4 minute read
The Velvet Cab
GROOVE Like a Jam Band SHRED like a Rockstar
By Sarah Algoe
(photography by Savannah Brown)
If you don’t know local band Velvet Cab yet, you will soon. Their trajectory in the Columbus music scene is one to watch, as they ramp up for exciting new releases and live shows, including being on the star-studded lineup for RushSouth in October, alongside artists like Dawes, Maggie Rose, and Government Mule.
With almost 900,000 streams on their 2019 Spotify release, Sunshine, their sound has something for everyone. Original and intellectual, their chord progressions and melodic lines are chromatic and complex. The highs and lows are marked by rolling, offset beats, a powerful combination that holds the
line between laid back surf rock and the psychedelic musical innovations of Pink Floyd.
The band members’ musical chemistry can be attributed to their relationships, both as siblings and lifelong friends, and their impressive technical and artistic skills. Brothers Scottie and Jacob DeClue operate the upper octaves on vocals and guitar, while Luke Martz and Jeremy Cosper hold it down on vocals, bass and drums. Band practices are held in Martz’s family basement - every inch adorned with organs, amps, and premium vocal mics. It is this mutual support and friendship that provides the foundation for their tight-knit sound. Their ability to relax and just create together seems integral to their process. Watching them rehearse is like high school band practice in your best friend’s basement, “except we’re old enough to drink!” laughs Jacob, sipping on a Jai Alai. Their banter evolves into musical conversations, as though they’re constantly listening to some radio station the rest of us can’t hear.
“Sometimes I feel like musicians are on the same brain wavelength. I don’t know how to describe it,” Scottie says. “You can sense where your teammates are going with the ball. It’s a strong connection, and that connection grows stronger over time. We sound a lot tighter than we used to.”
Each track is very relaxed, in the pocket, but technically
combination of compatible talents, friendship, and creative chemistry that allows them to recreate that perfect musical moment over and over and over again.
When writing music, the band explores various themes, from relationships to feelings and perseverance. Their music serves as a medium for self-expression, allowing each member to convey their emotions and thoughts through lyrics and melodies.
The songwriting is a collaborative effort, with the vocal and guitar melodies initially written by Jacob, and the bass and musical lines by Luke. The former draws inspiration from greats like The Beatles and Pink Floyd and the latter from his mother’s love for Motown and experimental sounds of Radiohead.
As a self-reported man of few words, Jacob started writing as an outlet for self-expression. “Everyone contributes and adds in their own ways,” he explains. Luke continues, “I just like to come up with cool bass and guitar parts, and then the melody and lyrics kinda come second.” Scottie embellishes,
that can be found among the members of the community. “There’s no drama,” Scottie explains. “It’s been really easy and fun to work with other musicians because everybody is so willing to help. If you break a string or need someone to stand-in, someone will almost always volunteer.” With Luke stepping in as bass player for The Shelby Brothers for a few of their gigs after Evan Collins’ departure from Columbus, and Scottie joining the Uptown Sound Group, a collective of local musicians who are stewards of the The Loft recording studio. This reciprocal generosity is what our music scene is becoming known for.
The allure of Velvet Cab’s music lies not only in their technical prowess, but in the genuine joy and camaraderie they share on stage. They are not just musicians; they are storytellers, weaving tales through music that touch the soul, and leaving the audience with a lasting sense of wonder. As they look toward the future, Velvet Cab envisions creating more music,
deepening their connection with their fans, and sharing their passion for music with even larger audiences. Keep up with them on Facebook and Instagram (@thevelvetcab) and grab tickets to see them at RushSouth in October.
