Sometimes you are given what you need when you need it.
Sometimes it is given to you well in advance and you have to stumble across it later.
A while ago I was working on a DRIP show called "A Night of Music". For the show we were doing one performance and featuring four local bands. One of those bands was Andy Matchett and The Minks.
The first time I met Andy was a few days before the show. He agreed to meet at my apartment to pick up some posters for the event. Upon first glance he didn't strike me as a typical musician. His hair was neatly combed back, he was wearing a button down shirt and slacks, and had a child's car seat in his mid-size sedan. He was very friendly and we talked about the show for a while before he had to be on his way. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from him musically.
Come show time I was very impressed. Andy Matchett and The Minks took the stage with an undeniable presence. After the show I told him that I really enjoyed their music and he gave me a CD. Unfortunately, due to my hectic schedule that CD had sat on my desk for a while.
I had been feeling a little run down lately. I work two jobs and that often has me up very early and out very late. It can be difficult to make time for my friends, as well as time for myself. I get wrapped up in "doing" and don't have much time for "being". However, this particular night I had to myself and decided to listen to Andy's CD.
Opening the CD was like opening a present. The logo is beautifully designed and printed on this lavish paper with a metallic finish. The case folds out to reveal a highly detailed illustration of a house engulfed in foliage. Enclosed in the case was a booklet containing all the song lyrics.
"My God" I thought "No body takes the time to do that anymore."
As a teenager I remember how much I enjoyed it when I bought a CD and had all the lyrics to accompany it. I would sit with the booklet and read along while the songs were playing. It was a way for me to incorporate more senses and fully absorb the experience. I was excited to see this much professionalism from Andy Matchett and The Minks. I sat at my desk with the booklet at my finger tips. I let the music fill my room.
Andy has this clear, innocent voice that brings those whole-hearted lyrics to life. His music speaks of someone who understands so much in a non judgmental way, yet still seeks answers. The melodies are very warm and expressive. There is so much power and meaning in those songs.
It was just what I needed. I had to sink my teeth into something with soul; something bigger than me.
My minded drifted back to the DRIP show. Andy took the stage with his band and right away a cloud of confetti bust over every ones heads. Two audience members were given small leaf blowers to keep the confetti in the air during the show. The music makes you want to dance anyway, but with that confetti and all those smiling faces, the dance floor becomes irresistible. I can't begin to tell you how amazing it feels to grab two giant hand fulls of confetti and throw them over your head at a rock concert.
Towards the end of the show they pull out a parachute over the audience and Andy comes down off the stage to perform in the middle of the crowd. The confetti is still flying through the air like a snow storm and the room is full of people dancing. I'm standing next to Andy who is rocking his heart out. I have my arms up in the air stretching to reach the parachute. I look around at all the smiling faces. It's more than just happy, it's that feeling you get when you remember what it feels like to be a crazy kid all over again. Thank you Andy for creating so much magic. It was just what I needed.
For more information about Andy Matchett and The Minks:
http://andymatchettandtheminks.bandcamp.com/
Photographs from "A Night of Music" by Tisse Mallon:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150095138736527&id=104582366526&aid=272071
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