Neon Indian | October 15, 2011 | The Grog Shop | Cleveland, OH
Photos by Miharu Kato
(Please, excuse me while I gush.)
This past weekend Miharu Kato, Larry Doyle (of SpoonfeedColumbus.com) and I piled into my car and drove up to Cleveland, Ohio to see one of my all time favorite bands, Neon Indian. While Larry had never experience the phenomenal mind melt that is a Neon Indian show, Miharu and I have seen them 3 times together (before we met, we were in the same audience at 2 other NI shows). All of us were antsy with excitement. I never fail to feel re-energized and inspired after a Neon Indian show; Miharu and I were thrilled to bring Larry along for the ride.
I rarely miss an opportunity to see Neon Indian since I interviewed lead singer, Alan Palomo, for JackinthePocket.com in June of last year. I still remember how extreeemely nervous I was, and, how much liquid courage I needed to conduct the interview. (I was on my fourth by the time we ended that 20 min. conversation.) Nowadays, we can joke around and catch up over some beer or Bloody Marias when our paths cross.
He greeted me with a smile and hug when he came out of the green room on his way to watch Com Truise melt the audience with his synth swoops. Since our first meeting on that sweaty day in Pittsburgh, Alan released his sophomore album, Era Extraña, crafted while spending long, cold days in isolation in Helsinki. That cute curly fro has been tamed into a dapper doo that hangs in a ringlet just above his eye. He’s replaced his semi-shyness with a charming confidence. He never fails to lead to great conversations about anime, music, and globe-trotting. I always find Alan extremely eloquent and hope he never relinquishes his nerdom. His onstage persona has become more electrifying, enhanced by the talented musicians he brings on tour. Leanne Macomber (sexy synth goddess) and Jason Fairies (handsome drummerman) have been permanent members since Neon Indian started touring in late 2009.
It has been such a delight to watch Palomo and his band evolve, and electrify audiences around the globe. I’m so thankful that my friends have also fallen in love with his music, providing us with psychedelic soundtracks to so many of our adventures. While I didn’t get an official follow up interview this time (alcohol induced chats at 4 am are not meant to be documented), Alan promised a recorded Skype chat which should hopefully happen soon.
Miharu Kato has photographed several artists for this blog, and due to time constraints, I haven’t had the chance to post any of them with the corresponding interview. The photos he took at last weekend’s concert were so… EPIC!! I felt the urgency to share them with you all. Visit his website for more of his work.