LUVPLANET
Guitarist/Singer/Songwriters
Nicole Sutton and Mark McGee (Gregg Allman)
are the heart and fire behind Luvplanet - a band that defies genre and redefines feel-good rock'n'roll music.
Their timeless, high-energy sound blends Rock, Pop, Country, Jam and Blues with lush harmonies, passionate storytelling, and infectious optimism. With magnetic, potent songs they generate a persuasive sound on par with legendary bands of our time, and their electric synergy captivates live audiences leaving fans feeling uplifted, energized, and connected. With hearts slung on their sleeves, they continue to blaze a trail of creativity while igniting hearts and electrifying stages! Luvplanet is proof that authentic, soul-stirring music continues to thrive.
Following seven full-length albums, their highly anticipated new album is coming in 2025.
And their musical vision continues to shine!
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History...
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Luvplanet's story began in the Spring of 1999 when Nicole Sutton was recording at SRS studios in San Rafael, CA. Musician Mark McGee was hired to come in and add guitar tracks to the recordings. A few weeks later he was invited to take part in a jam session with Nicole, bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Jeff Campitelli and the vibe between everyone was great! It was clear that the search for band members was the objective. While Mark wasn't looking to commit to a new project, he realized that he and Sutton had much in common and to create music with her and such an incredible rhythm section was an exciting opportunity. Magic was in the air and quickly an inspired partnership was unraveling right before their eyes.
Throughout 1999 they met for weekly rehearsals preparing full band arrangements for Nicole's songs. By the end of the year they performed a small batch of shows in Northern California and things felt amazing! But then unexpectedly Stu and Jeff's commitments with Joe Satriani came calling and pulled them out on the road. Looking forward, preparations and planning for the recording of the debut album was the main focus. After locking in the incredible Studio 880, Stu and Jeff were on board to come in and bring the first album to fruition. The debut release, 2003's 'Luvplanet' was a stellar outing and prime way to launch the band.
Following the debut release the search for a permanent rhythm section was the obvious mission. Following many lackluster auditions, Mark would eventually reach out to his former bandmates drummer Scott McKenzie and Tommy Sisco which proved to be a winning combination.​ Nicole and Mark's alliance was passionate and prolific and together the two churning out countless new songs. For the next 6 years the band played many live shows establishing themselves as a premier band in the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time came the release of three new studio albums, 2004's 'State of Mind', 2008's 'Lucky One' and 2010's 'Luvolution'.​ Then in 2011, McKenzie's commitment's were not in sync and the band was forced to seek out a replacement.
They discovered drummer Cedric Wilmott and although he didn't appear on any Luvplanet albums, his time with the band was a positive and forward looking period. His drive and demeanor was empowering and they had much fun together but then due to his Family obligations he relocated to Tennessee. In a strange twist of events McKenzie returned for a brief stay but it didn't stick and the band moved on with expert Michael Amos! Michael was actually the first drummer Nicole and Mark had played with following Campitelli's absence from the band. It was at a jam session in Alameda, CA and in retrospect, it was a sign of what was to come.
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With the drum chair firmly locked in, the band was eager to begin work other 5th album. They were soon prompted by an industry professional to re-record a stripped down version of the song 'Gem' from the 'State of Mind' album for a possible film placement. It was finished and released as 'Gem 2016'. The beautiful rendition was presented more as a duet rather than the original where Mark sang the lead. Keyboardist and Bay Area native Stephen Salinas added tasteful piano to the track.
Now ready to record their 5th studio album. 'Rivertown' the goal was to capture a more organic, earthy sound and the outcome clearly delivered that. The response was positive and many of the songs remain fan favorites!
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In 2019 the band expanded its rich, guitar driven sound with the addition of keyboardist Steven Anderson. This Kentucky born musician repeatedly expressed interest in working with the band and as it turned out, his perseverance paid off. His personality was full of positivity and the addition of keys added new dimensions, depth and texture to their ever-evolving sonic landscape.​
The band headed into the studio and began recording their 6th, and most ambitious album, 'Something Good'. But then came the world-shaking events of 2020, and would inspire the dramatic song, 'The Day They Closed The World'. Nicole and Mark released it immediately! It was a song of hope, a healing anthem and a beacon of light for so many during these uncertain times.
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The band returned to the studio to complete the making of their 20 song, double CD opus
'Something Good'. Released on June 21st, 2020, it delivers their most diverse collection of songs to date! This incredible body of work is a testament to their musical convictions and proves yet again that Luvplanet’s artistry knows no limits!
In 2023 Luvplanet released, 'Live Waves' the bands first ever live album. Containsing 13 exciting live tracks, it is a celebration of two decades as a premier music group in the San Francsico Bay Area, holding the torch for Original Rock'n'Roll mastery.​
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Now, with their 8th studio album in the works, Luvplanets future shines bright! as they gear up to push boundaries and deliver their most electrifying, soul-stirring music yet.