Tonight, if i die in mississippi will join Oxford’s own Nadir Bliss and Bonus to serve up some local sound at Proud Larry’s.
Nadir Bliss’ Sean O’Hara and Bonus’ Kieran Danielson are well-versed in the Oxford music scene; both musicians having played in Oxford for about three years in a variety of bands.
O’Hara has been playing music for a large part of his life, but has only recently realized the reason for his passion for music making.
“I soon began to realize I wanted to be a musician because of a song’s ability to connect with people in really strange ways,” O’Hara said. “Some of the best and worst moments of my life are contained in feelings of hearing certain melodies for the first time or the millionth time. It could be that the memory you had somehow became part of the song, or for some reason the song made it special. I just think that’s one of the coolest things ever.”
This translates through the work he is doing with Nadir Bliss. As a self-proclaimed “weirdo pop” band, their songs, at first listen, produce feelings reminiscent of a spring day. There is a certain dichotomy within them as well, evident in their light sound and deeper, resonating lyrics.
Bonus, on the other hand, describes their sound as a “melancholy pop,” leaning towards a slower, heavier sound.
“I draw inspiration from free time,” Danielson said. “When I’m not caught up in doing something, I get really restless and anxious, and that’s when I sit down and write music. I have about 20 minutes a day and I cram in as much as I can whether it’s a quick band practice or an isolated writing session.”
Both Danielson and O’Hara describe the Oxford music scene similarly, with fondness of the bands and venues that are involved, but express the same desire to see expansion within it.
“There are too few bands for the amount of creative people in this town,” Danielson said. “I just know that there are a ton of people in their dorm rooms, in their apartments and in their houses that are dying to get out there and play, but it’s really hard. For one, there’s really only two venues in town to play a show at if you’re starting out, and secondly, it’s intimidating because there’s such a small amount of bands, so when there is a new one, there’s a bit of spotlight pressure. My advice though, is to please just go for it.”
Both artists said they are excited to play in a unique town like Oxford, especially at a venue like Proud Larry’s.
“It’s definitely a cool thing to get to play at places like Proud Larry’s,” O’Hara said. “With a venue like that in Oxford, I feel really honored to play music in the same spot where people like Modest Mouse played.”
Danielson echoed O’Hara’s sentiment.
“Larry’s treats you really well,” he said. “There’s always a sound guy. They hook you up with beer and food. [The owner] Scott is good at reaching out to bands and he’s always willing to give you a shot. The staff that works there is awesome and some of my favorite shows of all time were there. I know Proud Larry’s will be here forever and that makes me really happy.”
Oxford seemed to be a point of pride for both musicians because of its livability for those desiring to make music.
“I don’t know if I could be making art anywhere else the way I have in Oxford, in a lot of ways. I’ll always love this town,” O’Hara said. “Don’t tell me it ain’t got no heart when I can hear it beat out loud.”
