New Residency- Noise Floor Sessions at Out of the Blue Gallery: Q&A with Maxwell Bailey
Red: Out of the Blue seems like the perfect space for a show highlighting intimate, songwriter types. I walk by it on my way to work every day and always think, man, it would be cool to have a show in there amongst all the art. How did you hook up with the folks at OOTB to start the series?
MB: I was thinking the same thing! Back when OOTB had a tiny shop on Prospect st, I used to walk by and see random off the wall community events there every night. I was disappointed when they had to close their doors, so when I saw them pop up again in Central, I knew that they were a venue I wanted to support. I started networking with the owners, caught their inclusive artist-minded vision and I’ve been booking shows there ever since December. When I approached them with idea of Noise Floor Sessions, they were all for it.
Red: Tell us about some of the artists who will be playing this next show?
MB: I’m stoked about this line-up! Jacob Augustine, an indie folk rocker touring from Maine, will be the featured artist for the night. George and Heather Woods from Proper Company will be gracing us with a stripped down set. I’ll be sharing the stage with progressive reggae-infused folk artist, Kali Stoddard Amari. And, opening the night will be bilingual acoustic artists Sara Ontaneda Loor and Christopher Pimenthal, going song for song.
Red: Is there a plan for more shows in the future?
MB: Absolutely! Noise Floor Sessions will be a monthly event at OOTB. The next one is 6/11 with ZILLA. I’m currently booking artists for July and August.
Red: What kind of a vibe are you looking to set/what kind of artists?
MB: Noise Floor Sessions will be a listening room. I’m looking to book artists with lyrics that demand an audience. There are plenty of incredible songwriters in this area with music that needs to be heard.
(photo credit Alexandre de Veiga)Red: So, “Noise Floor” seems an interesting name for a series. Where did it stem from?
MB: On the last track I recorded, I asked the engineer what the background noise was. He told me all audio equipment produces a faint sound called noisefloor. On quieter acoustic music, when the levels are adjusted highest, you’re gonna hear this sound. The idea behind the Sessions is to bring attention to the underground music that is sometimes left unheard.
Red: Community is a huge part of what we stand for here at RLR, it seems like you are making a big effort in that direction. What are your hopes for the future?
MB: I’ve met so many talented individuals in this scene and I guess what I’m trying to do is organize everyone. With Noise Floor Sessions, I’m looking to create a stage where strangers become friends and art is embraced, in all it’s forms. I want this event to be a breeding ground for creativity, where artists can connect with and support each other. As for the future, I’m hoping that we can throw some successful shows and maybe even take Noise Floor to other stages in the area. It’d be cool to hold down 3-4 month residency’s all around Camberville to help push the singer-songwriter scene forward.
Check out Facebook for more information/details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1578973332379717/
