Article by: Sabrina Miles
Photo by: Wendy Podmenik Darugar
If anyone wanted to argue the fact that music does not have an affect on our mood or our senses, it would be a very short lived argument. In fact, all they would need to do would be to listen for just a moment to the beautifully orchestrated harmonies of the two enchanting souls that are Cicada Rhythm. From the very first note that emanates from the bass of Andrea DeMarcus, to the skillful strumming and picking sound of Dave Kirslis’ guitar, you could not predict the feeling that would overcome you once the refreshingly unique sounds of their voices began. Each song is exquisitely written and performed, and they are all based on specific heartfelt experiences that the couple have encountered in their lives. Some songs are sweet and invoke feelings of security and happiness, while others are more political in feel, and cause the audience to pause and think about the endless possibilities to create positive change in the world.
Andrea and Dave of Cicada Rhythm recently took some time out of their touring schedule to answer a few questions for MonkeyGoose Magazine:
Sabrina/MG: When I was listening to your music, it was the first time I heard you, it was your “Do Not Destroy” song, and I just felt a calmness and a very happy feeling come over me. I also was very interested in your comments about the old church where you recorded “Do Not Destroy.” What did you really feel while in the church? Tell me more about the song, but also about your position on being “green”! And what that means to you.
Andrea and Dave: That church definitely lent us its spirit for that session. It was a gathering spot for generations, a sort of safe space. The reverb in there was almost infinite, and made every note more beautiful. “Do Not Destroy” came from a nostalgic feeling of loss of the green and youthful lush of a thickly wooded past. Dave came of age in the north Georgia mountains, and, since then, suburban life has taken hold of the wild up there. We would love to see our environment cherished and preserved. In my opinion, we are all environmentalists, because we all live, and breathe, and consume within our environment.
Sabrina/MG: What would be some of the fun and “out of the ordinary” things that you would want folks to know about you?
Andrea and Dave: We are both avid thrifters, and always find time to stop to find a bargain on the road! We are both vegetarians. Dave is an Irish citizen.
Sabrina/MG: What is it that drives you forward? Where do you find inspiration for your songs, and for your future?
Andrea: I love to perform, so I have many musical outlets that allow me to keep honing my skill. Dave loves to write and is always working on a song at home and practicing. He is my secret inspiration for getting better, because he is always at it. We also find inspiration in our community at home. Everyone is so supportive and every party inevitably becomes a jam.
Sabrina/MG: Do you consider or use songs that are written by other songwriters if they were something you could make “Cicada Rhythm worthy?”
Andrea and Dave: We try to keep our original music the focus of each set, but we actually are in the process of releasing a couple of covers. A Bob Dylan song, and a Billie Holiday tune.
Sabrina/MG: So, I noticed the ring. Are you engaged, and if so, have you settled on a date for a wedding?
Andrea and Dave: Yes we are engaged! And it will be October of next year! There will be tons of live music!
Cicada Rhythm humbly thanked the fans for coming out early to hear them play, and gave much love to headliners The Wood Brothers, a band they have often described as one of their biggest influences.
You can catch Cicada Rhythm at the at these upcoming stops:
Friday October 20, 2017 New Belgium Liquid Center Ashville NC
Saturday October 28, 2017 Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville Florida
Friday November 17, 2017 – December 3, 2017 UK and the Netherlands