“House” Music

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending a party with a live band, a Michigan tradition that despite occurring frequently remains a lovely surprise each time it happens. The differences between a DJ and live band are numerous, but they also share a surprising amount of similarities. Both of them can serve as great dance music, despite the obvious assumption that a DJ would be the best option. A live band, when done well, can get the crowd grooving just as much as a great playlist, possibly even more so. Pre-recorded music lacks the intimacy and the personality of a band, and offers little to no opportunity to interact with the artist. However, in order for a band to reach the same level of entertainment, it has to perform the right way. It can be so easy for a band to sound frankly, terrible, if the mics are not operating and the singing sounds more like screaming, not to mention if the music lacks any discernable melody. When done right though, a band can instill a part spirit unlike any DJ. Last night, the local band “Popliteal Fossa” (shown below) did just that.

Comprised of just three musicians, Popliteal Fossa is a rock/folk band that embodies what a good house party band should: they are fun to watch, easy to listen to and most importantly, incorporate an extremely danceable rhythm in each of their songs. This atmosphere is optimal for old-school, non-invasive dancing that, when performed by the right crowd, will make any 2013 house party feel like a 1965 celebration. Having a band is also just a wonderful testament to student talent, and a great opportunity for peers to showcase their passions and work. The same could be said about DJs, however there is much less variation in this area of music. Nowadays, anyone with a laptop can be a DJ, and even pass for someone who is actually spinning two records on a turntable, which makes the degree of skill harder to identify. It is easy to immediately tell if the band has any skill. The question remains, then, if a live band at its best is more fun than a DJ at its best. It’s a tough call to make, because in all honesty there is not a right answer. Each offers a different type of environment; live bands require independent, somewhat more embarrassing dancing, and few opportunities to sing along with the music, while DJs allow the dancing to resemble high school homecomings, but run the risk of having soundtracks similar to high school homecomings. As DJs are far more prevalent, however, this is not really a choice we have to make often. Live bands continue to impress because they come at such rare times, and always offer a refreshing taste to the House Music scene.