The Davidson Student Band Experience: An Interview with The Simulations

It’s 5:30 on a Friday night in Union. Students buzz about, almost idle in their exhausted anticipation. In moments like these, setting aside Moodle in favor of the present moment, Davidson students can enjoy a stress-free, fun experience. In this quick interlude before the academia can enter the center stage at 10 am the next morning, the Davidson student band, The Simulations plan to entertain the student body.

The Simulations is ‘simulated’ by Tyler Puleo on lead guitar, Kavi Gandhi on drums, Andrew Tinaz on rhythm guitar, Malik Ramadanovic as the pianist and back-up vocals, Walker Hansen on bass, and Ellie Rice as vocals. While the band is not academically affiliated, all of the members have a connection to the Humanities Program at Davidson. It is not surprising, therefore, that the members named their band in reference to an academic quandary discussed in Humes.

“Fun story,” explains Gandhi. “The name of the Simulations, in fact, comes from the Humanities Program at Davidson College.” Ramandavoic is quick to point out the unofficial mascot of the band, Professor David Robb in the Philosophy Department and references his assigned reading, which inspired their name.

“We couldn’t think of another name,” bemuses Rice. Perhaps, then, it is better that they had met each other in Sapere Aude rather than a pre-dental program. Then, they might be named the Molars.

In the end, while the Humes program might not offer everyone a life-changing experience (or even a human experience), it did offer these 2022 Humesters a chance for musical connection. “Yeah, it was weird,” remembers Gandhi. “There was just a group of us sitting in a dorm room. Then someone had a guitar. It was probably Tyler. And he started playing and then people started singing and then I started tapping on the desk.

As Gandhi, Rice, and Ramandavic reflected on the band, it was easy to see that they were not talking simply about fellow band members, but deep friendships. “I think there’s just something really different with student-created, student-directed arts. You build this chemistry where you can start playing a tune, and it’s just gonna end up somewhere totally different. I think with all music, you’re making music for yourself and for an audience. I think that’s really special because we’re all in different places in our journey with music. Malik knows everything about music theory, and I know a lot about rhythm, and Ellie knows a lot about vocals, and Tyler can just play a mean guitar solo. And Andrew knows what to do with his pedals, and Walker can just pull a baseline out of nowhere when he’s just sitting in the corner. But then, we can pull all of this together and make really fun music. it’s just a different vibe than when you’re sitting in front of a director who’s telling you what to do and how you should sound.”

However, The Simulations, while untethered to strict institutional standards, are also untethered to the benefits of Davidson-funded equipment. “I think the biggest struggle when it comes to playing music for parties or gigs is we can’t even get the equipment,” explains Rice. “Even though we rehearse, I think a big problem we are facing right now is that even though everyone is asking for live music, and everyone wants student bands, no one is willing to support student bands,” further details Rice. “We kind of had to do a reassessment of what we have. Can we pull together stuff from our own homes and truck it to campus after a break? We just sound like crap without a mixer and the good stuff that the school has.” Looking out at the graceful scene on a spring afternoon at Davidson, it is easy to forget the immense academic responsibility carried by the students that speckle Chambers Lawn. Similarly, it is easy to love college bands without seeing the work, effort, and aggravation that goes into maintaining and cultivating a band.

“I think student bands are such a malleable thing,” reflects Ramandanovic. “ Even if we didn’t get gigs or perform, we would just rehearse. That’s the purpose. At the end of the day. Just have fun making music.” While the Simulations are passionate about their gigs, they don’t plan to continue playing beyond Davidson. However, this future never really mattered to The Simulations. They don’t come together to simply craft a specific song or play at a certain venue. Rather, they only hope to harmonize with their present moment for the inherent joy and internal balance they find in creating music.

Belle Mckissick Staley (she/her) is a Chemistry and Art double major from 2nd Belk (its okay to shudder). She can be reached for comment at Bemckissickstaley@davidson.edu