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Event
Jimkata At Shakespeare's Lower Level
Jimkata:
Take note: Jimkata is not a cool electronic rock band.
I mean, they are. The bands new album, In Motion, is a triumph of swirling analog synths and breezy pop hooks. Itll make your body groove.
But dig deeper. Youll be rewarded with something more...personal.
Theres a lot of great music out there that makes you move, but you dont remember it afterwards, says Jimkata frontman Evan Friedell. Were OK with embracing our emotional side. I think we have a little bit of soul. Were embracing all the things that make classic songs.
This added emotional gravitas is borne partially out of trust. Friends since middle school, Friedell, Aaron Gorsch and Packy Lunn infuse Jimkata which, yes, is named after the so-bad-its-good 1985 gym-fu caper Gymkatawith both an adventurous musical streak and an emotional core.
I was drawn to music in two ways, says Friedell. One was through the backbeatI grew up with Michael Jackson and Paul Simons Graceland. Everything was rhythmically accentuated. But the second avenue is good songwriting. Something that hits the body and the heart.
Which means, mixed in with the modern synth sensibilities (youll certainly hear echoes of LCD Soundsystem on album closer Synapses) and progressive rock tropes are influences drawn from the likes of Motown, singer-songwriters like James Taylor and even old country songs, where storytelling and a quick turn of phrase share priorities with melody and the beat.
Its an unusually rich and rewarding mix, and one thats evolved naturally. Over the past half-decade, the Ithaca-based band has operated without a record label, publicist or support system of any kind. We just road dogged it, says Friedell. Its all DIY. Doing 150 shows a year, sleeping on floors, recording songs along the way. We built everything organically, all word of mouth. The advice we got when we started was Just go out and play. Itll pay off.
In Motion marks the bands second fan-funded record through PledgeMusic. Gorschs love of unusual rhythms and vintage synths fuel the albums first half, highlighted by the pop earworm Wild Ride and the melancholia of Jumping Out of Airplanes. Halfway through, the album shifts to a more progressive, guitar-based affair, led by the percussive funk of Innocence. Its an adventurous album, one that could find a home equally amongst fans of Yeasayer, LCD Soundsystem or Tom Petty.
Besides a musical shift, In Motion marks some other important changes. The group recently pared down to three members from four. As well, the trio was forced off the road for an extended period of time, which ended upunexpectedlyhelping evolve their music.
This is the first time weve been off from touring for a while, says Friedell. We were sort of living like gypsies or nomads, living the road life. Weve never had this much time to work on an album and just live with the songs. Its been a creative, reflective time for us.
Lyrically, In Motion doesnt center on any one theme. I sort of discover what Im writing about later, says the singer. And I dont always know where the inspiration comes from. But overall, these are songs about processing adversity.
(Themes that certainly resonate with the bands fans. Weve had people tattoo our lyrics on their arms. That was a revelation to mewere doing something right.)
Fortunately for long-time fans, the band plans to hit the road again early next year. Were pretty high-energy on stage, says Friedell. We tour with a light show and improvise a lot. Weve toured so much, and experienced every scenario, good or bad. So we know how to play live and create some energy.
And for Jimkata, its about finding the right energythat balance between heart and mind.
Says Friedell: Ideally, were writing songs where someone says, I know that feeling. That song picks me up. It has real meaning to me.
That Freak Quincy:
This Kalamazoo based band will knock your socks off so hard even the dryer gnomes won't find them. Every show focuses on conversation through improvisation fueled by the energy of the audience. With ever-changing set lists and the courage to step out of bounds, That Freak Quincy ensures each performance will provide a new and exciting experience. Come join the Freak show, don't miss the boat!
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LocationShakespeare's Lower Level (View)
241 E Kalamazoo Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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