Paleface at Frankie’s
Written by Mighty Wyte (Matt Feher) | | mw@toledofreepress.comSometimes the truth hurts, and the truth is “Record labels are becoming obsolete and it’s more about playing music live more than ever” says Paleface. As a two-piece, guitarist/vocalist Paleface and drummer/vocalist Monica “Mo” Samalot know a thing or two about playing live.
Currently touring in promotion of their latest release “One Big Party” on Ramseur records, Paleface will be playing Frankie’s Sept. 1. While some people won’t even think of going out for a show on a Wednesday night, Paleface’s show is worth the missed sleep.
“We try to get people involved, havin’ a good time dancing and singing along at our show” exclaims Paleface. “When it works we elevate the mood and people have told us that they feel happy after they see us play.”
Paleface (Photo by Chris Hunt)
While the term ‘organic’ can be overused, to describe Paleface’s live sound as such is perfect. One guitar, one drum set and two perfectly colored voices are the focus, not over-the-top production or a gimmicky performance. Natural, replicable tone and melodies that are easy to become attached to are only two of the main ingredients that make Paleface’s sound so inviting.
While Paleface’s sound varies slightly from CD to live performance, Paleface explains “The studio is such a different thing, we invite friends to come in and fill out the songs, but live it’s just Mo and I.” Paleface continues “We don’t feel like we need other musicians at this time, it’s kinda easy to travel around as a two-piece.”
As a result of the two-piece arrangement, Paleface and Mo are afforded certain privileges that only two musicians can enjoy. “Sometimes we write and learn songs as we go” says Paleface. “There are times where I’ll make something up on stage and Mo just figures it out and plays with me. There is that freedom that you couldn’t have with several other musicians.”
While the most recent installation of Paleface is fun and ‘organic’, it’s also real. The music is what counts, the vocals are authentic and the content is driven by experience and emotion, not by market demand or what some record executive may deem as ‘marketable’.
Paleface says “The last few records have been very simplistic and straightforward. While working on new material we’re moving more toward an artistically adventurous sound.” When asked to define the ‘adventurous’ sound, Paleface said “I don’t want to say too much about it, it’s just more ambitious with the songs, but that will depend on how they translate live too. We’ll have to experiment with them and do some demos.”
Considering the nature of their ‘on the spot’ playing style and the tendency to write live, it’s quite possible that fans at the Paleface show this Wednesday may witness creativity at it’s best, spontaneously.
Doors for the Wednesday, Sept. 1, Paleface show open at 9 p.m. and advance tickets for the show are only $6, $8 night of the show. Tickets can be purchased from Culture Clash or Ramalama Records.
