Bethesda at Bunbury 2013

We interviewed Bethesda, an up-and-coming band out of Kent, Ohio. It was a new experience for The Lesser Known, so bear with us on this one, it's probably going to be a little disjointed. Our interview notes leave something to be desired, so this will be more of a summing-up of what happened and what was said rather than our usual question and answer format.

So here we go:

Bethesda is a six piece folk-rock indie band. They consist of band founders Eric Ling and Shanna Delaney, who met in college at Kent State University, and recently celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. In fact, it was on their honeymoon that they first decided to start making music together. From there, the couple met drummer Justin Rife and bassist Dan Corby at church, and Bethesda was born. Bethesda more recently expanded to include violinist/keyboardist Christopher Black, and lead guitarist/banjo player Jessie Scaggs.

Eric and Shanna

Top: Dan, Christopher, Jessie

Bottom: Justin

The band has one full length album (Love in the Time of Tra La La) and one EP (Dreamtiger and Other Tails) from earlier years, but their newly released LP, The Reunion, is the first to include all six members, and during our interview they were very enthusiastic about it. With this album they have settled into a genre and a unique, cohesive sound, a process which has taken nearly four years to reach since Bethesda's genesis.

In their early days, Bethesda's varied influences pulled them in many directions, from post-punk, to indie-pop, to eight minute Sufjan Stephens-esque songs. In The Reunion, these influences are much more nuanced than in their previous recordings. Eric and Shanna cited The Decemberists and Arcade Fire as some of their inspirations, along with Shanna's vocal sound coming from a background of opera, musical theater, and bluegrass. With such varied interests, it took the band a while to achieve a defined and specific style. Now that they have, however, Bethesda is focusing on their goals as a band and their rising success following the release of their LP.

This year, Bethesda played their biggest show so far, Bonnaroo. Shanna commented that they were surprised that so many people came out to see their set: "There were people in the crowd holding signs with our names on them! We couldn't believe it." The group said that while they love to play big shows and outdoor festivals, they prefer smaller venues. Their main goal is to connect with people, share stories, and get to know their fans. Eric told us that their favorite thing about touring is learning about people's lives and having people really relate to their music. After seeing their set at Bunbury, we can confidently say that Bethesda accomplishes their goal of connecting with audiences.

Bethesda at Bunbury Music Festival

July 14th, 2013

For Bethesda's tour schedule, music, merch, and more about the band, you can visit their website, Youtube channel, SoundCloud, Facebook page, or Twitter page.

Check out Bethesda's Official Music Video for "Go" off their newly released album, The Reunion!

For more about Bunbury Music Festival 2013, the bands we saw there, and our over all experience, check back in the weeks to come. We will be posting a lot of information and stories soon!

As always, thanks for reading The Lesser Known! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to be up-to-date on all of our latest posts!

Band of the Week: Cry Monster Cry

 



Cry Monster Cry is a folk rock duo out of Dublin, Ireland. The band features the brothers' beautiful harmonies packed with emotion and lyrics full of shared experiences. Cry Monster Cry was formed by brothers Richie and Jamie Martin in late 2010.  The brothers have been involved in music together for many years before the band's formation, but it is now a central focus for them. In 2012 Cry Monster Cry recorded their first EP, "The Fallen." Upon the release of their debut EP, "The Fallen" went straight to #1 on the Irish iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart and was promptly followed by a sold out launch Upstairs in Whelan’s. The band's music was also recently featured in Tourism Ireland's Jump Into Ireland online. Since the success of the EP realease, Cry Monster Cry has been touring Ireland with their original material. Over the past few months of touring, the band has played gigs with artists such as Sea of Bees, Wallis Bird, Hudson Taylor and Jape.

In between touring, Cry Monster Cry has managed to begin work on their debut album. Jamie  commented on the upcoming album, "We're working with the same producer from the EP, Keith Lawless. We are trying to hone our skills and deliver something well thought out and mature. We were very pleased with the EP, the trick now is to do better this time round and to mature as song writers." The band should have show dates once the album completed and released.

 Below is a track from "The Fallen" EP. If you like what you hear, follow the link for a free download of the song. The full EP can be found on iTunes. If you're interested in following Cry Monster Cry, they can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and on Youtube.
 

Band of the Week: Wise Children

After a long stretch of no posts (which we sincerely apologize for), we're finally getting back up and running. So, without further delay, this week's featured "Band of the Week" is Wise Children.

Wise Children is an alternative folk-pop band from the South Coast of England. The band was originally a three-piece band, but now primarily consists of just its founder, Robin Warren-Adamson. "I started the project at uni with a line-up of 3, and then over the years people have come and gone. Sometimes I perform by myself, sometimes with others. It's mainly based on where abouts I'm living at the time and who is around. At the moment there are three of us in London," says Robin.

The band has released three albums over the past four years. The first is a self tiled EP, released in 2008. Wise Children produced Absence & Reunion just 2 years later (2010), with their most recent, The Woods, to follow the year after (2011). Robin describes his music as "delicate, atmospheric pop songs." He pulls from a variety of different influences to achieve his incredibly unique sound. "I listen to a lot of electronic music and experimental classical music. This influences the kinds of atmospheres I try to create. On top of that, Sigur Ros, Frightened Rabbit, Nick Drake amongst many others." The combination of Robin's hauntingly beautiful vocals and lyrics often filled with heartache make Wise Children's music more than memorable.

After taking a break for the summer, Robin says that he's really excited to get back to writing a recording. Plans for the band are small for now. Ryan told us, "I don't have any grand dreams for it [Wise Children]. It's just on-going and adapts to particular times. I really like how it doesn't ask too much of me." Wise Children's next show will be October 7th at the Notting Hill Arts Club in London. They will be performing with six other London-local artists that night and the event is expected to be a sell-out. The band prefers smaller, informal venues (especially house parties), but they would love to play at Union Chapel in the near future.

 

Here are a few of our favorite Wise Children songs. Enjoy!

 

"Absence" - Absence & Reunion (2010)

 

"Compost" - The Woods (2011)



 

"A Heart You Can't Find" - The Woods (2011)

 

"You Were a Single Red Blood Cell But I Lost

You in This Knot of Capillaries" - Wise Childern EP (2008)

 

"Artichoke" - Absense & Reunion (2010)

 

If you would like to hear more music by Wise Children, look them up on Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube. Also, check out their website for a free download of their EP, The Woods.



 

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Band of the Week: Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers

Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers hail from Detroit, Michigan and have become fairly well known in the Midwest. They smoothly combine a wide variety of genres like indie, folk, soul, and pop. With energetic lyrics and the playful sound of folk instruments, they easily pull the listener into their songs (in some ways they remind me of Matt Costa). The band has played along side several bigger name bands including The Civil Wars, Electric Six, and Frontier Ruckus, as well as having many sold out shows of their own. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers released their debut album, "On Being," in 2011 and just recently released the single, "Home For a Funeral."

So, how did I find Joe and the Rainbow Seekers? I found them on one of those pesky Facebook ads (just another of many ways that I stumble upon new music). When I followed the link and liked the page, I discovered that their new single, "Home For a Funeral," was available for a free download. Who doesn't like a free download (especially when it's good music)? You can find more about Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers on their Facebook page and at their band website. Below are a few notable songs by them. Enjoy!

"What It Feels Like To Drown"

 "We Are Everything"

"Good Times"