F E A T U R E D M U S I C I A N S

OSNOE

I sit listening to the band Ear Theory and the words melodic, haunting and intense immediately come to my mind as a cascade of symphonic harmonies sweep me off my feet. The members of this tightknit ensemble are all casually dressed, and when they talk about their sound they lack pretension, but not enthusiasm. The band consists of Cory Holm on keys and synth, Ben Artley on bass and vocals, Rob Szabo on drums and guitar, Alex Krall on guitar, and Will Zak on violin. The band formed in 2008, and began making fusion music (stylistically similar to bands like This Will Destroy You and Explosions in the Sky), combining elements of post-rock, electronic and instrumental sound.

Ear Theory has performed at venues across Richmond such as Strange Matter, the Camel, and Canal Club. When I asked the lanky, blonde Holm how he felt Ear Theory fit into the Richmond musical aesthetic he responded, “I feel like our sound is very quirky, because we like to try new things.” I was drawn to Ear Theory because of their versatility, and I especially enjoy the way in which they use a networked synth with a midi controller (a keyboard-like device for producing synthetic sounds), to alter sounds in real time.

Friendly, outgoing Artley expounded on the bands flexibility. “Some bands choose one genre and work from that, but we’re trying to avoid that. We’re doing this for the experience of making music...and that leaves a lot of doors open for us.” When I asked them which of their recent shows was the most memorable, there was a consensus that it was the show they played at Strange Matter. “It was definitely the most intimate, and we thrive on crowd presence,” said Holm. Artley added, “Strange Matter also just has a great Richmond energy to it.”

So where do they see themselves in the future? Holm answers, “Hopefully still taking it one step at a time and having fun with it.” If you enjoy songs that are somehow both rollicking and mesmerizing at the same time, then check out Ear Theory at eartheory.com or soundcloud.com/ear-theory.

If you like good music with a funky sound, then After NASA is exactly the band you need to acquaint yourself with. This band has amazing potential that shines through each of their songs, and a wonderful ability to mesh all kinds of genres, such as dance, pop, new sound, and funk into one big bowl of epic talent, which is clearly the reason they have gained so much attention.

As local, hard-working Richmond folk, these guys truly know how to entertain their audience with excellent stage presence and ambient sounds. After NASA’s work is completely self-produced, and their recently released, self-titled demo is very well orchestrated yet diverse, with each song capturing a different mood. It is definitely the versatile collaboration on these tracks that make the music so interesting and fun to listen to. Their sound, to say the least, is difficult to describe, which is why it is so vital to hear their recordings or see them live. After NASA’s heavy pop charisma is more accessible when you’ve seen the band at small, intimate venues like Weezy’s Kitchen and the Tobacco Co., but don’t worry if you’ve missed them, there will still be ample opportunities to see them in your favorite Richmond hot spots. Please do yourselves a favor and check out their latest demo, which is available on the band’s site, www.afternasa.com! It’s pretty incredible!

RACHEL KISCADEN

Badweather is the musical pseudonym of the very talented Phillipe Maxwell. This dude has a flow and a way with words that I am constantly searching for in my musical choices. His lyrics speak from the heart about issues that I know most people, either directly or by association, have dealt with. Listening to his work is a refreshing step into the mind of a thoughtful and creative person, and one that makes you think just as much as it makes you bob your head. Recently, I spoke with him about his inspirations and style.

When did you start writing? Was there any specific event or time period that was inspirational?

I started writing in 1999, my freshman year of high school. It all started because my best friend and I decided to write a verse about something silly, like robbing a bank with bananas or something. His verse was better than mine, so I got offended, and wanted to be better than him. So I wrote, and wrote, and wrote, and wrote, and grew, and wrote, and wrote, and in the blink of an eye, I’m answering your questions!

how did you develop the style you have?

I can’t say for sure. I’m a fan of multisyllabic rhyme schemes. Rhyming “cat” and “hat” is cool and all, but “unexpected” and “run for the exits” requires more thought, which in turn may get more of a response out of people listening. I want to think of, and say, things people wouldn’t have thought would go to together fluidly.

Were there any artists in particular that inspired you?

Joe Budden is a genius, if I listen to hip hop, i listen to him, and he’s more mopey than I am. I rarely listen to hip hop nowadays though. Bjork, Coheed and Cambria, Bonobo, Grizzly Bear, Coldplay, Andrew Bird, Circa Surive, and a few other non-hip hop artists are on heavy rotation on my iTunes. Most inspiration comes from events in my life, though.

What inspires you to write?

Emotion and how I feel about things is usually the main contributing factor. Sometimes I can hear a beat, and get a vibe from what the beat sounds like and create something from that. But usually it’s emotional…luckily I can write down what I feel, leave it on a piece of paper, and walk away from it. Therapy.

Do you have any plans to do professional work? (you better dammit)

It’s hard to say…if by professional you mean “record in an environment that’s not your closet, while you sit indian-style on top of your old navy sweaters,” then I can say, no, I don’t plan on it. But I hope to someday.

BY MARGARET

Signed by Richmond’s own Forcefield Records, Inter Arma deliver powerful and intoxicating metal performances. Music blogger Brooklyn Vegan describes Inter Arma as a “furious mix of black metal [and] southern, stoner-style imperial riffage”. Earlier this fall, Inter Arma lured the pretty people of Richmond into Strange Matter and put on a fantastically energetic show. Girls, guys, booze, and metal coexisted peacefully. Whether you enjoy crust, sludge, or black metal, give Inter Arma a listen or catch them playing around Richmond. You won’t be sorry.

sarja hassan is a local photographer, vcu graduate, and graphic designer. her compelling photography depicting the most gut-wrenching moments at metal and punk shows around richmond has been featured in well-known underground publications like Profane Existence and Maximum Rock n’ Roll.