Day 2 at Daytrotter Downs was even bigger and badder than Day 1, with music kicking off at 10AM at a local record store. Once again, a mutual love and respect for music existed between the crowd and the bands. I also discovered new music and enjoyed every set that I managed to catch (you can check our Instagram for all of them), but here are the top highlights from Day 2....
The Sires Guitarist Kept Losing His Hat Opening up Day 2
If you look really closely in the photo below, you can see the hat of one of Sires' guitarists on the stage. The entire band was so into the music and grooving along so hard that the hat just wouldn't stay on. As with the opening slot of most festivals, the 2PM crowd for Sires was scarce, but they still gave their all and you could tell they love what they do when they get on stage. The band is from Iowa, so if you're local make sure to check them out if you haven't already!
In Tall Buildings Played Songs From The Upcoming Album
Frontman Erik Hall and his bandmates played a beautiful set in the afternoon yesterday, which featured some new songs. In our interview (coming soon) Erik revealed that was only the second time playing the new songs; the first being during Tomorrow Never Knows in Chicago in January. The new songs sounded incredible, so keep your eyes and ears out for new In Tall Buildings music this year.
Bobby Hussy Lit His Guitar On Fire
In our Daytrotter Downs spotlight, I mentioned that I'd heard all about Bobby Hussy's love for pyrotechnics and his stage presence, but I didn't know how well lighting his guitar on fire would go over in the setting of Daytrotter Downs. However, at 5PM, Bobby Hussy of The Hussy lit his guitar on fire on the floor of the Redstone Room. It just doesn't get more badass and more Rock'n'Roll than that. Check out the video on our Instagram, and make sure you go see The Hussy if you ever get the chance.
Sarah Potenza Gave A Shout Out to Humboldt Park
During her early evening set, Sarah Potenza wooed the crowd with her powerful, soulful vocals. She also provided the laughs with some of her stories, one of which included a part about the 10 years she lived in Chicago in a Humboldt Park apartment. After her set, she also did an impromptu interview with me, so stay tuned for that. She'll be in Chicago with Gaelynn Lea tomorrow, so check them out if you can!
All Eyes Were on Gaelynn Lea
For the first time during the entire festival, I didn't have much personal space to stand during Gaelynn Lea's performance. Because everyone was watching her set. She delivered an absolutely stunning and mesmerizing hour-long set to a packed house with her haunting vocals and incredible violin playing. Gaelynn also promoted taking risks and doing what you love during her set. Before playing a new song of hers, Gaelynn mentioned she was nervous to play it, but she was doing it anyway because "it's good to do things that make you nervous." Seriously, if you're reading this and you're based in Chicago, go see her at Schubas tomorrow night.
Adam Torres Captivated The Crowd with his Cutting Vocals
Without a doubt, Adam Torres was towards the top of my list to see during this festival, but his set exceeded my expectations. He put the entire crowd in a trance with his unique and haunting vocals, often backed by the beautiful violin playing of his bandmate Elizabeth Warren (he also made the "no not the senator" joke that most of you are probably thinking right now). He also gave the backstory to most of his songs before he played, which I always find fascinating when watching songs come to life.
Post Animal Just Being Post Animal
Hands down, the Post Animal set topped my list of favorite performances this weekend. As usual, they gave their performance their all and had the crowd reciprocating their massive energy levels. I mean, just check out the hair flip from Dalton in the photo below....
The house was completely packed and everyone in the front was moving the whole time. A few people even crowd surfed, making their set the rowdiest of the evening. The guys will be out at SXSW later this month, and they're also touring nationally throughout the Spring, so go see them when they roll through your town.
Yesterday evening, Daytrotter kicked off their two-day 47-band festival in downtown Davenport. As we mentioned in our Daytrotter Downs Spotlight, there's not a bad band on the line up. While every set I caught yesterday was incredible, one of the highlights on Day 1 was just this mutual energy and respect displayed between each band and the audience. Everyone at the festival just seemed to be genuine fans of music, and as a fellow music fan, that community and mutual bond is just something really special to witness. Here are some of the additional highlights to Day 1....
Michigander Promotes Doing What You Love
Fronted by Jason Singer, the Kalamazoo based band Michigander had the task of opening up the two day festival to a scarce crowd. Although the crowd was small, they were receptive and instantly hooked by Singer's raw and emotive vocals and the chemistry between the band members. The three piece not only delivered a beautiful set, but Singer reminded us all of a very important message. "Do what you love...life is short," Singer said before playing the band's last song on the set. He had prefaced the statement by encouraging everyone to take a chance on something that they love, even if they're scared that no one will like it or they won't make any money doing it. In a community of up and coming musicians and music fans, that message is so important. It's the best when a musician can deliver motivation and great music, and that's exactly what Michigander did during their opening slot.
P.S...Make sure you check out Michigander at SXSW if you're going.
Seasaw Worked Through Technical Difficulties, While Smelling Good
Meg and Eve of Seasaw won over their crowd instantly with their beautiful harmonies, their bedazzled drum kit, and their coordinated, bold outfits. What really set their performance apart was their ability to keep playing through some technical difficulties with Meg's keyboard and their quirky stage presence and sense of humor. Towards the end of their set, Eve mentioned that the pair are sponsored by Schmidt's Deodorant, which is equally hilarious and awesome. The duo are currently on tour, so make sure you check them out if you're looking for a night of good tunes and laughs. I also got the chance to chat with them after their set, so stay tuned for an interview.
The Golden Jaybird filled in for Kississippi
While I was bummed to find out that Kississippi couldn't make it to Davenport safely for their 9PM slot, due to vehicle issues, the replacement on the line up did not disappoint. The Golden Jaybird swooped in to save the day, delivering a completely magnetic performance, which was just incredible considering they'd only been asked to play an hour before their set. Composed of two local bands, The Golden Fleece and Condor & Jaybird, the hybrid group pulled off a last minute performance with a massive stage presence and response from the crowd. Their psychedelic-laced jams got the crowd moving the most that they'd been all night, which continued on through the remaining sets. Condor & Jaybird will be touring the Midwest this month, and after such a great set last night, they're definitely on my radar.
NE-HI Rocked a Receptive Crowd
Chicago rockers NE-HI just released an album last week, and as they mentioned in their interview with us (coming soon), their week has been non-stop since the release. Despite the long days and nights that they've had since the release of Offers, the guys didn't hold anything back during their 45 minute set last night. The crowd, which included some of the band's family, was feeding the energy right back. Like Michigander, they'll also be at SXSW so make sure you catch one of their sets if you're heading out to Austin!
Joan Of Arc Awed the Audience
While talking to other attendees and even some of the bands, it quickly became apparent that Chicago's Joan of Arc was one of the most anticipated acts of the night, and it was easy to understand why as they completely captivated a full house during their 11 PM set. The energy and chemistry between the four band members was so evident during their entire show. They exuded this subtle confidence as performers, which no doubt stems from their years of making music together. They just delivered such a completely packaged performance it was just amazing to witness how enchanted to crowd became during it.
Hours before their midnight set that closed out Day 1, I sat down with Mountain Swallower to find out about their background as musicians and what they have planned for this year as a band. During our conversation, they came across as really good friends just having a good time making music together, with a goal of taking it one step at a time and just becoming better musicians. While they really seemed to share a mutual love for making music, they definitely came across as humble and even critical of their own music. However, as soon as they took the stage, the crowd's energy surged to an all-time high. People were moshing, stage-diving, crowd surfing, and just having a great time throughout the hour long set (check out ANCHR's Instagram for a video of the action). With each song, the Quad-Cities band just kept feeding the energy back, and they displayed raw talent and such incredible musicianship. Needless to say, they definitely underestimated themselves in our interview. If you're in the Quad-cities area, you need to see this band perform. There couldn't have been a better ending to Daytrotter Downs Day 1...
Stay tuned for our interview with Mountain Swallower
Stay tuned for more live updates on our social media accounts today, and check back tomorrow for Day 2 highlights.
In just about two weeks, we'll be heading out to the second ever Daytrotter Downs in Davenport, IA for a two-day celebration with some of our favorite bands. Check out this killer line up and jam packed schedule...
There's honestly not a bad band on this line up, but we've put the spotlight on seven of the bands that we can't wait to see. Get to know our most anticipated Daytrotter Downs acts...
Post Animal
What's not to love about this six piece from Chicago? The band have been gaining traction the past 6 months or so, opening for fellow Chicagoans Twin Peaks and The Orwells, and even headlined a sold out show at The Empty Bottle. To date they've self-produced and released two projects; Post Animal Perform The Most Curious Water Activities and The Garden Series, and there's a new full-length already recorded and set to be released soon. They've got a knack for mixing really unique tones and layers with catchy guitar riffs, and their live show is always packed with energy. For everything else you need to know about this band, check out our interview with them.
Start With: "When I get Home" and "Hoverin All Night"
For Fans Of: Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Pond
See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 11 PM.
NE-HI
Another Chicago rock band that has been turning heads the past few months, NE-HI are on the brink of their new album Offers, out February 24th. The four piece recently rocked the legendary JBTV stage in Chicago, and they're about to embark on a massive US tour, with dates through May already announced. If you're a fan of a vintage, fuzzy rock sound with feel-good melodies, make sure you check them out.
Photo Credit: Bryan Allen Lamb
Start With: "Stay Young" and "Since I've Been Thinking"
For Fans Of: The Walters, Twin Peaks, Whitney
See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 10 PM.
In Tall Buildings
Another Chicago artist topping our list...we're totally not biased....Anyways, In Tall Buildings is the name of Erik Hall's solo project as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Just let that all sink in and try not to feel bad about yourself. Hall's sophomore album and latest release as In Tall Buildings, Driver, contains a dynamic mix of sounds, with some songs leaning more towards rock and pop structures, while others remain more electronically driven. Hall's sound lies somewhat center in the mix of genres found on the lineup, so if you're at the fest with a group of varied musical tastes, be sure to check him out as a good middle ground set.
Photo Credit: Caleb Condit
Start With: "Unmistakable" and "Flare Gun"
For Fans Of: Mutual Benefit, Kevin Morby, Francis and the Lights
See Him: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 5PM
The Hussy
Just plain ol' feel good punk rock music...The Hussy will no doubt deliver a performance bursting with energy. Hailing from Madison, WI, this trio's latest release in 2015, Galore, is packed with up tempo, catchy bops that make for an epic live show. We have yet to see The Hussy perform live, but we've heard there's quite a bit of theatrics and showmanship from frontman Bobby Hussy, so if you like pyrotechnics, their set is a must see.
See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Redstone Room, 4:45 PM.
Seasaw
This harmony-licious duo from Madison, WI (via Freeport, IL) blend folk and pop elements to create lighthearted melodies. They released their last full length this past July, appropriately called Too Much of a Good Thing, since it's full of mood-boosting tunes. Also relevant to its release date, the record makes the perfect soundtrack for a summer day, so their set will definitely heat up this Midwestern festival.
See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 6:45 PM.
Kississippi
Like In Tall Buildings, Kississippi started as a one (wo)man band, but turned into a duo, thanks to Tinder. The moniker masks musician Zoë Reynolds, who hails from Philadelphia, PA, and her counterpart Colin James Kupson. So far the duo have released a 6-song EP, We Have No Future, We're All Doomed, which is full of haunting melodies and folk-inspired vocals. Reynolds is currently working on a full length, so keep your eyes (and ears) out for that. If you're looking to escape from the madness of Daytrotter Downs, make sure you catch Kississippi's sure-to-be mesmerizing set.
Photo Credit: Sara Joan
Start With: "Greyhound" and "Indigo'
For Fans Of: Cat Power, PJ Harvey, Big Thief
See Them: Friday, March 3rd at Daytrotter HQ, 9 PM.
Belle Game
The Vancouver, CA based group Belle Game blends atmospheric tones, pop structures, and lead singer Andrea Lo's ethereal vocals to create their distinct sound. While their songs remain recognizable with Lo's voice, their 2013 full length album Ritual Tradition Habit remains sonically diverse. Their latest single "Yuh" leans a bit more towards electro-pop so we're excited to see if they play any other new tracks during their Daytrotter Downs set. If you're looking to dance, definitely catch Belle Game's show.
See Them: Saturday, March 4th at Daytrotter HQ, 6:30 PM.
While most of these bands play at the Daytrotter HQ location, there are plenty of other great shows hosted at Redstone Room in Davenport during Daytrotter Downs. You can find all things tickets, schedule and more on Daytrotter's site. Tickets start at $55 for two-day passes, which is a steal for the amount of bands playing.
