Album Review: Santah ‘White Noise Bed’
I came across Santah at the recommendation of a friend. After repeated listens, I remain without a tidy, perfectly-sized box to place their LP White Noise Bed. The songs feel familiar, and some comparisons can certainly be made.
Lead singer, Stanton McConnell’s vocals are similar to Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, but any similarities with VW end there. Watching the Big Ugly Yellow Couch vids, I couldn’t help being reminded of Givers Tiny Desk performance which was previously featured, HERE. But White Noise Bed is devoid of the addictive hooks and heavy percussion that dominate Givers’ self-titled debut.
The quintet met while attending the University of Illinois. I will try not to hold that against them, despite my disdain for Illini basketball coach Bruce Weber. Their album proves relatable and radio friendly. Perhaps that’s why they have not received any hometown love from Pitchfork. Santah pulls off its accessibility without compromising. The tracks don’t feel trite or over-produced. It’s just good, clean music. Well-crafted songwriting need not be a sin.
McConnell’s sister Vivian has joined the band since the recording of the album, and is featured in these videos. The Big Ugly Yellow Couch sessions do not do justice to depth of the music on White Noise Bed, but they were too much fun to pass up. Santah will be playing at White Rabbit Cabaret alongside Dan Snodgrass of Muncie’s The Bonesetters—another band we at Thought on Tracks are major fans of. The show starts at 8 and promises to be a worthwhile release from the work week. I will be there. You should too.
Written by Rob Peoni
Oranje: Naptown’s Craziest Ten-Year-Old
The first few weeks in September tend to be the busiest of Indianapolis’ arts and social calendar. Penrod. French Market. Greek Fest. Irish Fest. Jazz Fest. Art vs. Art. The list goes on. September is possibly the only month that Hoosiers can rely upon consistent, pleasant weather. The humidity of Indiana’s swampy summer is usually behind us. But enough warmth remains for scantily clad nights on the town.
The unfortunate part about jamming some of the city’s most well attended artistic events together is that sacrifices must be made. This year, as I have for the last several, my Saturday night was spent at Oranje. The evening marked the tenth anniversary for the event that bills itself as “Indiana’s Premier Arts & Music Explosion.” Explosion proves an adequate description.
Oranje can be overwhelming. More than 30 musicians and 40 artists fill and surround a warehouse at 23rd and Illinois for a veritable feast of the senses. A whirlwind of sights, sounds and tastes combine for one of Indianapolis’ can’t miss parties. At its best, my memories of the evening wind up a blur of experiences that I rarely separate into individual performances. They all merge together into a single, enjoyable mind fuck.
From an outsider’s perspective, Oranje seems like our city’s ill-fated attempt at trendy, artistic expression. And to some extent all the necessary clichés are in place—half-naked hipsters, experimental music, interactive exhibits. Non-natives may wonder what original thought Hoosiers could offer such a scene. Those who have attended know better.
I always leave Oranje motivated and inspired. This city is home to so many talented, interesting minds. In a state that prides itself on our small government, public funding of the arts is scarce. But the relative low cost of living allows artists to thrive for a fraction of the cost that larger cities, like New York and Los Angeles, demand. What Indianapolis needs to improve upon is providing these artists with a voice. Oranje accomplishes this in spades, but it’s not enough.
Indy’s residents should not wait until the second weekend in September to take in the arts. Terrific, worthwhile events take place all over this city every week of the year. Indianapolis’ greatest strength is arguably its accessibility. We can get almost anywhere in twenty minutes. We can park. With such opportunities all within arm’s reach, there is no excuse for failing to take advantage of all that Indy has to offer.
I thank the Oranje crew for the massive amount of planning and hard work that goes into this annual bash. Their contribution to the Indianapolis art scene over the last decade has opened a lot of local eyes. Now we’ve got to keep those eyes open and get them out of the house before next September. Let’s face it, folks. The Colts are not getting any better. Luckily for us, there’s more than football in Indiana.
Written by Rob Peoni
Photos by Katie Kirkhoff
28-Year-Old Takes over as Musical Director of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
“Life – It’s Better with Music” reads the new tagline endorsed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. I hold this statement near and dear to my heart. While music is the perfect supplement to the day-to-day, it is the ability to embrace new ideas that truly makes music bloom. While the experience that comes with age should not be dismissed, the opportunity to support innovation, regardless of maturity helps build the foundation for my belief system. Placing an age requirement in front of a job involving the arts is careless. I take my backwards cap off to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) for hiring the best fit while understanding youth CAN be prudent.
The creative juices are flowing as I begin to see a progressive movement to the arts and entertainment scene in Indianapolis. It would be a disservice to detain my thoughts on the changing of the guard this year at the ISO, the largest performing arts organization in Indiana. On October 19, 2010 the symphony announced the hiring of their seventh musical director and youngest musician to lead the series to date. Enter the Krzysztof Urbanski era and the official youth movement to the enriched arts scene in Indianapolis. I congratulate the ISO on thinking outside of the box with their selection and embracing the chance to be bold. It is my hope that this acquisition can be the first of many audacious decisions made by the leaders of arts and entertainment in Indianapolis. While experience is valuable, capitalizing on a new energy can help transform a good arts scene into a brilliant arts scene.
Urbankski, a 28-year-old musical wizard born in Pabianice, Poland, graduated from Fryderky Chopin University of Music in Warsaw in 2007. That same year he won First Prize of the Prague Spring International Conducting Competition. Exceeding and thriving in a highly competitive learning venue, Urbanski was able to establish an identity and project his masterpieces throughout Europe. The accomplishments of such a young man attracted attention throughout Europe and the states, before Urbanski landed the gig in Indianapolis.
Like many game changing decisions, the Urbanski selection came with scrutiny from many supporters embedded and forever indebted to the scene. Mature minds tend to side with what is established, comfortable, and proven. Although this sense of security is essential in any walk of life, an opportunity needs to exist for new thought. Urbanski has the chance to breed excitement while toying with experimentation. The opportunity exists for Urbanski to lead a charge and drive a movement while building a new following. While, Urbanski will not be “kissing the bricks” after his performances, he does of have the opportunity to reestablish the identity of a scene, much like A.J. Foyt did for Indianapolis between 1960-1980. A baton will serve as Urbanski’s checkered flag as he attempts to direct his new team across the finish line.
Indie rock songstress, Lykke Li offers a perfect welcoming message to Urbanski in her song ‘Youth Knows No Pain’
Youth knows no pain
Youth knows no pain
Come together and join the parade
And get back what got lost in the trade
With our crowns and our shimmering beads
With the wind in my hair, we are free
I am optimistic that Urbanski will quickly win the doubters over. With hard work, continued support, and innovation Urbanski has the opportunity to ease the pain of inexperience. Youth should always be embraced because of the new ideas that accompany it. Let’s hope we can all join the parade and get excited about Urbanski’s contribution to the ISO. If not, I happen to know about another parade in May that we can all enjoy.
Written by Brett McGrath