For your listening pleasure: EUMATIK

When I walked into Be Here Now, Muncie's artsy-yet-totally-rad all-ages venue on St. Patty's Day, I was planning on taking in an hour or two of music before heading home early. Once again, the Midwest music scene proved me wrong. Indigo Sun was already rocking to an energetic crowd while Alex 'Herm' Schneider of herm Productions lit up the otherwise cave-like corner that houses the small stage on the lower level of BHN.


Herm...

Amongst the crowd, I stumbled upon the 3 guys who make up Eumatik. Derek Shelton (drums) and Ashton Kleeman (keys) bounced about with the same mix of quirky antics and mischievous charisma they always exude while Josh Lockwood (Ableton Live production guru) looked over their equipment. Josh is the quiet one...calm demeanor, polite smile, a little shy. That is, until they take the stage and he puts the hood of his zip-up on. At that point he, along with Shelton and Kleeman, morph into a crazy, dance-inducting music machine that literally forces your body to move and your mind to slip into the music.



With the welcomed addition of Herm's never-ending flow of beautiful colors and dramatic effects, they took over the crowd of appreciative music fans celebrating the Irish in all of us. It's hard not to fall prey to their free-flowing and infectious energy. I did and loved every minute of it.



After their St. Patty's gig, I asked the guys a series of questions to help the IndyMojo crowd become a little more familiar with this talented trio in preparation of their set this Thursday, March 31st at the Mousetrap with Psynapse & Jeremy Daeger for Indymojo Presents: Altered Thurzdaze w/Eumatik. View full event details here.


Chances are, if you've been anywhere near the Midwest Jam scene in the last couple years, then you've seen Josh Lockwood and Ashton Kleeman in action before. They are 2/3 of the psychedelic/fusion band Catch Curtis and Kleeman is also half of the livetronica duo Emryonic Fluid. Derek Shelton has sat-in with a plethora of Midwest bands such as Catch Curtis & Midwest Hype and was part of the jazz-fusion group Red Light Remedy. Here is a little more about Eumatik...in their own words!
Side note: If the talk gets a little "techy" for you, just know that these guys are extremely knowledgeable in not only how to play music, but how to MAKE music. Enjoy!

KG: Eumatik...care to explain that name?
Josh: The word Eumatik (pronounced "you-mat-ik"), was initially just a name we coined to define our sound. Since then, the word has evolved into more of a music-making concept than a title. We like to think of Eumatik as a living, trance-inducing, funk-blasting, dance mechanism that stimulates the mind by being harmonically innovative and experimental, yet easily accessible in the conventions of modern electronica.


KG: How would you define Eumatik's sound?
Ashton: We're a fusion band that has been flipped on an electronic axis so-to-speak, because Eumatik's sound isn't limited to electronica or electronic-based genres of music. We incorporate our jazz and classical training into the elements of our compositions via the way we treat the form, the transitions, or the harmonic dictation. But the one element to our music that we all follow and incorporate into every sub-element, is the production instrument, Ableton Live, orchestrated by Josh. We treat our live sets as a journey through the ultimate functions of music - dance and emotion. We attempt to be universally enjoyable on the dance floor by putting our own spin on techno, dubstep, trance, drum & bass, funk, hip hop, swing, and disco while simultaneously characterizing the track's personality or setting whether it be fun-loving, sexy, angry, goofy, robotic, imprisoned in a dark castle, shooting down enemy planes, haunted by ghosts, freaked out by circus freaks, abducted by aliens... stuff like that.


KG: With Altered Thurzdaze consisting of so much dubstep, what do you hope to bring to that particular scene?
Ashton: We will bring improvisation ... melodic and glitch improvisation.


KG: and how do you hope that crowd "responds" to your music?
Ashton: I hope they go bananas for Eumatik!


KG: How long have you, Ashton, & Derek been playing together and what made you decide to give Eumatik a go?
Josh: The three of us met in music school at Ball State University. Ashton and I started jamming about five years ago and we've played in Catch Curtis together for about three years now. Derek was in another band when Catch Curtis started, but I knew he could nail down beats to a click track in one take because I had him play drums on a few of my recording projects for school. Ableton Live was the sole reason that Eumatik came about. We realized that the three of us complement each other perfectly and our first official show was in October 2010. We've composed well over three hours of music for Eumatik since then and I couldn't be happier with the way we work together and function as a group.


KG: Is it ever hard to separate Catch Curtis from Eumatik...and the same for Ashton with Embyonic Fluid, CC, and Eumatik?
Ashton: For me, It's not a difficulty at all because they complement eachother in a very unique way. If I was a chef, it would be a secret, but I'm not, so I'll say that I manage to incorporate aspects of what I've
learned from playing in each project into each project in a sort of interwoven mesh of inspiration. So, actually it has been essential to finding my unique playing style and technique.


KG: What is the goal of Eumatik?...just for fun or all the way?
Josh: We really want to hit the festival scene hard and play a lot of late-night time slots. Music festivals bring a great mix of art and music lovers together, but lately there has been a difference in opinion between some of the "organic" (acoustic, no loops, no computers) music fans and "electronica" (synth-based, heavy use of loops, drum samples) music fans. So being lovers of both modern jazz and electronic dance music, one of our main goals is to bridge the gap between the two. A lot of newer electronica artists primarily emphasize rhythm, timbre, and texture via the sound design, and the synthesis alone is extremely in-depth. We are synth-prominent in instrumentation, but we also hope to appeal to jazz fans by adding a lot of color to our chord voicings, melodies, and solo sections. We love to get down to tasty synths and dance beats, but we're constantly challenging ourselves to be harmonically and melodically unconventional (for instance, using altered dominant scales, modal progressions, and modulating sequences in a hip hop or dance track). Another goal of ours is to stress the organic qualities of our group improvisation, even through the exploration of Ableton Live. We all believe that improvising is the key to expressing ourselves limitlessly within our art form, and we have an insane amount of fun when we improvise because of the hard work put into preparing for live shows. For me, making music is all about looking back through history, collecting all the qualities, characteristics, and sounds I love, and meshing them together into something that fits well. Our plan is to focus on building upon old ideas and develop new ones so we can continue to make the kind of music that we love... ALL THE WAY!!! for fun



To learn ore about Eumatik and/or to hear some recent tunes, check them out on Facebook or visit their website.

Eumatik on YouTube!

I would also like to say a very special THANK YOU to Adam Alexander for the use of his amazing photographs...check out Adam Alexander Photography and give him a "Like" today!

Until next time, enjoy the sunshine my friends!
music.love.KG.

Read more: KG's Blogs » IndyMojo - Find Friends and Fun in Indy

You've been Dosio-ed!

Ahhhh....Dosio.

After my last blog, where I outlined what to expect at a Papadosio show, I was pretty sure the show put on by IndyMojo this past Friday at the Vogue would be somewhat predictable. I should have known better.

With people filling the downstairs, PapaD took the stage to a rousing crowd of fans who were ready to get down. The 5-piece from Athens, OH were, in-turn, ready to make it happen. From their first note, Papadosio exuded positive vibes and played with an energy I hadn't seen from them since last summer. Coming off a three week break in Peru, it was apparent they had found their groove and a new-found passion for playing.



While seamlessly transitioning crowd favorites and songs from their upcoming album, PapaD offered the same perfect blend of powerful riffs and melodic lyrics with that little something extra that makes a show go from really good to simply amazing. They continuously worked the crowd into a frenzy before pulling back just enough to have them begging for more and then happily giving it to them. Each song ended with a dramatic climax with adoring fans on the tips of their toes soaking up every drop of Dosio they could. With glowing hoops, poi and about a dozen lasers going in every direction, the show captivated every sense and I could feel that unique energy that only Papadosio possesses. By the time they covered Yeasayer's O.N.E., I had seen all I needed to see.



In an industry where playing harder, faster, and louder doesn't necessarily equal better, Papadosio is the perfect balance. They know how to push just enough, slow down when needed and no matter how loud, they always seem to sound just-right. I wouldn't be surprised if before long, Dosio isn't selling out venues like the Vogue and moving into a higher jam tier. I can't wait to see what they bring to the festie scene this summer!

As for Sixdollarsuit and Octopus Nebula, I owe them a super huge apology for missing their sets. A serious of mishaps and unfortunate events ended with me getting to the show just as Papadosio took the stage. From all accounts, I was told both sets were pretty good!

Until next time, enjoy the sunshine my friends!
music.love.KG.

Be sure to check out more upcoming shows presented by IndyMojo! Their Spring line-up is STELLAR with shows by EOTO and Cornmeal...plus, their 420 Show & MojoStock are shaping up rather nicely!

For more info and/or tour dates for Papadosio, check out http://www.papadosio.com.

PapaD is back!

Papadosio, Dosio, PapaD…no matter how you refer to them, this captivating band from Athens, OH is always full of energetic jams and tantalizing grooves. With a show set for this Friday at the Vogue in Indianapolis, you will have the opportunity to experience them for yourself.



My first encounter with Papadosio came at Wuhnurth 09. As people flooded the main stage looking for Pnuma Trio, they were surprised to find an eclectic foursome spreading some seriously positive vibes. Due to travel issues for Trio, Dosio's set had been moved up and it didn’t take long for them to show they were more than capable of filling a headlining spot. Each song was executed with confidence and ease…the kind most commonly found in bands who have been touring together for decades, let alone a few years. By the time they covered Chromeo, the crowd was hanging on to every note and, in my opinion, they had successfully taken over Wuhnurth 09.



From there, PapaD has taken to touring the country from one coast to the other and back again; hitting up nearly every notable fest along the way. From side stage performances to headlining gigs, they blend heady electronica riffs and melodic lyrics and never fail to bring positive vibes to every set.

Now a five-piece with the addition of Sam Brouse on keys, they are continuing to take over the Midwest music scene. So far, they are set to play Summer Camp, Wakarusa, All Good, Beer Creek and, of course, their own Rootwire Music & Arts Festival in Logan, OH. Whether playing to a crowd of a few hundred or tens-of-thousands, Papadosio exudes positivity not only through their music, but their way of life as well.



Returning this week from a getaway to the Shimbre Shamanic Center located close to Puerto Maldonado, Peru, Dosio is ready to bring a new perspective on life and music to their fans. Taken directly from their site, papadosio.com-

"We have found ourselves in an extremely fortunate position to be in front of thousands of people all the time. We have chosen to express ourselves through lyrical means, and this is something we don’t take lightly. We want to stay on the path, whatever that may mean. This trip to Peru, will provide us with a new perspective, and hopefully allow us to continue to not only get this message across effectively, but keep the message pure of deviation."



Joining them for the first leg of spring shows is Octopus Nebula. Although I have not seen a live show, I have heard some amazingly good things about this Denver-based band. With Papadosio’s “seal-of-approval,” they are expected to be well received by the Midwest jam scene. Sixdollarsuit will also add their sound to the mix to round out a stellar unifying musical experience!

So, be sure to hit up their show this Friday, March 18th at the Vogue presented by IndyMojo.com. They will definitely help fight off the impending green haze brought on by St. Patty’s Day festivities.


Until then, be safe my friends.

music.love.KG.

Birthday Fun Run presented by IndyMojo.com, Hidden Relic Productions, & YMSB

Some people celebrate their birthday only 1 day a year…or maybe even for a couple days. As for me, I like to give myself a couple of weeks. I use to feel bad about this until a friend insisted an entire month was the way to go. This year, a two week tour of some of my favorite bands in the Midwest was just enough…even though it was cut a little short. More on that later.

My run started with Boombox, B!tch Please, and Bad Dagger presented by IndyMojo.com at the Vogue in Indianapolis. Bad Dagger, the side project of Twin Cats’ bassist Cameron Reel, started the night off with some sweet electronica jams produced solely by Reel. I felt Cam was a little reserved during his debut show, but knowing it came a little earlier than expected, I’d say his set was extremely solid. Spacey jams mixed with some techno and escalating climaxes with none of the womps you hear in most new ventures, it was a nice change from some of the stuff I’ve heard lately. I can’t wait to see where he goes with it at his April 21st show at Max’s Place in Bloomington with Catch Curtis.
B!tch Please came out next with his mash-up of Top 40 hits and head-bumping mixes. His set was filled with tons of energy and the crowd couldn’t help but move with the music. It was a nice transition into the highlight of my night, Boombox.




Consisting of Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchauz, Boombox mixes early funk and soul with a little disco and reggae to make a sound all their own. Their brand of jam is mellow with a bit of an edge that keeps you moving. To keep with that theme, Alex ‘Herm” Schneider from Herm Productions and Boombox’s own light guy, Todd, teamed up to bring two lighting styles together for one stellar show. Herm, with his bold color schemes and dramatic transitions paired nicely with Todd’s smooth color changes and more laid-back approach. It was interesting to see two styles meld together so well without any previous collaboration. By the time Boombox covered Shakedown Street (quite possibly my favorite rendition done of that particular jam), the crowd was under their spell and rocking in-sync with every beat. Overall, it was a great night of friends and music to kick off my birthday run. Check out IndyMojo.com for a ton of amazing photos from that show!




A few nights later I headed back to the Vogue where Galactic and Orgone were spicing up Valentine’s Day for the Indy area. Galactic out of New Orleans offers an infectious dose of jazz and funk that is unrivaled by most touring bands I’ve seen. Although I’m a fan of their earlier stuff, the giant “Ya,” “Ka” and “May” in huge LED-lit pieces at the back of the stage let me know they would be rocking some of their newer stuff. Neither the music nor aesthetics of that show disappointed. With Plexiglas covered LED’s not only lighting up the back of the stage, but around the keyboard, drums, and speaker, the lights beautifully accessorized a stage filled with heart-pumping funk and groovy jazz licks. Add the amazing skills of Corey Henry from Rebirth Brass Band on trombone and soulful voice of Cory Glover from Living Color, and you have the makings of a very intense love affair with funk. Another highlight from the evening was when Orgone, a funk/soul/afro-beat band out of L.A., joined the mix and added a whole new energy to the show; not to mention the first trombone-playing cowboy I had ever seen! Even though I missed Orgone’s set at the beginning of the night, I was glad I got to see what they could do. Being a Monday night, the show ended before midnight with most of the expansive crowd sticking around until the very end, soaking up the last drops of some seriously red-hot music. Special thanks to Hidden Relic productions for the opportunity to attend such an amazing show and for all they do for the Midwest music scene everyday!




At the end of that week, one of my very best friends and I trekked all the way to Urbana, IL for Yonder Mountain String Band at the Canopy Club. At this point, I must say that my heart beats for funk and soul, but bluegrass runs a very close race. With so much electronica and dubstep mixed into the scene these days, it was nice to see four musicians onstage with little more than their respective instruments and a love for what they do. And I wasn’t the only one! That was the final show in Yonder’s Cabin Fever tour and more than a few of the folks in the crowd had attended several of the earlier shows in the run. As Yonder opened their first set with “Free to Run,” the crowd pushed into the haze of the lower level and set their feet in motion. A mix of old favorites and a few new jams kept the energy high and bodies moving until set break. After some time to rehydrate and rest a bit, YMSB kick-started another set with a “Bolton Stretch/Boatman” mix. Their range went from classic bluegrass to gritty crossover jams that carried the same passion and energy until the moment we had to head out. Although we missed the end to what Yonder proclaimed as a “great run,” that show was definitely the shining moment of my birthday show tour. I can’t wait to catch them again this summer under blue skies and sunshine!




The final stop of my tour was to be Shaggy Wonda and the Twin Cats at 902’s in Bloomington with Brent Nixon of Herm Productions on lights. Due to some issues with the venue, the show had to be cancelled. Talk about a major bummer for the local Midwest scene! That show was slated to be a combination of intense blues/rock/jazz and face-melting funk. I can only hope that trio of Midwest talent will team up and try for another show in the very near future. Until then, check out Twin Cats at the Mousetrap this Friday, March 4th and Shaggy Wonda next Thursday, March 10th with Waldemere Revival and Midwest Hype for the Spring Carnivale at Max’s Place in Bloomington! Herm Productions will be lighting the stage for both events, so be sure to hit them up!

In the meantime, be sure to show your support for the Midwest scene by spreading the word on your favorite bands’ shows.

music.love.KG.