We had the opportunity to chat with Georgia folk-duo Cicada Rhythm. Their style of folk is upbeat and fast and verges on indie rock, particularly with the drum beats and vocals. The group consists of David Kirslis (guitar and vocals) and Andrea DeMarcus (bass and vocals). Their harmonies are unique but work oh so well. Check out what they had to say below!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
Andrea - My parents noticed of my interest in music very early on, so I took piano lessons from 5 yrs on, and
then stumbled upon the bass in elementary school in the music program. I fell in love with bass and soon figured out how versatile it was in any style of music, but classical seemed to be the most direct path to a career, so I followed the suggestions of my teachers and went to college for upright bass. I found that world to be quite challenging and I began to create my own music in my room on guitar. After graduation I moved back to Georgia and met Dave, who was a huge supporter of my music, and, luckily, we figured out our voices and styles blended well! We’ve been writing and playing together for 7 years.
Dave - I've always been very passionate about music, its moved me from an early age. I started learn guitar on my own around 12 and am still learning everyday!
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
Andrea - my process is not a process. A song happens to me. An idea will possess me and I’ll sit down for however long I need to properly digest and manifest the idea. It’s almost a coping mechanism, where emotions become things I can sing about and be rid of them, or at least acknowledge them.
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
Andrea - Gillian Welch, The Beatles, Fleet Foxes, Nickel creek, Edgar Meyer.
Dave - Wood Brothers, Nate Nelson & his Entertainment Crackers, Joe Mcguinness, and some other GA locals.
4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
Andrea - I recently upped my gear game as I came to know of a pre-amp called The Headway EDB2 which allows you to blend two signals. One comes from the pickup (I use a Fishman Full Circle) and the other comes from a microphone and dedicated pre-amp made by a company called K&K called the Golden Bullet. The Golden Bullet is the secret weapon that really captures all the intricacies of the upright, especially when bowing. I have been able to produce such an authentic and full sound by using the two signals as I regularly switch from Pizzicato to Bowed bass even within one song.
Dave - I play a 1968 guild t100 thru a 1976 princeton with a custom cab and a 12 inch hemp tonetubby speaker. I love how bassy it is.
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
Andrea - I don’t think I could really, that’s for the audience to decide! But I would hope it’s raw, interesting, and heart warming. I love just being on stage and doing what I love to do!
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
Andrea - It’s us. It’s a relationship built on sharing our talents with each other and anyone willing to partake!
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
Andrea - We have just recently put out an album called Everywhere I Go, so we are completely dedicated to traveling and spreading the word!
FMI on Cicada Rhythm visit their website.