The members of Humming House have come a long way in a relatively short time, evolving from a folky sound to something that is more rooted in dance music and indie rock. Over years of touring the group has managed to craft a sound that is incredibly tight but also unbelievably catchy and suited for radio. These essential traits of Humming House are evident in Companion, which is out on October 6th.
The story of the album mirrors the story of the band: it’s one of collaboration, experimentation, and showing up for each other over and again. There are songs of hope and of desperation so that the prevailing mood is one of exchange and balance. In the spirit of experimentation, the band threw out the constraining rule that they would only write with acoustic instruments. While those sounds still center the creative impulses of the songs, the added electric experimentation and expanded instrumentation imbue the new songs with a dynamism that is irresistible.
Today Glide Magazine is premiering the song “Companion”, which is exuberant and loaded with a light-hearted fun sound. Quick-fire guitar riffs are balanced with an anthemic chorus and a bouncy fun sound that makes a perfect soundtrack for closing out that summer party. As a whole, the song feels like what would happen if Vampire Weekend made a song rooted more in rock and roll and less in trying to be Ivy League intellectuals. At the end of the day, the members of Humming House possess a deep understanding of the fact that music should be fun above all else, and “Companion” reflects that viewpoint.
Band member Justin Wade Tam weighs in on the song and adds his own personal reflection:
“‘Companion’ is simply about the excitement of meeting someone new and the thrill of being together. It’s about enjoying the most momentous and mundane parts of a relationship. The song came together in pieces. I split my time between Athens, GA and Nashville, TN for 4 years while my wife was working on her PHD at UGA. Needless to say, I had quite a bit of drive time on my commutes back and forth. The melody and lyrics to ‘Companion’ were written a capella in the car somewhere on I-75. I knew what the key would be, but I really had no musical direction. So I sent an iPhone memo (car noise and all) to Ben and Josh so they could come up with some ideas. When the three of us got together, they had developed similar riffs that soon became musical hooks for the song.It was a fun collaboration.”
LISTEN:
Humming House release Companion on October 6th. For more music and info visit humminghouse.com.
Tour Dates:
09/01 – Thomas, WV @ The Purple Fiddle
09/02 – Front Royal, VA @ Appaloosa Festival
09/08 – Milwaukee, WI @ MAC Rooftop Series
09/09 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre (Rye Room)
09/10 – Denver, CO @ Levitt Pavilion
09/16 – Nashville, TN @ Americana Fest
09/21 – Knoxville, TN @ Open Chord*
09/22 – Chattanooga, TN @ Revelry Room
09/23 – McMinnville, TN @ Isha Institute of Inner Sciences*
10/10 – Little Rock, AR @ South on Main*
10/11 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall*
10/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Sam’s Burger Joint*
10/13 – Arlington, TX @ Levitt Pavilion*
10/14 – Oklahoma, City @ The Blue Door*
10/15 – Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room*
10/17 – Davenport, IA @ The Raccoon Motel*
10/18 – Evanston, IL @ SPACE*
10/19 – St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill Duck Room*
10/20 – Columbus, OH @ Woodland Tavern*
10/21 – Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s*
10/31 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe*
11/01 – Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East*
11/02 – Lewiston, ME @ Bates College*
11/03 – Brownfield, ME @ The Stone Mountain Arts Center*
11/04 – Burlington, VT @ Club Metronome*
11/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ MilkBoy*
11/07 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge*
11/08 – Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java*
11/09 – Charlotte, NC @ The Visualite Theatre*
11/10 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom*
11/16 – Athens, GA @ The Foundry*
11/17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl*
11/18 – Birmingham, AL @ Wordplay Theatre*
* w/ Becca Mancari
