As a performer there is one thing that can happen when you perform that tells you you have the audience in the palm of your hands. What is that one thing Jody? (I heard you asking before you spoke it in your head).
That is when you are performing a song that has quiet moments in it and when you get to them the audience is silent hanging on your every note and lyric.
It’s something I rarely see or hear when others are performing, especially in America. American audiences in quiet settings can certainly be loud. It’s one thing I’ve never understood. You make plans to go to a show at a small club. You spend time getting ready, you spend time to get there, you spend money on gas, you spend money to get in, you spend money on drinks and then you spend time yapping to your friend throughout a show, giving no real attention to the artist you spent so much of precious time to go to.
I must be one of the odd ones out. For some reason when a quiet tune wends it’s way into my set the audience tends to go quiet. Even if they’re not paying. That’s when I would expect it most – when money isn’t spent on the show. Last night was a reminder of this. That silence is power. I returned to the scene of Ireland’s 32 last night to hang with some friends. This time I came with guitar in hand. Lets say that it was enjoyable.
And now for something completely different…
There is nothing silent about today’s selection. In fact I imagine it would be the type of show where you go and you’re holding your firewater and bouncing up and down while attempting to shout to a friend relatively close by or to a complete stranger how you’re having a ton of fun. Kinda like my night in Utah watch Gogol Bordello.
Le Rug is admittedly not my cup of tea when it comes to my everyday cruising tunes. However there is something in this blasting ritual that has my ear piqued. Besides we all need a chance to bounce up and down with friends once in a while. At least if you do if you’re living any semblance of a life.
The first thing that pops into my head when the song starts is Jason Falkner. Then when the vocals hit I’m kinda hearing a cross of Jane’s Addiction mixed with Imperial Drag – which means Eric Dover. Obviously we all put what we’re used to as the perspective. Le Rug actually compares themselves with artists like The Smiths, Todd Rundgren, XTC, and Electric Eels. I’m not sure how much of that I’d agree with, but hey I can say it’s got an original quality about it to me.
Need a jumping session? Look no further. Pick it up today at CD Baby and iTunes. Go forth and bounce!