By Kelle Marie
As a Chinese Buddhist movement in the 13th century, The White Lotus Society was persecuted because of its association with rebellion. Their ways of thinking were unorthodox for their time and the Society was pushed underground which lead to a revolution. Later depicted in the video game Mortal Kombat, the White Lotus Society consisted of Liu Kang, The Great Kung Lao and Kai. Now the players are different, but the mission is the same: To kick ass and start a revolution.
This is precisely what Adam Pickrell (production/keys/backup vocals), Corey Lacy (vocals/keys), DeMarkus Lewis (production), Jamil Byron (drums), Aaron Irwinsky (Sax/Flute/EWI) and Nate Robinson (bass) are doing in Dallas and beyond. Although live bands are not new to house music, they are creating a revolution in the Dallas house music scene. In a town of boompty, bleepy, computerized music they offer a blend of funk, soul, jazz, jack and solid groove. Fueled by the talent, imagination and arrangement of Adam Pickrell and Corey Lacy and backed by the engineering experience of DeMarkus Lewis, the end result is some of the most solid music coming out of the Dallas dance scene.
This talent, production credibility, and refreshing sound has not only captured a loyal fan base in their home town, but has caught the eye of reputable labels including Muzique Boutique and Blaze's West End Records (which has nurtured artists such as Mr. A.L.I., Carla Prather, and Masters At Work to name a few).
DDM: Your music has been coined "Music to Live to". Tell us how this came about.
Adam: Corey and I write from the heart. We strongly believe that it is important to write music that reflects what we feel and believe, as opposed to trying to just write what seems "cool". We also try to write music that is positive and that has a message that can relate to anyone who believes that all of humanity is able to create a better world if we would just stop and do the right thing.
DDM: You have been friends with your band mates for some time. When did it occur to you to take on this project?
Adam: I have known Corey since our high school years at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts - also known as "Arts Magnet". We were both jazz piano/midi production majors. Because of this, we had a lot of classes together, and played in many ensembles together. We lost touch after high school, as Corey spent a lot of 
time in Denton attending the University of North Texas Jazz studies program, and I spent time going to a local college, and going out at night to hear house music. Of course both Corey and myself were doing jazz, blues, and gospel gigs as well. About a year ago, I ran into Corey while I was out and we started hanging out and working together in the studio. After that we started focusing more on house music, and White Lotus Society is what came out of that. The rest of the band consists of people either Corey or myself have worked with in other bands and studio sessions. Once Corey and I started writing the songs that eventually turned into The White Lotus Society, we decided to pool our resources and go further than the studio by forming a live band.
DDM: What does each of you bring to the table?
Adam: Corey obviously is vital to the project- as the lead voice, a co writer, and even vocal harmony on some recordings; Corey stands out as one of the cornerstones of WLS. Having played in many projects over the years, Corey's music is well known all across the United States as being distinct and unique.
Corey Lacey and I founded White Lotus Society. Along with being the main keyboard player, co-writer, and co producer/arranger in the band, I have provided a staple keyboard sound on many of house music's well-known producers tracks including DeMarkus Lewis, Brett Johnson, Halo, Slater Hogan, Duane, and many others. I also have a background in jazz, funk, soul, and many other musical genres, which I think gives my music a refined, distinct sound.
Nate Robinson is our bass player - he holds the grooves together and keeps the vibe up-tempo and funky. His background is rooted in gospel and funk music, and that makes him a unique and solid part of the sound that defines WLS.
Aaron Irwinsky is our sax player. Along with the flute and other wind instruments, Aaron is an incredible musician. His background is in jazz and funk music and that makes him a defining part of our core sound... we would not be White Lotus Society without him.
Jamil Byron is our drummer. He just won Guitar Center's national drum-off, which means he is the best pro-am drummer in the nation. Even without this recent accolade, Jamil is well known all around the country as one the best players, both live, and in the studio. His style is rooted in gospel, funk, jazz, and many other styles, and this makes him one hell of a drummer.
DeMarkus Lewis needs no introduction. As one of the nations top producers in house music, he is a much needed addition to our production team. Even though he is constantly traveling and Dj'ing across the world, he still takes time to help us take our music to the next level.
