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It was something like destiny, a pure, happenstance moment that could have been different if not for a courageous decision to reach out and take a chance. A musical life that almost never was.
The story of The Summer Initiative is a musical tale woven by two kindred souls finding each other in digital space and deciding to break out of their comfort zones and brave the uncertainty of the local music scene.
The self-classified indie pop rock band is now a cohesive quintet of musicians looking to share a piece of themselves to the masses with their catchy, guitar-driven love letters about life, finding love, and growing up. With each tune traversing through the liminal state, the cast of The Summer Initiative are all about exposing those transitional phases in life that are all too familiar, causing one to reminisce or even embrace those times in life when “change” is/was more than a buzzword.
But the interesting part about The Summer Initiative’s music is that it’s as varied as their members but joined together nicely to produce a unique silhouette of their identity. Frontman/songwriter Nehemias crafts each song in true troubadour fashion, writing poetic melodies like the narrative chording of “You Are My Tree,” while also writing riffs on songs like “Fillmore,” which has a great up and down tempo that crescendos into a guitar rock anthem.
Co-singer/ songwriter Demi, however, contributes another perspective, giving the band a charming dual identity with their vocal dynamic. The first track on the “Fillmore” ep, “You’re Giving In,” showcases how the two leads blend their respective styles to create a singular sound for the group. Yet it’s on tracks like the crowd favorite “Oregon Song” where Demi wins over listeners, prompting a sing-a-long with her warm and embracing voice.
Recently added guitarist Nate was once one of those in the crowd enthralled by the band’s groove and personality, especially Demi’s, whom he is now engaged to. As the betrothed recall their first date, Nate described how he re-enacted the lyrics sung in “Oregon Song” to impress Demi, which turned out to be a good move because the two have been together ever since. Later when the band was prepping to record their second ep, Nate was asked to add in some filling guitar work, taking over the leads and giving the band a richer sound.
But the backbone of the band are drummer Adam and bassist Mike, who are a generation apart from the other three but provide a sense of stability not only as the rhythm section but in their contributions to the identity of the group as well. Adam has a lot of experience from his work with other bands and his previous navigation through the intimidating feeling of being center stage was helpful as the band acclimated to the gigging culture. He’s also a rockin’ drummer and his presence on the band’s setlist is evident.
Mike may not have the road experience of his rhythmic companion but his solid skills are an asset to the band, as is his leadership qualities, which provide a unique element to this eclectic mix of individuals. Together they have weaved a hand-crafted sound that, as Demi said, may be something more at home on Etsy rather than the music shelves at Best Buy.
For the past four years the members of The Summer Initiative have incorporated each other into their lives, forming lasting relationships all based on a shared interest in music. This all could have never been so if not for Nehemias taking the initiative one summer to put himself and his music on display, and Demi for denying her shy nature and taking a chance in asking Nehemias if he wanted to collaborate after finding his music online. There’s also those wedding bells that may not be ringing if not for a decision to do or not do.
In the interview, Mike said the band’s name made him think of “new beginnings.” That’s probably an appropriate assessment of what the band’s name and sound evoke: A chance to start over for some, while others prepare for new musical journeys.
-Brian
DISTORTION 101 