues in and around the Philadelphia area.
Animus has been nominated for best Roots/World Music Performer 2000 - 2002 and Best Local Band 2006, by The Philadelphia City Paper Choice Awards. Animus has won 3rd place for Best Best World Music Song: The Opus (Mediterranean Dreams) and Best World Music Album: The Movements by the 2009 Just Plain Folks Music Organization International Music Awards, the largest awards ceremony of its kind representing indie artists from all over the globe.
Independent music label Animusmusic has released Animus CDs on CD Baby, iTunes, Rhapsody (online music service) and more.
Discography
- Spirit Dance – 1995
- Eternal Within – 1996
- Animus Live at the Tin Angel – 1999
- World Fusion – 2002
- Mediterranean Dreams – 2005
- The Movements - 2007