AMBER MATTICE
Reverb Editor
When the patrons of a bar are singing louder than the musician, you know it’s going to be a good night.
EBC West was alive with the laughter and conversations of everyone there on Oct. 1. But once 10:30 p.m. rolled around and The Otherme, also known as junior music industry and audio/radio production major Aidan Licker, started his set the conversation was replaced with loud singing, as almost everyone on the second floor jammed right along with him.
Before the music started, the bar had quite a few people in it, but as the time for music got closer, the entire upper level became packed with people. Much of his set was composed of covers so everyone could sing along and dance to the familiar tunes flooding EBC West. When he did play an original song, the hype was evident. People were cheering him on and singing as he sang, played guitar and his electronic drums.
In between songs, Licker paused briefly and simply said, “I have the best group of friends in the world.”
One of the last songs that The Otherme played was “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran. It was during this song that the sound of the crowd was louder than the actual music.
It was The Otherme’s first time playing at EBC West, though he has played at BJ’s twice before and several times on campus.
It was a great way to start the night off as it created a high energy and close-knit environment.
“Music has always been something that brings people together, especially at our school, where we have a lot of musicians and musically inclined people,” said Licker. “So for there to be live music just a few minutes down the road, it gives people a good way to connect and meet and become friends.”
Next on the setlist was Stress Dolls, a Buffalo-based group formerly known as Wolf.
They played in Fredonia three times under that name and were excited to be playing in EBC West for the first time as the Stress Dolls.
“I think I’m a little biased because I went to school here, but I love the crowd’s energy every time we play in Fredonia,” said lead singer and guitarist Chelsea O’Donnell. “It brings me back to playing and attending shows when I was a student — it’s nice that that hasn’t changed.”
Patrons came and went in between the two sets, but as soon as the music started up again, the upper and lower levels were full of people excited to listen to good music in a chill and simultaneously energetic environment.
The bassist of Stress Dolls, TJ Luckman, accurately described the mindset of many artists who perform in Fredonia when he stated,
“Everyone is there to have a good time, and as a performer, you want to give people a good time.”
The Stress Dolls had a very different sound in comparison to The Otherme. Many of their songs would start of relatively soft and then move abruptly into a harder sound with lots of loud instrumentals and intense drumming.
The quick transitions made for a great juxtaposition to The Otherme’s smoother songs.
There is no doubt that music plays a huge role in the Fredonia community, and in-town shows, like those at EBC West, are a great representation of that.
“Fredonia just, literally, is local music. It supports local music, like, this is where people thrive. This is one of the events that showcases that talent,” said senior public relations major Rebecca D’Hilly. “I think it really emphasizes the fact that Fredonia cares about the talents we have [and] the things that we want to pursue in our lives.”
There are constantly events happening in town and on campus which not only increases the campus’ connection to the community but gives students an opportunity to play in a different environment.
Everyone who attended the show was bound to have a good time, as the bands and other patrons ensured that everyone felt the impact that music has in Fredonia’s community.