3.06.2010 - Andrew Ripp with Steve Moakler and Ben Rector
March 19, 2010
Radio Radio
Indianapolis, IN
Honestly, we hadn't really heard much about Steve Moakler, Ben Rector and Andrew Ripp before we decided to go check them out at Radio Radio on Saturday night. In reading the short blurb about Andrew on Radio Radio's website (www.futureshock.net), we learned that he is a singer-songwriter from the Chicago area. Figured we'd make a night of it, and for $6, how could you pass up a night of live music at a fantastic venue?
Andrew was kind enough to provide a bit more info on the three of them as they took the stage (the band also consisted of a bass player and drummer). This trio of friends currently live in Nashville, and are out on tour lending their vocal and instrumental styling to each others songs. Ben Rector's new album hit the top 10 on iTunes a couple of weeks ago. Andrew is working on his second full-legnth album. Steve's music has recently been heard on television shows such as The Real World. Long story short - things seem to be happening for these guys.
If you've ever attended a show at Radio Radio, you know that it's virtually impossible for an artist NOT to engage well with the audience. It is a smaller venue with no backstage - artists have to literally walk through the crowd and enter the stage from the front. These three did a fantastic job of getting the audience involved in and excited about their music, though at one point, I realized that out of the first 5 songs, the audience was asked to participate in 3 of them. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but it did remind me of being a part of a church youth group. I was relieved when they stopped asking and I could just sit back and enjoy the music. On the other hand, as newer artists, I know this is an important way of getting their audience interested in their material.
One of the first songs performed was Ben Rector's "The Feeling", and the audience was asked to help sing the chorus (which consists of, ironically, two words - "The" and "Feeling"). Andrew and Steve also did a great job of engaging with us music lovers throughout their songs. All of the guys were high energy and kept the crowd engaged throughout the 1 1/2 hour show. At one point, Andrew even offered up the empty space between the stage and tables as a dance floor, which more than a few people took him up on. I think Andrew Ripp could have closed the show with a different song, however. The one he closed with was a bit melancholy and just wasn't the best way to cap off a high energy show.
As far as genre goes, beyond their singer-songwriter status, we would have to say that Ben and Steve have more of a Pop sound, while Andrew Ripp's music has more of a Rock n'Roll feel to it. Steve and Ben's respective music translates just as well stripped-down as it does with the backing of the full band. Andrew's music - aside from a few ballad-esque songs - would be lacking something without the booming of the bass and drum kit.
While Radio Radio was far from packed for this show, the crowd certainly did not lack the energy and enthusiasm of a full-house. The younger 20's - 30's crowd was well represented, but we did notice a few fans outside of this demographic (Note: this show was 21+). Some people drove from as far away as Kentucky and St. Louis! I know this is a pretty common phenomenon for shows at larger venues, but this indicates just how devoted some fans are to these three. There was also no shortage of audience members belting out the words to quite a few songs that the trio performed - again, great to hear at a small-ish show.
Here's a quick run-down of our overall likes/dislikes:
Likes:
- Intimate feeling to show overall
- Respectful, engaged audience
- Collaboration between Ben, Steve, and Andrew
Dislikes:
- The initial requests for audience participation for a large percentage of the first five songs kind of annoyed me (Mel), however Erica honestly had nothing she disliked. Overall...One of the best live shows we've been to!
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