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To say ‘this article is over due’ would be a gross understatement.  But just as most things in life tend to work out, the timing of this post could not be more perfect.  Tonight one of my favorite bands on planet earth, Segway, is opening up for the Disco Biscuits at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC.  Segway not only has a special place in my ipod but more importantly in my heart. 

To give you a lil’ background Segway was birthed by a rare weather phenomenon when Thunder and Lightning strike at the same time and place.  I’ve actually had the pleasure of watching this project bloom first hand.  My first Segway show, and ironically the first ever Segway show with their current line up, was back in the summer of 2007 at the inaugural iJam party on Gibson Island.    

The core of this collective consists of Eric Adams (keys) and Steve Gorsuch (drums).  These long time friends decided to embark on the arduous mission of melting faces.  Their project didn’t take flight until they added some much needed icing and the cherry on top.  Ben Waldman (bass) certainly fits the description of icing and Neil Fennekohl was the cherry on top.  

This foursome has branded a unique style which puts them in a class of their own.  A fusion of techno funk which I often describe as “discusta’funk”.  Rumor has it Segway is actually a controlled substance in 4 states and from personal experience I can tell you they are quite addicting.   Very rarely do I admit that a band actually gets better every show, in fact outside of Segway I don’t know many acts that I would be willing to admit that in writing.  Their sound, stage presence and overall performance truly does get better every time I see them. 

We’ve had the privilege working with Segway on a handful of Fortune5Fifty events and I can tell you first hand this band is the tip of what’s to come.  Their sheer musical talent is impressive in itself but the most profound aspect of Segway is their contagious energy.  On more than one occasion I have literally felt bad for the drums…like ouch…I think Steve is actually hurting the drums.  Eric has a very fresh approach to layering the keys intermingled with KAOS pads and peddles.  Ben is a prodigy on the bass and has even been know to dabble with the midi synth which he has programmed with bass sounds and effects.  Last but certainly not least Neil’s fret work adds the defining layer to their unique style. 

I caught up with Eric Adams this morning to see how he was feeling about tonight’s show….figured you all might be interested.

[F5F]  How did Segway become the force it is today?

[Eric] That’s a tough one.  Off the top of my head, I’d say hard work, and meeting the right people at the right times for us… which circles right back to hard work.  Steve and I started what became Segway 3 years ago as a drum and keys duo… we’ve changed the lineup a few times and had relative successes and failures along the way.  Still, we continued to press the issue, and now here we are.  We feel like in a lot of ways we’re still finding our sound and jelling as a group.  So far, 90% of any success we’ve had has come through word of mouth.  We’ve played a few key shows that helped us gain exposure to the right crowds, and Fortune5Fifty has been a huge help in that respect.  Beyond that, we’ve just tried our best to spread the word about anything that we’re doing.  Our main drive has been to share something that we love, and that is so personal to us with the people who come out.  We’re all lovers of live music, and booty shakin, so we try to give that vibe to our audience every time.  What amazes me is that we’ve come this far without an album to support us, and for the most part without any material online or in hand… you could say that we’ve become that “force” despite our own efforts to remain obscure.  To me, that’s hilarious, and validating.

[F5F]  What should we look out for in the coming months…shows, festivals, and/or albums?

[Eric] We’re just putting the finishing touches on our first full length album at Wrightway Studios here in Charm City… It’s been a long journey on that end, but we’re pretty pumped about how it’s all coming together.  We’re set to release that in January, so you’ll have to do a write up for the CD release (see, always working).  This month we’re hitting the 8×10 Club to support EOTO.  We’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Michael and Jason a few times, and it’s always great stuff, so we’re really excited to catch up with them again.  Beyond that, we’re looking hard at 2010 to see what’s on the horizon…  I’m hoping next festival season will bring big things for us and a ton of great opportunity, but that’s all about planting seeds now.

[F5F]  The Disco Biscuits have played a huge roll in both our lives. What is it like to be able to work with them on a show?

[Eric] To me, it’s nothing short of surreal.  I’ve said before with this project that I’ve had moment after moment that has surpassed all expectations.  There was a time when I would have laughed at the idea of meeting the Biscuits, but to date I’ve played with Allen and Biodiesel, hung out with Marc on several occasions, and had the opportunity to at the very least shake hands and “chill briefly” with Jon and Aron.  They’ve been an incredible influence on my musical journey, and the opportunity to speak with each of them has been so fulfilling.  And when you get the opportunity to see them as regular guys outside the realm of the stage and without the lights and huge sound and crowd… that to me is incredible. 

[F5F]  You mentioned Musical Journey… take me through a few steps, and how it’s affected you…

[Eric] I’ve felt time after time that feeling of “I have arrived” or that I could hang it up today and still feel like I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I could.  The opportunity to support the Disco Biscuits for night one of a two night stand is by far the pinnacle of that feeling to date.  I look back at the first festival I ever attended and my experience there.  I remember saying to a group of friends “imagine if…” that dream has become a reality time and time again in the past few years.  It’s exciting, and gratifying.  At times I feel like I’m a fan trapped in the body of a keyboard player… In just a few short years we’ve gone from a group of friends playing for the sake of playing to something bigger than I would have imagined back at that first Festival.  Every time a get behind my keys I feel a sense of satisfaction that strangely combines with this “I want more” feeling… it’s a pretty strong cocktail, and I like it.

[F5F]  Do you have any surprises in tonight’s set?

[Eric] How could it be a surprise if I told you about it?  Nah, it’s gonna be the same old same old for us… I mean, biggest opportunity we’ve had, biggest crowd we’ve played for… let’s just call it in.

Birth’d through nature and raised by wolves these kids have nothing but open roads in front of them and smooth sailing.  The sky’s the limit and here at Fortune5Fifty we are proud to call them friends.  Big up to the Disco Biscuits for recognizing raw talent and next stop for these kids needs to be Camp Bisco 9.  Until then join me tonight as we celebrate their much deserved success.  Wiseman say you cant have your cake and eat it to, well tonight we’ll all be eating cake and punch…CHEERS!