15 minute read
Local Bank Ready to Rock
from Oxford Maazine
ARTS & CULTURE
LOCAL BAND READY TO ROCK
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Madrik will perform at Proud Larry’s Nov. 12
BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS BY MASON SHIVERS, TAKEN AT THE GREEN AT HARRISON’S
SSix-piece progressive rock and soulful funk band Madrik has been a breath of fresh air for Oxford live music fans since arriving on the scene in early-2019.
The local “supergroup” consists of mainly seasoned players who’ve indulged in varieties of musical ventures around town for well over a decade.
The group firmed up the designation of local music venue Proud Larry’s as their home base, with three successful live appearances there spanning from April 2019 to April 2020. Other appearances of note have included Batesville SpringFest, Wonderbird Distillery in Taylor, Mississippi, and most recently an October show at The Green at Harrison’s, a new outdoor venue on Harrison Avenue in Oxford. Along with most other things, Madrik got sidelined by COVID-19, and the band was left only to anticipate a fourth show at their home venue for well over a year. But on the evening of Friday, Nov. 12. The group returns, and a couple of the members recently provided insight into what the audience can expect. “We try to make every show new and unique,” said bassist Nathan Robbins. “We switch our setlist around a lot,” he said, adding that bandmates emphasize rehearsal time as a key element to the group’s growth. Robbins explained that with every rehearsal typically comes a new song – and sometimes multiple songs Or, a song the group had been working on, but was unable to yet perform live, Bassist Nathan Robbins
Johnny Lott (L), Eric Carlton (R)
may come to fruition just in time for an upcoming show. Robbins said that with more time between shows, there is “more likelihood of new material.”
With regards to what goes into preparation for a six-member music group, Robbins said, “we’re always trying to make it more efficient.” Robbins, who is also the IT Manager at North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, has a natural savvy for technology, which by default puts him in charge of much of the production aspect of the group.
“I’m always looking at it from a production standpoint in the interest of, ‘what can I do to make everybody able to concentrate on the music, but also use technology and the advanced things we have access to - to make the experience better?’”
Singer/guitarist Austin Smith also weighed in about the significant amount of preparation involved with Madrik. “The group is large and there is a lot to coordinate so we aren’t stepping on each other’s toes, in regard to sound dynamics,” he said. “Thankfully, Nate finds new, interesting ways to make everything a little bit easier for the next rehearsal or show.”
Smith said Robbins, along with drummer/percussionist and founding member Bradley Gordon, will prepare the practice space (typically at Gordon’s studio in Water Valley) so that other members can, for the most part, just arrive and start playing.
“We can set up quickly and run off of ‘inear’ monitors, so we don’t waste time checking levels, etcetera. Granted a lot of the technical aspects go over my head, but he (Robbins) certainly understands it.”
As far as the creative process of Madrik, Smith called it, “honestly, one of the more interesting processes of all the bands I’ve played in. No one comes in with a complete idea – just a cool beat, riff or progression, and we just play with it and keep the elements we like,” he said.
“We record our practices so that we can have some time to build off those ideas.” And correlating with Robbins’ own assessment of the process, he added; “we’ve got a new song by the next time we hit it.”
The band was originally the brainchild of Gordon, who had also performed for years under the name DJ Gordo, and pursued the idea of creating ‘house’-type music but with organic instrumentation. “Sort of electronic but with a live band,” said Robbins, to describe Gordon’s idea of building live music over a ‘four-on-the-floor’ beat, found most commonly in electronic music, or disco. But then it “evolved and morphed,” he said, of the band’s sound.
“If you listen to some of our earlier tracks you can hear the house beat as the driving component,” Smith added. “Our newer stuff has borrowed elements from other genres, like funk, blues, and soul. We definitely have molded many genres and
display different elements of them through different songs. We’ve got material that’s very light, ethereal and dance-y – on to harder rock. All of us have different musical backgrounds, and that helps us create a rather unique sound.”
The product of a musical family, and illustrious sideman for numerous regional musicians, Robbins distinguishes Madrik from other excursions by calling it a “collective creative experience.” He said, “no one person is building these tunes. They’re alive and flowing through the whole band. And everybody’s touch is on all of these songs. Not just from a performance perspective, but from their inception - which is a unique experience, especially with a band that size.”
The unusual-sounding band name came about when founder Gordon’s young daughter went through a phase of being excited by magic, and would repeatedly mispronounce the word as maaadrik.
“So, it’s kind of a take on magic, which it really is with all of us together,” said Robbins. “It’s sort of appropriate in that sense.”
Similarly, to Robbins, Smith maintains other endeavors with hopes of sustaining and bringing balance to his music. Aside from managing and bartending at Proud Larry’s, he’s currently doing an MBA program.
Following suit, keyboardist/synthesizer player Eric Carlton has earned the leisure of his musical venture by enduring grueling hours as an RN at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Lead guitarist Chris Steiner works as a manager at Regions Bank, while drummer Johnny Lott, much like Robbins, has indulged in a myriad of local music projects.
Looking beyond the Nov. 12 show at Proud Larry’s, Smith said, “I think just as our sound has changed since 2018 up until now, it will continue to change. Luckily, we all think this project is pretty special, so we focus on keeping the sound unique and interesting. We’re really just trying to create something different, especially for this region.”
Streaming music for Madrik is available at soundcloud.com/madrikmusic, and tickets for the Proud Larry’s show are at eventbrite.com.
Austin Smith (L), Chris Steiner (R)
BOOKS FOR Nov. Dec.
Perfect to Read and to Give
Recommendations from LYN ROBERTS
General Manager, Square Books This issue’s book picks were hand-selected by Lyn Roberts, General Manager at Square Books for more than 20 years. She can usually be found behind the counter at Off Square Books - along with many of the titles below.
Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander By Robert St. John & Anthony Thaxton
Lavishly illustrated, this comprehensive book presents the amazing world of Walter Inglis Anderson in a thoughtful progression of his art and through poignant stories and observations by his wife, Sissy, and their four children: Mary, Billy, Leif, and John (who also wrote the foreword). Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander contains numerous rare photographs, artwork never before seen, and paintings lost through Hurricane Katrina.
These Precious Days: Essays By Ann Patchett
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays. “Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart. Shoot the Moonlight Out By William Boyle
A haunting crime story about the broken characters inhabiting yesterday's Brooklyn, this is the new novel from modern master of neo-noir William Boyle. An explosive crime drama, Shoot the Moonlight Out evokes a mystical Brooklyn where the sidewalks are cracked, where Virgin Mary statues tilt in fenced front yards, and where smudges of moonlight reflect in puddles even on the blackest nights.
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story By Nikole Hannah-Jones & The New York Times Magazine
A dramatic expansion of a groundbreaking work of journalism, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story offers a profoundly revealing vision of the American past and present. The New York Times Magazine’s award-winning “1619 Project” issue reframed our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative. This new book substantially expands on that work, weaving together eighteen essays that explore the legacy of slavery in present-day America with thirty-six poems and works of fiction that illuminate key moments of oppression, struggle, and resistance. The essays show how the inheritance of 1619 reaches into every part of contemporary American society, from politics, music, diet, traffic, and citizenship to capitalism, religion, and our democracy itself.
Wild Spectacle: Seeking Wonders in a World Beyond Humans By Janisse Ray
Looking for adventure and continuing a process of self-discovery, Janisse Ray has repeatedly set out to immerse herself in wildness, to be wild, and to learn what wildness can teach us. From overwintering with monarch butterflies in Mexico to counting birds in Belize, the stories in Wild Spectacle capture her luckiest moments--ones of heart-pounding amazement, discovery of romance, and moving toward living more wisely. In Ray's worst moments she crosses boundaries to encounter danger and embrace sadness.
Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life By Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan
Travel back to the time of dinosaurs and marvel at the wonders of prehistoric life! From the Tyrannosaurus rex and sabertoothed cats, to woolly mammoths and ferns, this dinosaur book for kids is packed with a collection of amazing plants, dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Every page will captivate young readers who are interested in fossils and natural history!
The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present By Paul McCartney & edited by Paul Muldoon
A work of unparalleled candor and splendorous beauty, The Lyrics celebrates the creative life and the musical genius of Paul McCartney through 154 of his most meaningful songs. With images from McCartney’s personal archives—handwritten texts, paintings, and photographs, hundreds previously unseen—The Lyrics, spanning sixty-four years, becomes the definitive literary and visual record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper
Melody faces her fears to follow her passion in this stunning sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novel Out of My Mind. Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is a year older, and a year braver. And now with her Medi-talker, she feels nothing’s out of her reach, not even summer camp. There have to be camps for differentlyabled kids like her, and she’s going to sleuth one out. By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody’s about to discover how brave and strong she really is. Cat Kid Comic Club #02: Perspectives Written and illustrated By Dav Pilkey
Cat Kid Comic Club is back in session in this groundbreaking graphic novel narrative by Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator of Dog Man. Flippy, Molly, Li'l Petey, and twenty-one baby frogs each have something to say. Naomi and Melvin don't see eye to eye and Poppy perceives the world differently than her siblings. Will the baby frogs figure out how to work together and appreciate one another's point of view -- both inside and outside the classroom?
Aaron Slater, Illustrator By Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts
An uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you’re out of step with your peers from the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada Twist, Scientist! Printed with a dyslexia-friendly font, Aaron Slater, Illustrator tells the empowering story of a boy with dyslexia who discovers that his learning disability may inform who he is, but it does not define who he is, and that there are many ways to be a gifted communicator.
Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven. Brett makes this classic her own by setting it in snowy Russia and adding whimsical touches to the favorite elements of the traditional ballet. Enjoying this book will be an instant Christmas tradition for families who love the ballet and those new to the story. As perfect a gift as Jan Brett's classics The Mitten and The Night Before Christmas.
Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven. Brett makes this classic her own by setting it in snowy Russia and adding whimsical touches to the favorite elements of the traditional ballet. Enjoying this book will be an instant Christmas tradition for families who love the ballet and those new to the story. As perfect a gift as Jan Brett's classics The Mitten and The Night Before Christmas.
5FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Pam Swain
PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT
Q: What is the best part of your position as senior vice president of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce?
A: I am so blessed to get to do a job that I love! My favorite thing about my job is the people. I get the opportunity to work with the greatest volunteers that collaborate together because they truly love this community and want to see it succeed. I also love getting to work with the businesses and our members. Every day I get to work directly with business owners large and small, entrepreneurs with new ideas, nonprofits that are working for the better good, and even individuals who just want to become a member of the chamber to grow their personal network and get to know others in this community.
Q: What do you wish every person in Oxford knew about the Chamber?
A: I want people to understand the depth of the Chamber and the impact that it has on this community. Most people see the photos and the ribbon-cutting‘s and think that is the biggest part of what the Chamber does. However, the Chamber is about being the bridge between the people of the community and the businesses in the community—and working together to promote and support the success of business, and creating the best city possible to live in in this entire beautiful state of Mississippi. Oxford is one of a kind because of all the people and the work that is done together in this community.
Q: What is one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
A: I think one thing people would be surprised to learn about me is that my absolute favorite thing to do with my family is to go camping in our camper. Covid brought us all closer together and for my family that included lots of road trips it in our camper. We got to travel to places that we’ve always wanted to go but haven’t had as much time available to do so. We have taken our camper all the way from the Ozarks in Arkansas down to the beaches of Alabama and many places in between and we are only getting started. My new happy place is wherever we park it, because we are together! The gift of being able to travel more together as a family and truly unplug from electronics and all the other distractions in our daily lives is priceless.
Q: Looking into November December holiday season in Oxford, what are you most looking forward to and why?
A: November and December are two of my favorite months to be in Oxford and there are so many things that I’m looking forward to this season. I cannot wait to see the beautiful canopy of lights that covers our Oxford Square lit up for the holiday season. Sometimes I think we all have to pinch ourselves to believe this is our hometown! We get to live here! This year we’re going to have so many fun new elements during the holiday season to enjoy, with Visit Oxford’s new ice-skating at the old armory pavilion in early December, plus the Chamber’s Shop Oxford Holiday Open House that will kick off the holiday season on November 7. There will be so many glorious holiday events filling up the calendar in between it all, I just can’t wait for it to all kick off!
Q: If you planned the perfect day in Oxford, what would you do?
A: A perfect day in Oxford is no doubt spent with my family doing all the things that we love. With three boys, most of our days are pretty hectic- filled with work, practices, meetings, and ballgames. But even those days I would consider perfect days. A day that starts at one ball field watching one boy playing a sport he loves and ends at another ball field with another one playing another sport that he loveswell that sounds like a perfect day to me. In between sporting events we would hit up some of our favorite spots in Oxford for some of the south’s best food, grab a great cup of local coffee, probably grab some frozen yogurt, and maybe even squeeze in a little shopping. Sounds like a perfect day to me!
