By Leah Yacknin-Dawson
Freesound played their first show of the semester last Saturday, Feb. 27, in Gardner as a benefit concert for the campus group Freenet. People gathered to dance and support both Freenet and the student bands. At its largest, a crowd of around three dozen enjoyed the different musical samplings of the performers. Sounds ranged from heavy metal to hip-hop to covers of a number of popular bands, including Green Day and Nickelback.
President/Bosshog/New-Mike-Kober-’10 of Freesound Tucker Bush ’12 explained that the concert came to fruition through a collaboration between him and Isaac Wilder ’13, a member of Freenet.
“Isaac and I discussed having a much more grand event in which we somehow mutually benefited our organizations, Freesound and Freenet,” Bush said. “This was a much more stripped-down version of that event. We wanted to have a show where someone could benefit and Freenet needed some money. The thought was that if we put enough good music on stage and yelled at people enough, they might give us some money.”
Despite the success of last semester’s Freesound concert, the show began with some mishaps.
“I liked this concert, but in the beginning it seemed like a rough start,” said audience member Clare Mao ’14.
Others in attendance agreed. Caleb Neubauer ’13, a Freesound member who was responsible for recording the event, said that there were both technical and personal issues.
“Some of the microphones were a little touchy and there was one instance with a Freesound member and a musician. I was nearby when it happened and while I don’t know exactly what was going on, there was a conflict and it was quite public,” Neubauer said.
He explained that the confusion was possibly due to the show’s initial lack of organization.
“I think I was the only sober one there who was in charge and that was definitely problematic. That refers a little more towards leadership in Freesound itself,” Neubauer said. “Also the musicians could have been planning ahead more and following through with the commitments that they needed to do to play and participate in the show.”
Most of the bands were committed to the show, and while they noticed some disruption, did not let that affect their view of the show as a whole.
“There were a few interesting interruptions, but overall things smoothed themselves out nicely,” said Luke Johnson ’14, who played with both Sh*t in the Face and Thank You, Sorry. Sh*t in the Face is composed of Johnson, Matt Lewis ’14, Mateo Jarquin ’13 and Casey Judson ’14. Thank You, Sorry features Dylan Naylor ’13 and Wilder.
Regardless of these minor setbacks, the bands’ energy and enthusiasm ultimately turned around to fulfill audience members’ initial expectations.
“It was fantastic. It was fun, the best show I’ve ever played and I’ve played hundreds of shows in my life,” Johnson said.
The audience seemed to agree.
“I thought it was really good. I had a lot of fun at the concert. I really liked Erik Jarvis [’12] and Maia [Pillot ’12]’s band. I thought they really got it going and their songs were cute and they appealed to the crowd. I also really liked Sh*t in the Face,” Mao said.
Jarvis and Pillot’s band is The Apple and the Oak, which also included Quinn Underriner ’14 and Brita Higgins ’12. Students responded strongly to their Green Day covers and came out onto the floor to show their support. Audience member Jake White ’13 appreciated the inclusion of Green Day and the concert as a whole.
“I thought the concert was awesome. It was my first Freesound concert and it was really cool to see all these people from my classes—who I’ve only recently been getting to know—come together and perform. They were all really good. I enjoyed that there was a wide variety of music represented and I think a lot of people really appreciated that,” White said. “I especially enjoyed the metal and the Green Day covers, but I liked it all. It was a f*ckin’ rage. I would definitely go to more Freesound concerts, especially if they’re in Gardner.”
Luckily, fans and members of Freesound alike can look forward to more upcoming concerts throughout the remainder of the semester.
“We want to investigate [doing] a similar size show for Block Party. We also definitely want more smaller shows. We now have the equipment to essentially put on a concert wherever we want it to be, whether it’s in the Pub, Bob’s, Main Lounge or Gardner,” Bush said. “It is now easier to put on a concert than it has ever been for us. So, if anyone can play a show, I would love for them to discuss it with me. We can have as many shows as people can play. Expect more smaller shows.”
Those interested can contact Freesound at [freesoun] and Bush at [bushtuck].
