Don't expect a typical concert from the Columbus-based trio, Melty Melty. The band relies on keyboards, synthesizers and samples to create their mellow, experimental sound.
Growing up in the Midwest has highly influenced the musicians' darker sound, and they wouldn't want it any other way, said band members Sean Gardner, Kevin Davison and Mark Hemmel. After forming about two years ago, the band is perfecting its sound and fixing the minor kinks in preparation for its first album and this weekend's show in Athens.
The Post's music reporter, Amber James, talks with the band about the roller coaster ride of touring and recording and why they love Athens.
The Post: The band has quite a unique sound that differs a lot from Sean's solo project, Winter Makes Sailors. What process does the band go through when writing a new song?
Kevin Davison: Almost 100 percent of the time, the music comes first. After the skeleton of the song is put together, Sean will just start a melody of mushmouth nonsense. We try to fill in the gaps, and the lyrics come later.
Sean Gardner: I do eventually write lyrics for the songs, and they have meaning by the time we record them.
Post: I know the band has been working on an album. Do you have a release date?
Davison: We actually arm wrestled about this topic last week. It is hard to say. We're about 98 percent done with it. Honestly, I don't think it is going to come out until early winter because we do not have the time to really go out and promote it the way we'd like.
Post: Now, I heard the band lost the album's original recordings. Is that true?
Gardner: Yeah. This is actually the second attempt. We originally recorded about half the album and unfortunately lost all of it.
Mark Hemmel: Our hard drive crashed, and we didn't have anything backed up. It was definitely frustrating.
Post: The band just got back from a short tour. How was that?
Gardner: It was a blast, even though we ran into the same problems a lot of bands do on the road, like our van breaking down. But other than that, we had a really great time.
Post: Sean, you started a record label, We Want Action, in 2004. Can you explain why you created this project?
Gardner: [The label] has become a great outlet for bands that would normally not get picked up by a major indie label or have the chance to tour. Most of the time we work with our friends or local bands that we think are awesome, but people are still able to submit their bands to us. We have a pretty big list of artists currently on the label.
Post: Even though the band is from Columbus, what keeps you guys coming back to Athens?
Gardner: Everyone is very supportive, and it is always a great time. I've made a lot of friends in Athens through the years. And of course, you guys have the Burrito Buggy!
Hemmel: Yeah, that's the real reason we come. I'm kidding. The cool thing about Athens is that the town is small enough that people can see you perform once and then come to your shows again when you're back in town.
Davison: Yeah. I absolutely love Athens. It is a great place for musicians because people are really receptive to our music.
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Amber James
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