The Low Anthem to perform

An abandoned pasta sauce factory is a barren place, but indie folk band The Low Anthem had recorded its latest album there. The Aula, thankfully, is a decidedly less desolate location for The Low Anthem's upcoming concert. Joined by opening act Thea Ballard '13, the group will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

Vassar College Entertainment (ViCE) Music Chair Andy Dymond '12 had the idea to bring The Low Anthem to Vassar. Ballard had introduced Dymond to the band a few years ago; Dymond also attended one of their concerts over the summer through an internship he had on The Low Anthem's label, Nonesuch. Having enjoyed their music, Dymond emailed them to request they come to Vassar.

Dymond describes the Low Anthem as having a clear country-folk influence, but with a more ethereal tinge. Their lyrics are often bucolic or folk in setting, but from a more personal and emotional standpoint. "I think the lyrics are really good. I think the composition is amazing. I like the singer's voice," Dymond said, "and I like the way they've brought country folk away from some of the negative associations I have with the genre."

The Low Anthem is fronted by Ben Knox Miller, who also happens to be the son of Professor of Philosophy Mitchell Miller. "He is a part of the Vassar community," ViCE Publicity Director Eli Schutze said, "which was just an added bonus."

Ballard will open for The Low Anthem at the concert. "She's performed at ViCE events before. She's great," Schutze said. "We picked her because she's very good, and also because her music fits the mood of the show. We thought she'd be the best fit." Dymond agreed with Schutze. "It was between her and a couple others," Dymond said. "But I think that her musical style is influenced by them, and it fit the best."

Ballard describes her music as folk in style, instrumentation and lyrics. "It's pretty emotionally direct. I write a lot about home, my family, close relationships," Ballard said. "It's pretty personal." Ballard, in fact, is familiar with the band, having watched the Low Anthem perform in a cafe one town over from her high school. "It's a little scary actually. I feel like I saw them become a big deal," Ballard admitted. "It's funny because I feel like there's a very strong Vermont presence in my music … it comes full circle." Ballard enjoys their music, and saw them live during last Winter Break. Even Ballard's parents enjoyed their songs.

As the program director for WVKR, Ballard must constantly listen to and review new music. "Music can become very disposable for me," Ballard noted. "What they play is very amazing. I've followed them, which doesn't happen with a lot of bands for me," she said.

In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere, the Aula will have seats, coffee and other snacks available. "This show is supposed to be more for a different audience, more low-key. Their music is very slow, very haunting," Schutze said. "It's going to be very low-pressure. We just want people to relax, and have fun and have some coffee if they're writing papers."

ViCE chose the Aula for the concert because of its intimate, inviting setting. "We were originally trying to look for a non-traditional space for it but we couldn't really find one that we liked and also were allowed to use," Schutze noted. "I know we considered doing it in the Library meditation room, but it is in the middle of midterms and it's music, so it wasn't possible."

ViCE hopes that the concert will act as a respite from midterms, a study break for students looking to unwind. "Most concerts that come here into school are dance," Dymond noted, "and while I think there's a lot of merit to that, it's also useful to remember that the chill music you listen to in your room alone can be amazing live. It's beautiful."