Hello Rockstars! Today’s Artist of the Week is Indie Pop / Rock Duo LOWERCASE Committee!
Here’s their story in their own words, enjoy!
They also have a new song called “Paper Sunlight” check it out on Spotify! 🙂
VMS:
“When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“We all started learning instruments around the same time, between the ages of 10 and 12, and from the moment I could play a chord, I was focused on writing my own music.The idea of creating something from scratch, something that evokes real emotions, captivated me.
About ten years ago, my older brother, younger brother, and I decided to pool our talents and form a band. Four years ago, our older brother who had been our lead guitarist, and our friend who was the drummer, stepped away to pursue other passions. Since then, my younger brother and I have continued as a duo, writing some of our best music to date.”
VMS:
“What artists or bands inspire you and your sound.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“It changes and evolves with every season. Our inspirations have been The Killers, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, RadioHead, Coldplay, The Cure, Dayglow, Parcels, COIN, Vacation Manor, and many more.”
VMS:
“What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“I heard John Mayer say something like “You feel like a pro when you finish a song, and an infant when you start one”. I bring that up because I have no process, no recipe for a good song. Generally I jam a chord progression and mumble nonsense until I feel something worth sharing. I also always leave space to be inspired, listen to songs I love, and search for new ones to obsess over.
My lyrics often draw from my personal life, faith, and relationships. A song is rarely about just one thing; while it may seem focused on a particular theme, the emotions behind it often stem from multiple sources of inspiration as I write.”
VMS:
“I love your songs “I’ve Missed You Lately”, “Off Your Shoulder” and “All I Need”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“I’ve Missed You Lately” was written right when I discovered “End of The Beginning” by Djo. I loved the simplicity of the driving rhythm guitar and that basic drum beat and wanted to create a melancholic, nostalgic picture with the same vibe. The lyrics explore the difficulty of being so close to someone that you take their presence for granted and the resolve to rebuild that connection.
Listen to “I’ve Missed You Lately”on Spotify:
“All I Need” was a true collaboration between Brady and me. More than not, my head feels like it’s overflowing with melodies and rhythm, but my lyric writing capabilities can’t quite keep up so Brady wrote the vocal melody and lyrics. I was inspired by “Looking Out For You” by Joy Again and “Notion” by The Rare Occasions when I wrote the music for this track. I love the gritty energy of those songs and wanted to capture that same 2010’s indie rock excitement.
Listen to “All I Need” on Spotify:
“Off Your Shoulder” was a fun experiment for me. I had been listening to a lot of COIN and Vacation Manor at the time, and loved the calming vibes. I ventured to write something more simple and stripped back, where the draw was more about feeling than anything else. My favorite part is the dance between the vocals and lead guitar, which was written to sound almost conversational. The lyrics are about being in a position of caring for someone and wanting to share in their burdens, even if they’re too selfless or frightened to express that they’re struggling. – Brady
Listen to “Off Your Shoulder” on Spotify:
VMS:
“Tell me about your 2017 EP: “I Don’t Know, I Know”. What was the inspiration and process of writing it.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“The EP was our attempt to open up our sound after spending a long time trying to get people to listen to us under a different band name. We wanted to showcase both our gritty, indie rock side and our more synth-driven, indie pop influences. Interestingly, the lyrics Brady and I wrote independently, came together in a way that led us to the EP’s title.”
Listen to “I Don’t Know, I Know” on Spotify:
VMS:
“Which local artist would you like to work with and why.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“I feel guilty answering this question because we’ve neglected playing live for nearly four years. After COVID demolished the live scene, our band was reduced to a duo. We thought we might never play a stage again, BUT we’re excited to have a show on October 12th with our good friends in Paper Dad!*
I recently found SECOS on Instagram; they’re a local band with solid melodies and a comfortable surf-rock vibe. I’d enjoy playing a show with those guys!”
( *Interview Questions were asked before the Paper Dad Show. )
VMS:
“What’s your overall theme or message of your music.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“I’d be lying if I said we approach every release and solitary decision with a specific theme or goal. But I think I can say we want to reach people with something hopeful, a perspective that leads to joy in life even when circumstances are dark. Brady and I are the opposite of nihilists; we want people to feel that in our songs. That being said, if you happen to be a nihilist, you’re still welcome to join us.”
VMS:
“Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“Our followers have always responded well to our song “You’re Gonna Be Okay.” It’s upbeat with a pretty easy chorus to sing along with. That’s one of my favorites to play.
I love playing “Halfway Holding” live. It’s high energy, and the reggae inspired guitar rhythm coupled with indie-rock vibes is a lot of fun and listeners seem to get into it.” -Brady
VMS:
“Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“A couple of years after we started, we had a fan who would drive out from California just to see us play and another who drove out from Pahrump. That may not seem crazy to some, but it still blows my mind that people held our music in such high regard. I don’t feel worthy of that kind of investment, and I pray our music continues to do right by those people.”
VMS:
“What does the future hold for Lowercase Committee.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“Songs, and hopefully the best songs we’ve ever written, and a community to enjoy those songs with.”
VMS:
“What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
LOWERCASE Committee:
“I want them to experience rhythm, real joy, and an unexplainable synergy that wells up in their chest and behind their eyes as they sing together. I want them to get goosebumps when they recognize that we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves.That sounds much too dramatic for a band our size, but that’s how I’ve felt when I see my favorite bands perform live.”
VMS Thoughts:
What I love about LOWERCASE Committee is they are not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeve, unapologetic and true to who they are, which to me, that vulnerability is a refreshing breath of fresh air, especially in a society that sometimes feels just a tad jaded for its own good. With lyrics about love, loss, hope, and also just having fun and living in the moment, their music feels like a cool breeze on a hot summer day; fun, so much pure joy and energy, it is truly infectious. There is a hopefulness to what they sing about and it’s so endearing, I truly hope they never change.
It was honestly hard to pick what songs to ask them about cause I liked pretty much all of their songs, and they wrote some catchy shit ( lmao), I can seriously see any of their songs on the radio right now. Besides having a knack for catchy hooks though, Musically they are wise beyond their years, and I greatly encourage you to see them live!
I got to see what amazing musicians they are first hand when I saw them at the Paper Dad Show and I was thoroughly impressed by what incredibly solid musicians they are, they had the audience singing along to I think almost every song, it was so cool to see that fierce passion live and in person. With incredibly fun songs and wonderful live performances, I think the future is definitely a bright one for LOWERCASE Committee. I’m excited to see where they take the evolution of their sound, I know no matter where they choose to go, it’s gonna be a fun ride. That’s why I am proud to call them my Artist of the Week.
—VMS 🙂