Contemporary band Modern Measure is bringing its fresh sound to Proud Larry’s at 9 p.m. this Thursday.
Founded in Georgia, the group is no stranger to the South. The group, started in 2013 and signed to independent recording label 1320 Records, consists of Kyle Holly (live drums/music production) and Charlie Thornton (bass guitar/music production). The duo released a single entitled “Wax,” followed by their EP Nomenclature. A full-length album entitled Assimilation was released in 2014. Since then, the duo has released numerous remixes and another EP, Behind The Light.
Modern Measure describes its sound in one word: livetronica. The music consists of many differing elements, from chill psychedelic to high-energy dance music, trap and hip-hop. Many listeners will recognize samples from popular artists of various genres, such as Beyonce and Alt-J.
The music, which is co-produced by Holly and Thornton, is composed using Ableton, a music production software. Their songwriting process, Holly explained, consists mainly of ideas bounced back and fourth and then translated to a live setting.
“More tracks are starting to be produced in-studio now,” said Holly. “In our beginning phases, we did not have a studio to call home.”
When Modern Measure first came into being, the band was a live drummer and DJ show. Thornton added a Moog synthesizer and brought more live show elements, like a five string bass and an alto saxophone, into play.
Modern Measure has found other ways of incorporating new sound into its music, such as sharing the stage with other musical artists and guests.
“We have become more of a two-piece live band as of late,” said Holly. “We occasionally have guests join us.”
In just two and a half years, Modern Measure has shared the stage with STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Big Gigantic, Manic Focus, The Floozies and many others. The band has also had the opportunity to play at major music festivals like Summer Camp Music Festival, Camp Bisco, NorthCoast Music Festival and Suwannee Hulaween— to name a few.
According to Kelly, the name “Modern Measure” comes from the band’s goal to produce modern music with elements of old and new to “paint time with.” (Time in music is organized by phrases called measures.) As of now, the band’s main goal is to keep progressing and producing music that gives listeners a positive feeling. Holly added that another goal of the group is to “play Red Rocks (Amphitheatre, in Morrison, CO.) someday soon.”
Currently, Modern Measure has another record in the works and spent this past week in Cypress Moon Studios recording and producing. The new album will be dropping in May, along with remixes. Holly and Thornton plan to continue their hustle and spread good vibes after the release of their album, and hope to bring their music to new places while developing their sound.
“We will still be working as hard as ever, writing music, touring to new places, bringing more and more to the table, all while having a good time in the process,” they said.
Modern Measure is looking forward to its Oxford debut in one of their first shows in 2016.
“We have wanted to play (in Oxford) for quite some time,” said Kelly. “Our good friends ZOOGMA started (in Oxford).”
