Calliope Musicals released their debut LP, “Time Owes You Nothing” on April 15, 2016
Guest article by Lauren Lyman
On April 15, 2016, Calliope Musicals celebrated the long-awaited release of their debut LP, “Time Owes You Nothing,” with an elaborate party at Central Presbyterian Church. There were blow-up animals center stage, dancers, happy faces and crowd cheers surrounding this already active band. After finishing their sixth tour and receiving “Best New Austin Artist” at Austin Music Awards in March, Calliope Musicals seemed grateful to announce their songs are now ready for fans to take home.
“We are proud of everything we have done. But it’s been hard to finish a set and rush off stage to give someone a hug and they are like, ‘Gosh, where can I hear that one song?'” lead guitar player Chris Webb shared. “Now there is finally an answer other than ‘at our next show!'”
Connecting With Audience Members
Credit: Kate Blaising
Calliope Musicals has definitely perfected their performance. This is a band that understands theatrics, ready to break down the third wall with the audience. Lead singer and show-woman, Carrie Fussell, showed her enthusiasm during the CD release party with dramatic hand gestures and full-body movements. Towards the end of the show, she walked out into the crowd, hugged a couple of people, and even sat down with some fans.
“Our goal is to never stop making music and spreading love and positivity. Hopefully releasing this album takes us one step closer,” Webb said.
Experimenting With Music
Credit: Kate Blaising
The band uses multiple methods to develop its songs, including songwriting experimentation and incorporating memories from hiking trips. A few of the songs on “Time Owes You Nothing” were brought to the band by Fussell or guitarist Matt Roth, but about half of the album was written collaboratively.
“This is my favorite way to work and watch the band work,” Fussell said. “Someone has an idea of a melody, starts playing and the rest of the band adds to it until we’re happy. It’s funny: sometimes it goes to pretty crazy places. In the case of ‘Tiny White Moths,’ [vibraphonist and vocalist Craig Finkelstein’s] synth part was what started the song, and the rest of us used memories from a magical hiking trip we went on together in Tennessee to inspire our parts.”
Seeing the Positive in Austin’s Music Scene
Calliope Musicals was chosen as a 2016 Black Fret nominee, eligible for a grant at the end of this year
(Credit: Eric Highland)
Calliope Musicals not only looks at their music and performances positively, but also the current Austin music scene. At the CD release, Fussell commented she was worried about fans not showing up, but the church pews were packed on the first floor and in the balcony seating. They have faith in their fans and how the city of Austin supports their mission.
“Well, when it comes to humans and fans, Austin has been really good to us,” Fussell commented. “And whether or not the city has a realistic grasp on what life as a musician is like in their city, there are individuals and organizations who want to help. HAAM, SIMS, Black Fret–they’re all remarkable organizations put together just for musicians.”
The band members have noticed the governance of the hotel market. Recently at one gig, a third of the stage at Cheer Up Charlie’s was covered by scaffolding for Hyatt House Hotel. The band still pulled through the set that night, and the same was true during SXSW 2016.
“SXSW was so great for us this year,” Fussell said. “I’ve said this before, but for me SXSW isn’t about the colorful sponsors and jangling pockets, but rather the magical humans who brave the traffic, sun and crowds to support live music.”
What’s Next for Calliope Musicals
Calliope Musicals will tour with Austin artist Shakey Graves in May 2016 (Credit: Austin City Limits TV)
Starting at the end of May 2016, Calliope Musicals will be on tour with Shakey Graves. They are excited to get that partnership started. There are exciting opportunities in sight, lighting the path for another captivating tour.
“We love [Shakey Graves]–from the beginning he has put so much into his music, and watching him play you can really see that,” Fussell shared. “It’s been so inspiring to watch his journey, and it’s pretty cool that we’ll get to share some stages with him!”
Calliope Musicals’s new album, “Time Owes You Nothing,” can be purchased at calliopemusicals.com.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Have you seen Calliope Musicals perform live?
Lauren Lyman is a public relations volunteer for VoyagerFest. She is also a freelance writer, flutist, and singer. She is a graduate of Texas State University, where she attained a Master of Music in music history. She wrote her master’s thesis on the sisters of Heart, as well as Fiona Apple, Madonna and Janis Joplin.
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