The GR band set to play the Jammie Awards showcased its music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jake Simmons, Cal in Red, Kill Mitchell, Lynda Sawicki and more.
Loving Vibe: From left, Caleb, John, Marley and Miles of Low Phase. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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There’s an undeniable, affectionate vibe that propels Low Phase and its catchy indie-rock – especially obvious during the Grand Rapids band’s live shows.
“It’s just so fun to be on stage with other people and to be able to feed off each other’s energy,” said Marley King, lead guitarist for the band that also features her brother, Miles Ferguson on drums, Caleb Waldvogel on vocals and guitar, and John Bomer on bass.
“We’re all so close and love each other really deeply, so I think that comes through in the live show, too.”
Feeding Off Each Other’s Energy: Low Phase at Ice Jam. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
Spawned in 2020 from the “winding down” of the band Political Lizard, King joined the trio of musicians “to expertly balance her creative efforts between Low Phase and her Luminelle Records (solo) project marsfade,” Bomer said.
Boasting a more rock-fueled approach than the folky Political Lizard, Low Phase so far has released two infectious, pop-hued singles, with two more set for release this spring after being recorded at Joel Ferguson’s Planet Sunday Studios.
The band showcased its 2022 singles – “Sideline” and “Doctor” – for this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE. They also performed a new song, tentatively titled “Carousel,” live last week. Watch a video of that performance here and scroll down to listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
VIDEO: Low Phase, “Carousel (Maybe)” – Live
Inspired by disparate ’90s acts such as Smashing Pumpkins, The Sundays, Modest Mouse and Jeff Buckley — and with a sound a bit reflective of Canada’s the Odds — band members ooze familiarity with one another because they’ve known each other since high school in Rockford.
And that, they insist, gives Low Phase a rare, enduring quality.
“What we all recognize is that there’s something that feels special about this project,” King said. “We don’t know exactly what it is but … this feels right. It feels like the right group at the right time.
Embracing Their ‘Rock Side’: Low Phase (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
“I think we’re all just excited to push it as far as we can take it and not give up on it. It’s built on this foundation of trust and love, and that makes it really special.”
Performing twice last weekend – at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill and heating up Perrin Brewing’s Ice Jam – fans will get a chance to see that special on-stage vibe again at The Intersection in Grand Rapids during the Feb. 24 WYCE Jammie Awards show, where Low Phase also is up for artist of the year honors.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this. It’s easily the biggest night in Michigan music and it feels amazing to be recognized with all these other amazing Michigan artists,” Bomer said.
“Jammies night is always a favorite night among us in Low Phase and getting to play music there is absolutely icing on the cake.”
Beyond the spotlight on Low Phase, the Feb. 3 edition of Local Spins on WYCE also featured new music from Jake Simmons, Lynda Sawicki, The Fever Haze (this week’s musicians’ pick by Low Phase), Rosewood 2055, Kill Mitchell, Cal in Red, Space Bar Band, Chain of Lakes and Austin Benzing. Listen to the show here.
PODCAST: Local Spins on WYCE (2/3/23)
Playing the Jammie Awards: Like ‘icing on the cake,’ Low Phase says. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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