This prog pop-punk group has only recently stepped onto the stage, but already they’ve been leaving listeners dizzy in the best way possible. With their high-energy hooks, textured guitar layers, and lyrics that swirl between vulnerable and victorious, Spin Art is quickly becoming a band to look out for.

Meet the Band:

Elijha Knox [August Young] on lead guitar: bending strings into bold, electric shapes.
Joseph Vitales on drums: the kinetic force that sets the canvas in motion.
Keygan Fundy on rhythmn guitar: the texture beneath the paint, subtle but essential to the masterpiece.
Korbyn Frerichs on bass: the grounding rhythm that keeps the piece steady.

Much like their name suggests, Spin Art thrives on mixing colors of sound. One track might lean into gritty metal edges, while the next explodes with funky, progressive choruses. “I don’t think we will ever have a consistent type of sound, which I think will separate us from other bands in the future,” Frerichs says. “Honestly, it’s really up to the fans and how they interpret us,” agreed Vitales.

And boy, do their fans love them. Their live shows feel less like concerts and more like participatory exhibits. Fans aren’t just watching; they’re pulled into the whirling momentum. Mosh pits meet dance floors, with choruses that beg to be shouted and bridges that slow things down just long enough for the crowd to catch their breath- before spinning right back into chaos.

The band’s origin story is as fittingly messy as their sound. Spin Art, originally formed by Young, Frerichs, and Vitales as Slow Pitch, found itself in a position where new members were needed ASAP. Young had met Vitales at his place of work and started a conversation by complimenting his Protest The Hero t-shirt. The conversation quickly revealed that Vitales played the drums, which the band needed, and he was promptly introduced to Frerichs. Shortly after, Frerichs received a text from Fundy, who was asking if the band was still looking for another member. The rest is history, and after a quick rebrand, Spin Art was formed.

But beneath the playful branding, Spin Art takes their craft seriously. Each song is meticulously arranged, every lyric painted with intent. “I want people to understand the topics we talk about and have fun listening to groovy music,” Young says. As the band gears up for their upcoming releases, they’re promising fans a gallery’s worth of fresh tracks and unforgettable shows, you can keep up with the band by following their page @spinartband on Instagram.

Their latest sets have featured covers of Dance Gavin Dance, The Fall Of Troy, and Owl City to name a few, as well as a couple of their original songs, titled “Sting” and “Push Away.”

Spin Art has notably opened for Anchoress, a post-metalcore band from Ames, along with Kensett and Formerly Gifted at the Polycastle Venue in Des Moines, IA. Here, Spin Art was able to make some lasting connections for future projects. “Being able to share the stage with so many talents that night was amazing, and I was left star-struck at the end,” said Vitales. Young chimed in, “[we] met so many good people and made so many connections.”

Spin Art may be new to the scene, but they’ve already proven they’re not afraid to make a mess- and make it beautiful. If their trajectory continues, it won’t be long before they’ve spun themselves into the spotlight permanently. After all, in a world where everyone’s chasing the next big thing, Spin Art has found a way to stand still and stand out by moving in circles.

Spin Art’s will be at Lefty’s Live Music featured Fall Heavy Hitters show in Des Moines, IA on October 11, where they will be debuting their brand new song, “Pick Up The Fire.” Tickets on sale now for under $10, all ages are welcome for this show!

The post Concert Preview: Spin Art, painting the scene with sound appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Each place that I explore will be detailed based on their atmosphere, item quality, and service. Detailed is an apt word because my judgements can only offer a reflection of personal tastes. For instance, I may be inclined to love lobster bisque, and you might have a shellfish allergy. I might love sitting next to a pirate when I eat, while you might prefer to get your food to go in lieu of dining with marauders. This column doesn’t aim to be a collection of self-important food reviews; those services exist elsewhere. Instead, I hope to chronicle interesting places around the city and inspire you to visit them on your own if you haven’t  done so already. Nevertheless, I should still address the variables that I’ve listed above in regards to how they may shape the expectations I bring to each venue.

Atmosphere:

• What is my first impression of the place itself? What informs this impression?
• Is there music? If so, how does the music selection influence one’s experience?
• Does the space have a certain style? (e.g. Chipotle has a modern aesthetic based on its sleek metallic decorum)
• Is there a general crowd that seems to be attracted to this location?
• Does the crowd inform the style that the location attempts to convey or vice-versa (a preexisting style attracts the predominant customer-base)?
• What is my final impression? Has anything changed, and why?

Item Quality

• How satisfied am I by my purchase?
• Do I find the price of the item reasonable based on the satisfaction it gives me?
• Is the item presented in an interesting manner? (e.g. latte art or creative plating)
• How does their item compare to similar offerings at other locations?
• If this is a study space, is it conducive to doing work? Am I easily distracted?
• If this is liquor store or snack vendor, do they have a vast selection?

Service

• Is it a timely experience or should I expect to clear out space in my schedule prior to visiting this place?
• Are the servers and cashiers friendly?
• If it’s a liquor store, do the employees make helpful suggestions?
• How do those suggestions turn out?
• Do the workers add to the overall experience of this place or do they seem to just be floating around in the background?
• If this is a study space, are there restrooms near by? Somewhere to get a snack? Outlets to charge a phone?

This quest will formally begin next month with a profile of Cortado–the recently opened café on 26 S. Clinton Street. In March, I’ll be bringing my former interview podcast–“One Story”– to KRUI’s online content section and begin rotating between these two concepts bi-monthly.  Feel free to contact me with suggestions regarding places to visit or people to talk to around the Iowa City area.

I can be reached at 522xxtourguide@gmail.com.

The post 522XX Tour Guide: Introduction appeared first on KRUI Radio.

In the deep recesses of Public Space One, KRUI 89.7 FM and Little Village Live had the great honor of having Milk and Eggs (Jordan Sellergren) perform this week. With merch and son Woody in tow, Sellergren melted listener’s ears with her cool country-fused folk music and with upcoming tour dates.

September 25, 2012 with Match by Match at The Mill at 8PM

September 29, 2012 with The Iowa Opera House Project at CSPS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 7PM​

October 6, 2012 with  The Iowa Opera House Project at The Preucil School of Music  at 7PM

The post Little Village Live: Milk and Eggs, September 19, 2012 appeared first on KRUI Radio.