UrbanClimber Magazine

THE AMITY FRONT

Intro and interview by Andrew Tower

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When I first heard The Amity Front, a Massachusetts- based roots/rock band, I immediately began tapping my foot under my desk. I couldn’t help it. It was as if the guitar and bass riffs were flowing straight through my ears and into my legs. No doubt you’ll share a similar experience if you make it to the New River Rendezvous this year where AF is headlining the festival’s concert. Through the blending of folky and bluesy sounds to a foundation of Americana and rock, AF will bring your legs to the dance floor, and, most likely, keep them moving. The five-member band, formed half within the realm of happenstance, is planning a soft release in March for their new album and backing it with a tour. AF plays at the New River Rendezvous Saturday, May 17.

How did you guys get involved with New River Rendezvous?
Erik Alan: A friend of ours from Northampton, MA introduced us to the powers that be, and they liked the sound. We’re good for a party, so I think everyone will be happy.

What’s the typical song-writing process for you guys?
Levin Schwartz:
It is forever changing, but it’s becoming a very creative and collaborative process. I think it helps that everyone in the band respects and trusts each other’s musical perspective and individual contributions to the group. Our album is a representation and collective interpretation of a single band member’s song. We have four songwriters on this album. Usually one person introduces a song they have written and the group works on it as whole.

Who are some of your inspirations and influences?
MA:
Our friends, families, and the local scene, which is very cool in our area. A lot of good music is happening and worth checking out. People know each other and listen to what is going on around us. LS: John Lennon, Jim Hall, Jerry Garcia, Little Feet, Los Lobos, Radiohead, Wilco, Carlos Jobim, Bill Frisell, Cris Jacobs. Traditional/folk music of all types.

 

What can we expect from the new album?
And how does it compare to your first album Highway Bound?
MA: Our new record is a much more deliberate album. We tracked it in a similar way, but our overall sound and playing has evolved from the original sound. We definitely got more ambitious with our choices. We have a much more electric, live sound now. We turned up a lot of machines to make these sounds. Each song is an event. We really pick up from where the last record left off and run with it. We take it pretty far out at times, but we always find our way back in a tasteful, intelligent and exciting way.

Photo by Kevin Riley

LS: Twelve to fourteen completely fresh new songs played by a band that has a new take on song writing.

In five words, describe your music.
LS:
Rock with a traditional seasoning

What’s your most memorable tour experience?
LS:
Touring with Steppin’ In. It was pretty fun and opening for Los Lobos was a dream. Grace Potter and Nocturnals were rather enjoyable as well.

Where should we look you up?
www.theamityfront.com; www.myspace.com/theamityfront

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