Smith professor Steve Waksman, upon being asked what style The Electric Eyes, the band he plays in, and their newly released album, come under -- said that they are altogether a rock band, with influences from it’s subcategories such as -- indie rock of the 80’s and 90’s and psychedelic rock of the 60’s and 70’s.
Posts published in “Music”
At 29 years old, pianist and Iva Dee Hiatt Visiting Artist & Lecturer in Music Jiayan Sun has already achieved his lifelong dream: the opportunity to perform the complete sonatas of the composer who, for him, inspired it all.
And The Kids has certainly been busy since their 2016 release of “Friends Share Lovers.” The band — consisting of Hannah Mohan on vocals and guitar, Rebecca Lasaponaro on drums and Megan Miller on synthesizers and percussion — opened for Blondie at MASS MoCA and have made appearances in the Paste Magazine studio and NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series. Now, the Northampton group is back with their third LP, “When This Life Is Over,” in which they continue to explore the complexity of human connection.
Emily Ehrensperger ’21 | Assistant Arts Editor
Fresh off of her debut tour through Europe, singer Madison McFerrin performed songs from her two recent EPs on Saturday, Feb. 23, in Sweeney Concert Hall. The daughter of music legend Bobby McFerrin (among his many accomplishments the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”), she exhibited her own unique style that explored soulful, sensual a cappella through electronic looping.
It’s always a gamble to see a band that hasn’t been popular in years. Will the concert be a desperate shot at reviving the nostalgia of old fans, or will it be able to engage new listeners too? I wondered this on my way to Echo & The Bunnymen’s show in Northampton last week.
Despite the chill, a crowd of students gathered together last Thursday night to watch the annual “Celebration” ceremony on Wilson’s steps. This was the event’s 27th year and included performances by individual students, several Quad houses and a variety of acapella and student organizations.
Students and their parents took refuge from last Saturday’s rain to enjoy performances by a variety of Smith’s ensemble groups in John M. Greene Hall. “Montage” is sponsored by the Smith music department, and this year’s theme centered around royalty, which came through both in the music and the names of the artists chosen to cover.
Like them or not, you probably have some experience with Alt-J’s music. Whether it’s the mumbled lyrics, the unusual instrumentation or the twee habit of referring to their band as just “∆,” most people who are familiar with the indie music scene immediately recognize Joe Newman’s airy vocals and intertwining harp melodies.
Phoebe Lease ’21 | Arts Editor
Shemekia Copeland’s strong and powerful vocals rang out over a full house at the Iron Horse Music Hall last Saturday. Amidst witty banter and her thoughts on politics, Copeland performed both old hits and new work to an enthusiastic crowd.
Phoebe Lease ’21 | Arts Editor
William Fitzsimmons is no stranger to heartache and once again tackles the issue with grace in his newest album.