The awesome thing about technology is that one guy can start a dance party at a club with just his laptop. The downside is—it’s just one guy and his laptop! That’s not much of a party, is it?
That’s the position of locals Stereo Stereo, who want to shake up people’s notion of what it means to go to a club and dance to music. The five-piece band plays infectious electro-indie dance music, but with actual instruments (guitars, drums, keys). Most importantly, they bring their own energy to the stage while they’re creating it for everyone else.
“We wanted to make dance music that actually had a human influence to it. There’s only so much energy a dude behind a computer can put out there. A full band with lots of people jumping around with actual instruments and amps cranked up, it’s hard to beat that,” singer Riley McShane says.
The band members all have a lot of history with various kinds of live music, particularly punk and metal. Growing up, they were fans of the unhinged energy of those shows, but when they started Stereo Stereo, they wanted to create a more positive vibe.
“Those shows were super fun, but I’d find my buddies afterward and they’d have chipped teeth, they’d be super beat up,” guitarist Brett Wiltshire says. “The idea with this band was something where people could let out all that exciting energy in a little less of an aggressive way.”
Musically, the group is influenced by a lot of ’80s synth-pop and dance music, but also modern indie-dance groups. They even bring lighting gear like new DJs do.
“Having it feel like a rave is a good thing. Having people sweat and dance around is a good thing. Losing yourself in the music and lights is a good thing,” Wiltshire says. “You can take the best of the rock ’n’ roll show and give it that rave atmosphere. It’s what we’re going for.”
INFO: 9 p.m. Friday, April 17. Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 423-7117.
