Spotlight on... Larson

Author: Alexxa Gotthardt

Four of the six band members were interviewed for this article:



Conor Sheldon- Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Alto

Saxophone,

Josh Bookin - Vocals, Lead Guitar,

Alex Banys - Percussion, Drums

Christopher Nielson - Keys, Piano, Synth.



The Middlebury Campus: Who is Larson? When did you come together as a band?

Sheldon: We're just an eclectic group of fun, young college guys who love to rock really hard. In terms of other college bands, we'd like to think that Larson is a beast of a different color... we'd like to think that we're bringing a new flavor to the palette...but even if we're not, we know that we believe in what we're playing... we love the sound that we've cultivated thus far, and we're ever-so-grateful to have people who seem to embrace what we have to offer.

Bookin: The current and final lineup in its full form took hold at the beginning of this year, but we have been plugging away since the end of my freshman year.

The Campus: How would you describe your sound?

Banys: A soulful jam band with a hip-hop edge.

Nielson: Earthy techno-pop.

The Campus: Who are your influences?

Bookin: Mine personally include David Gilmour of The Pink Floyd, Trey/Michael Kang, Tony Rice, and I'd have to say Elliott Smith, though it may not always show it.

Sheldon: I'm the more bubble gum-pop oriented member of the band, so I'll just keep the full description of 'those' influences to a minumum. But I will say that The Killers, U2, Maroon Five, Keith Jarrett, Michael Jackson, The Police, Damian Rice and Dave Matthews are all on the list.

The Campus: You just came out with a CD; how was the recording process?

Banys: We're very happy with the outcome considering we produced everything ourselves in a homemade studio. We spent all of spring break at 202 Weybridge recording long into the night. If it wasn't for the generosity of so many of our friends, none of this would have happened.

Sheldon: This week, in fact, we hit the studio again to record three or four brand-new songs that I think are the best stuff we've written yet... it's a very exciting time.

The Campus: Any other future plans on getting your music outside the midd bubble?

Banys: We have our music up on CDbaby.com and at our website: http://www.myspace.com/experiencelarson. We are also trying to book summer dates for a van tour across the country this summer.

The Campus: Why do you think student bands and the music they create are important on campus?

Bookin: Bottom line, when you walk into a room with drinks and people and heat, would you rather be listening to the stereo or friends of yours playing their hearts out? I'm just a sucka for live music.

Nielson: Student bands are another great way to release the diverse skills the students of this campus have. They also liven the social scene and provide new sounds that diverge from pop.

Sheldon: I think it is phenomenal that the administration has begun to recognize the importance of music, especially that of bands on campus. When you really think about it, music represents the sole form of expression for many students. I have no idea how much money we spend on athletics, but similarly, this is the only outlet for some individuals and the school should support it accordingly.

The Campus: Do you have a favorite Midd concert memory?

Bookin: Mine would have to be the Mill's Stop Making Sense party. With an hour left in the party and our setlist already completed, we jammed on basic progressions for 45 minutes, concluding with an a capella die down of Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier," the crowd joined Conor and me in singing and pretty soon all you could hear were drum sticks keeping the beat and about 150 voices singing why-eye-oh! One of my happiest moments as a musician.

- Alexxa Gotthardt