REVIEW BY EMMA SCHOORS
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
'17' / THE GREETING COMMITTEE
The Greeting Committee’s new song “17” packs all the best types of sounds into one song.
It starts with the melodic guitars you’d expect to find in any great modern album, but leaves you wanting what’s to come when the vocals and guitars both kick in at full blast. It’s simply a song that urges you to dance. (And you should act on that urge!)
The lyrics, such as “I always thought blood was thicker than water”, are ones to remember and sing along to in your head, as the catchiness of the tune coincides with the meaning of the song. The drums aren’t overwhelming, but rather a series of claps, which is a refreshing take on what is modernly overdone in a song geared around the beat.
It’s really quite the jam, for lack of more professional words. Perhaps that’s the point. Check out our interview with lead singer Addie and the band's socials below!
When was the moment you guys first decided to make the band together?
Addie: "I had been playing music by myself for about a year or so, at least performing publicly for that long, and I just dreaded being on a stage by myself. I could hear where the drums, bass, guitar, etc. should be, but it was just me up there. I played a coffee shop show that went horribly wrong, and that was when I said enough. I called our guitarist, Brandon Yangmi, who at the time would occasionally write with or accompany me. I told him I wanted to make a band and the rest is history."
How would you describe your music in three words?
Addie: "Cry For Attention."
You just released your single “17” – can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?
Addie: "'17' is a song I wrote about my relationship with my dad. He’s my hero, contrary to what the song will lead you to believe. Growing up and reaching for independence pushed me to make decisions I’m not exactly proud of, but also decisions that were completely necessary in discovering myself. I was your typical punk kid who wanted things done my way. It’s funny. I remember him telling me when I was younger, 'Addie, you will do whatever it takes to get what you want. It’ll serve you well one day when you’re older, but right now it’s driving me crazy,' or something along those lines. This song is me openly realizing and confessing that maybe I shouldn’t have always fought back so hard when it came to his direction or perspective.
Why did you choose “17” to be your first single off your debut album?
Addie: "It was the first song we wrote for this album that really got our team’s attention. Team meaning managers, our label, other people we trust. You have to listen to the people around you, especially when their job is to look out for your best interest."
What can we expect from the rest of the album?
Addie: "I’m unbelievably excited for this album. You can expect to hear anything from soul, amazing background vocalists, and horns to a pushing kick with driving guitar riffs to me basically crying at the mic for three minutes straight."
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH MIRANDA
You’re currently on tour as support for Jukebox The Ghost. How have the shows been so far?
Addie: "The shows are AMAZING. We were not expecting to see such fun, interactive, large crowds. And Jukebox The Ghost is fantastic. They’re so kind and talented. They deserve the world."
What cities have been your favorite so far and what cities are you still looking forward to on this run of shows?
Addie: "The first night in Philly was one for the books for sure. There was an unreal energy in the air. I’m especially looking forward to Los Angeles, Portland, Columbus and Denver. Oh, and apparently Salt Lake City has some secret magic we’ve yet to see, so that’ll be exciting."
Aside from the album, is there anything else we can expect from you after the tour is over?
Addie: "We’re hoping to get a music video out for '17' which will be really cool. We’re all very passionate about the arts surrounding music, and film is my personal favorite."