WhoIAre

As the title reads, with The Adventures of Mukus Mahoney, WhoIAre has encapsulated the feeling of a hazy summer day full of fantastically funky adventures. Beginning with a rousing sunrise (title track “The Adventures of Mukus Mahoney”) wandering all the way to a beautifully, raucous sunset (“Now I’m Gone”).

The songs are big, but the sound the band has created together is bigger. With seeming ease and audible fun, WhoIAre has created something meant to be played in large, open spaces with room to dance and sway. The raging melody of Aaron Riley’s guitar serves as a road map for this adventure, while Creej DeGualla’s bass acts as the heartbeat, one on the verge of crawling out of your chest (see “Hard to Get”). Add the beautiful harmonies by Katie Elise (“The Way It’s Going to Be”), the rolling thunder of Doug Fisherman’s drums (“Zeus’ Latin Wife”), and all the wonderful sounds and instrumentation brings this album to life.
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The ‘skits’ also add lighthearted breathers to this wild adventure—a unique dynamic.

If you’re looking to drive with your windows down and volume turned up, or dance around your living room, I would highly recommend The Adventures of Mukus Mahoney. How nice of WhoIAre to give us an adventure when we’re all stuck inside? - Triangle Music Collective

About 100 bands and solo artists from a variety of genres and backgrounds came together virtually for the annual Carrboro Music Festival to keep musical spirit alive during the pandemic.

Though the audience couldn't watch the acts perform in person, they actively watched and commented about performances to show their appreciation online. The festival adapted to the pandemic by hosting both live and prerecorded shows last weekend.

The festival gave viewers nonstop entertainment from some of their local favorites. The organizers ensured that there were limited technical difficulties and that the performers could have an experience that was as close to normal as possible.


The Daily Tar Heel talked to four artists, ranging from hip-hip to folk to rock genres, about their experiences at the festival and music during the pandemic.

I Star,

I,Star," a folk hop band that is brand new to the festival, was especially appreciative of its virtual performing experience.

“The Cat's Cradle staff were such kind and patient folks, being willing to be out there doing it, knowing how much it means to all the musicians, as well as for people in the Triangle and beyond to get a chance to hear actual live music,” said Truth-I Manifest, the lyricist and MC for "I,Star."

WhoIAre

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Aaron Riley, lead guitarist for "WhoIAre," was pleased with the Carrboro Music Festival’s setup, as he found he could fully immerse himself in his performance rather than focusing on technical logistics.

“We just walked in and they were extremely professional,” Riley said. “They had everything ready and how they approached it was great. We have no complaints.”

Fellow band member of "WhoIAre," Remedy Kincaid, said there was a difference in the atmosphere and energy of performing without an audience. Usually his role lies exclusively in being the keyboard and trumpet player. But he said there is now an even bigger job for each of the members: to bring the energy to the show.

“When we do a live performance with people you have the advantage of having the energy from the crowd,” Kincaid said. “Now, you’re having to bring the energy. You bring the party to the party. You are the party.”


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Several of the artists had similar feelings surrounding the vitality of audience energy as an element of musical experiences. Even when at a concert, they said there is an aspect of life that comes from the atmosphere, and without that touch the music feels less alive.

Liion Gamble

Liion Gamble, a singer-songwriter based in Raleigh, was introduced to the Carrboro Music Festival by fellow artist SkyBlew. The festival was Gamble’s first live gig since March due to COVID-19.

Even though Gamble said he misses the connections between him and his fan base before the pandemic, he hopes some good will come from the adapting music world. After the festival, he noted there may be a positive twist of performing virtually.

“Even when I’m practicing, I get pretty emotional,” Gamble said. “I feel like (my imagery) can be seen much more clearly (virtually) compared to someone in the back of the crowd. So, it might have a better representation of the kind of imagery I’m bringing.”

Across the board, the artists had positive outlooks on the circumstances the pandemic has left them with, despite the inherent challenges.

Sydney Rose Wray

Sydney Rose Wray, a 16-year-old local singer-songwriter who performed Sunday, felt optimistic about the way that everything will look in the future following this obstacle. She has worked hard to continue spreading her message of encouragement.

Instead of seeing the pandemic as a setback, she used it as an opportunity to grow.

“There’s so much you can do,” Wray said. “Now, being home doesn’t stop you from creating and getting your music out there, it just changes it.”

SkyBlew

Mario Farrow, better known as SkyBlew in the music world, is a local hip-hop artist who has been performing at the Carrboro Music Festival for three years now. Farrow said he misses making connections and touring around the world, but even during quarantine, he has seen more appreciation from his supporters through his rising stream counts.

“Since quarantine started I feel like they’ve gotten more appreciation of my music,” Farrow said. “They already did, but a lot of times you don’t know you need the medicine until you’re sick.”

Farrow said he encourages other artists to continue to pursue their own musical careers, even through these times of uncertainty.

“I didn't work this hard just to have my career be on the line,” Farrow said. “My heart goes out to all of the artists that were trying to start up when this pandemic hit, but just keep that dream. 'Don’t lose sight, it’s not over.'” - The Daily TarHeel

Lando Grays podcast - The First Gray Music Pod

Published 2 years ago on January 8, 2019 By Brian Cetina
We are a three piece “rock” band. Aaron (guitar) and Doug (drums) both studied classical guitar back in school. Ironically, at the same school in Syracuse NY but at separate times. Bernard (bass) studied a handful of instruments in a music program at his school as well. His primary instrument was upright bass.
What got you all started in music? And how did you come together as a band?
The three of us have very different influences – Aaron (Pink Floyd, Phish, Dead, Ryan Adams,Beck) Bernard (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Band of Gypsies, Kings of Leon, James Brown) and Doug (Zappa, Van Halen, Victor Wooten and G Love)
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The band, WhoIAre, was the brainchild of Bernard and Boaz Helms. Bernard from the start had the drive to push it. They started by playing the streets of downtown Raleigh for the first summer.
Come January ‘17 Aaron posted an ad on Craigslist looking for people to jam with – and Bernard answered.
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For the first month, we focused on improv and then by March started developing our catalog. Our focus was originals, by the end of the month we had about 5 songs mapped out. We recorded our first demo, with Derek at Raleigh Records (Found on Craigslist) at the end of March. By the way, Derek spent over 25 hours recording in total working with us – for free. He was extremely important in us getting off the ground.
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Around that same time Katie Martin Jack came into the band (Again Craigslist). We recorded on her second practice and she jumped right into it feet first. She brought a whole different depth to our music, and we started to have the family band vibe between us. She is a very talented musician.
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By June, we started gigging pretty regularly. Had a few rough shows and a few amazing shows. By the end of the summer we had up around 15 songs ready. We recorded the second half of demo in August.
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Doug, joined the band back in Sept ‘18. (Again Craigslist) We threw him into the fire pretty quick (gig after three practices). He has brought a whole new feel to our music as well and we are really start to click right now.
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How is the music scene in Raleigh for you guys? Do you find it easy for local bands to get a chance to perform at good venues?
The Triangle has an amazing music scene. We have met so many talented musicians, artists, and have made some great friends along the way. The place that helped build our confidence was Imurj. We were at that open mic for two months before we started gigging. It has such a diverse and talented crowd. Great place.
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What are your plans to start 2019? Shows? New music?
Overall, we have been grinding over the last year and we will continue to do so. We took any open gig, and played as much as we could. People need to hear this! We have to build that fan base. It’s tough as an original band because sometimes you are left out of some venues/bars that have crowd built in because we aren’t playing those songs people know. We get it, don’t like it but get it.
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Last year we played The Cave, 2nd Wind, Clayton Beverage (great place for original music), Deep South Bar, and Imurj, just to name a few.
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2019 is going to be a big year for us. We are getting better opportunities and people seem to be into the music. We have some big gigs in Wilmington at the Whiskey (Mar 22nd) and The Juggling Gypsy Cafe (June 14th) and Wrightsville beach at the Palm Room (June 15th). And are really trying to those gigs in The Triangle where we can get in front of people, cause we know we can get “them”. We have confidence in our Music. As of now we have over 24 originals ranging from straight ahead rock n roll to smoky lounge music. We can make them scratch their head one song and immediately after play something to warm their heart and soul. Goal is get them recorded in 2019 and release our first album.
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If you could choose one comic book character to be, who?
As far as a comic book hero, Bernard identifies with The Punisher. We will just leave that at that.
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*WhoIAre design is by Carbo Creations.

@whoiaretheband for FB and IG - Nu Sound