After two hours, and some of the worst Sunday drivers south of Boston, I arrived at my destination. The Black Repertory Theater in Providence, RI in the middle of Westminster Street art district. The backdrop was that of a very well sought after up-and-coming band. A crisp mist of autumn rain kept the line outside the theater in a heavier stance of anticipation than the original reason for waiting there. The line kept building and my patience with the rain grew thin. So I snuck up to the entrance with an ease that most young, courageous music journalist do and made my way into the venue.
Passion Pit was wrapping up the last portion of their sound check as I stood on the empty floor, that was soon to be destroyed with an unbelievable audience of enthused fans.
Somewhere in the midst of email confirmations and management confusions, I lost the time that was supposed to be my interview with the band. This misunderstanding did not deter me much. No matter what stood in my way, I was going to get my interview — as you’ll see.
The local alternative radio station WBRU was celebrating their 40th Birthday. With what better way than a guest list only Birthday Bash! Consisting of a handful of private shows for the winning listeners — kicking off the celebration with a very exciting, heavily anticipated Passion Pit show. Every fan crowding the floor was delighted to have a chance to be there and I must admit, given it was a private show, so did I.
After a slightly longer than expected wait, Passion Pit finally came out to the stage. They started the set off with “I’ve Got Your Number”. The crowd eagerly accepted the high pitch falsetto of Michael Angelakos supported by the twisting synths and foot heavy kick drum roll outs. The personalization of this show couldn’t have had a much better effect for a band like this. The venue is small and the stage is almost level with the floor; which makes for passionate intimacy on every level. Some technical difficulties throughout the show didn’t sway the guys much, as they kept things moving right along.
Article comments
1 - Chris Hicks
Fantastic interview! I am by no means an avid PP fan, as much I am a fan of your last few posts, but you may have converted me! The accute sense of control you wield in your writing shouldn't come from some one your age, and yet it does.
2 - nia
Thanks for a great article/interview, there are only few like that one of yours. I'm really liking the "behing the scene" feel of it and that it didn't just feel like some Q&A but like an earnest interview ;)