Local Band Strives to the Top
RICHMOND, Va – Indie-rock band, Those Manic Seas are in the midst of preparing for their next live show, and it all starts in their weekly meeting and practice. After not performing live for the month of October, the three members are looking forward to their gig at one of Richmond’s famous dive bar music venues, The Camel on 1621 W. Broad St.
The band is comprised of founder/drummer Daniel Medley, guitarist Curtis Park and newly-instated bassist Chris Westfall. They have only played three shows with their current line-up, but hope to become a staple in the Richmond music scene.
Practice began with the realities of being in an independent rock band; how to spend limited funds. Their profit is churned by the selling of their recently released, self-titled E.P. and kitschy band logo shirts in black or navy. Thus far, they’ve earned $240, most of it from the guitarist buying shirts for his family in Northern Virginia.
“We’re about a quarter of the way to buy a trailer,” Medley said. “The one we’ve been looking at costs about $1,000.” This is one of many expenses that unsigned, unknown bands cope with.
Park arrived and within moments is told by Medley that they need to re-record the vocals for their newest song. The band has no permanent singer instead they have utilized a male mannequin with a television set for a head to take its place. Their vocals are lent by a “ghost” singer and Park, who performs better without standing behind a microphone stand.
After recording, the three took their respective places in their practice room and began to rehearse their new set list soon to be revealed. While they played, there is little room for conversation, with the exception for banter from Medley. By their fifth song, Medley offered a critique to Westfall, “You did something funny on the last part of the bridge.”
The rehearsal wound down and as they finished, constructive criticism dominated the rest of conversation.
“Make sure your effects pedal is louder than your bass. Just check your levels,” Medley said to Westfall. “Need to get back into playing with the lights on.”
Between self-criticism and worries about the show, the members discussed their plans for hanging flyers around town. Promotion for the band has been difficult as they are still relatively an up-start band, but self-promotion is part of the legwork required to get your band’s name on the circuit.
Those Manic Seas are playing on November 14th at 8 p.m. with Fox Street Allstars and the Parlow Shakedown. They have made plans to play in Fairfax and DC in December, as well as a radio show in January.
Written and turned in on November 7, 2011 for MASC 203
