Video Interview by Lily Wellen
Vinyl Theatre returned to The Rave Saturday for a co-headlining show with Finish Ticket. For the past two years the band has been hitting the road with acts like Twenty One Pilots and Smallpools.
After a great performance from Finish Ticket, who also toured with Twenty One Pilots last year, Vinyl Theatre, comprised of lead vocalist Keegan Calmes, keyboardist Nick Cesarz, and drummer Chris Senner, took the stage as the crowd started to grow uneasy with anticipation. The trio started off the night with the upbeat song “If You Say So,” and continued with the synth-infused electronic pop throughout the entire setlist, playing songs off their 2014 debut album “Electrogram” such as “Shine On” and “Shaking in the Dead of Night.” The band also played older material from their first EP “Gold,” including the songs “Tokyo” and “Pillow Talk.”
“Sing along to this one if you know the words,” Calmes said before starting their hit song “Breaking Up My Bones” which contributed to the band’s discovery by record label Fueled By Ramen. Flipping his teal hair, Calmes asked crowd members to get onto a friend’s shoulders, and with the first few beats of the song, half of the audience was lifted up.
Vinyl Theatre’s entire performance was filled with contagious energy, with Senner jumping to every beat and Calmes doing guitar tricks throughout the set. This “Ones to Watch” tour is their first without bassist Josh Pothier who recently parted with the band. Even under new circumstances, they managed to put on an unforgettable show with a strong stage presence.
This Milwaukee band is making itself known nationally and around the world, so don’t be surprised if you hear more about Vinyl Theatre in the near future.
