Customizing shows for each audience creates a special experience, one that Current Swell is proud to accomplish, even in a new town.
Singer-guitarists Scott Stanton and David Lang, drummer Chris Petersen and bassist Ghosty Boy of this soulful rock band will be making their first trip to Milwaukee next week. They will also be perfecting their set list to accommodate the venue.
“We like to look at every room we’re playing because we play all over the world,” Lang said. “We look at the crowd to see if it’s quiet or not and decide on a set list that is fitting.”
With a personalized set list in hand, Current Swell will play at the Turner Hall Ballroom Monday Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. with guest band Twin Brother.
With excitement for many upcoming shows, the musicians describe the type of music they make, noting how the music has changed since the band’s beginning.
“We used to be very literal in the songs,” Lang said. “This is what we are doing: getting high, going surfing or getting in trouble with the police at 20 years old. Our progression over the years still touches on real experiences we go through but it’s changed as we have settled down a little bit.”
The band’s musical maturity also grew throughout the years they played together, even touching on personal and emotional topics. The group’s album, “Long Time Ago,” features a song titled “Brad’s Song” about one of Lang’s best friends who passed away.
“It was rewarding to the whole band to sing something like that,” Lang said. “We don’t need to sing stuff that is neat or has a catchy hook. We sing stuff that means something to us.”
After Current Swell’s song “Young and Able” caught the attention of Youtube users in 2010, the band released “Long Time Ago,” its first worldwide album, in 2012.
The band played shows in Europe, Australia, Canada and the U.S. They also played sold-out shows in Brazil. Playing around the world lets the band have experiences like no other.
“We had huge success in São Paulo, Brazil,” David Lang said. “We checked out the audience, only to find about 100 people in a venue that could fit 5,000, so we wrote a set list and took the stage. Within those 20 minutes, the venue had completely filled. We said, ‘Forget the set list. Let’s just rock this!’ People were crying and were so passionate, singing every word.”
For the show this Monday, audience members can expect a few certain favorites of the band to be performed. Some of their favorites are “Bad News” and “Who’s With Us?” from its newest album, “Ulysses.”
“They have a bit of the soul for what we have been doing as a band,” Lang said. “They’re dynamic and have a lot of heart and soul within them.”
With several different albums to play from and a customized set list, Current Swell’s first trip to Milwaukee will be one music lovers won’t want to miss.
“When you get into some of these cities, there are a lot of cool people that you didn’t imagine you’d ever meet,” Lang said. “I’m hoping that folks come and check out the band because it’s so exciting to play in a new place.”