Last night, I witnessed Bay Ledges perform at SubmitHub's official SXSW showcase. Three acts preceded them, each illuminated uniquely by the stage lights. Here, I'll endeavor to share my perceptions.
'Experimentation': The first act embodied this spirit. It was a DJ set by Dylan, whose music taste spanned genres impeccably. I observed him experiment with transitions and tracks, curating them to the shifting audience.
'The Written Word': Beyond Cole Scheifele's splendid guitar work, his lyricism spun my mind excitedly. He spun tales around themes of departure and permanence, captivating the rapt audience's attention.
'Performance': Miranda Joan exemplified what it means to be a performer. I watched her command the room, engaging each individual and forging connections in subtle ways, fueled by their attention. It seemed inherent to her being.
And then, Bay Ledges...
'Seasoned Professionalism & Freedom': Watching this band take the stage with such ease and comfort felt like a slow exhale. Singer Zach Hurd moved with authenticity, harnessing the audience's energy to craft a secure and invigorating atmosphere.
Their song, covered here today, is a downtempo electronic ballad that both soothes and evokes. Regarding the track, Hurd explains:
"It speaks to the pain of losing someone; the spectrum of beauty and tragedy that accompanies various forms of loss."