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Local Artist Profile: Santa

posted by Matt at 1:13 pm.

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Santa Members
Stan McConnell: guitar/vocals
Mack McConnell: guitar
Tommy Trafton: keys
Otto Stuparitz: bass
Steve Plock: drums

There is a distinct feeling felt in the pit of the stomach when experiencing the rush that accompanies a significant transition. Presently, it is channeled through the tips of grass on the quad as Spring rolls into town towing sunshine and cheer - God knows this year’s graduating class is a bit giddy with the excitement of the unknown looming before them. I think as much can be said about some of CU’s local musicians as they begin to make the transition from exploratory music writing to developing a significant sound.

Listening to Santa’s newest material, Stan’s vocals have become more than “I just do this for fun”; they are passionate, recognizable. The My Bones EP itself is not just a collection of what Santa has done to date; it plays like the genesis of a cohesive album. Cohesion does not even begin to qualify the tight percussion Steve Plock has brought to the table. Live Santa no longer evokes endearing but sloppy bar rock; they are practiced, impressive.

Santa’s mantra has always been “sing along!” Pretty soon, listeners will do that without spur:

“The Crumble”

“Hashish”

“Bottles and Bracelets”

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

Santa answers questions about their new line-up, future endeavors, and Thax Douglas!

the217: Santa has gone through a significant face-lift this year. Why were the line-up changes made and how did you decide on new members Steve Plock and Tommy Trafton?

Santa: Before the lineup change, we weren’t able to create and perform the music that we were hearing in our heads. We wanted to focus our vision, but first we needed to establish one. Apart from being excellent musicians (the cat’s pajamas), Steve and Tommy were interested in making the same type of music as us. Now, we are striving for the same musical identity, and that cohesion definitely shows in our new material. It’s fresh, yet familiar. For the first time, Santa sounds frighteningly close to how it should.

Santa performing “In the Front Seats, In the Back Seats” live on WPGU 107.1 FM

the217: You recently released the My Bones EP and have it available on iTunes. When can we expect a full length follow-up from Santa?

Santa: Currently, we are in the process of recording a smattering of demos in order to enhance our writing process and help us clarify the direction of our next record. We don’t have a specific date in mind, but we aim to have all of our seedlings recorded and ready to share by the ides of July. From there we’ll point and shoot. In the meantime, we’ll be performing and honing our tender new tunes in concert. You can expect to hear 5 or 6 of these on Thursday at the Canopy.

Stan Finds His Happy Thought [Courtesy: Santa]

the217: Santa is part of Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary “Tribute to Local Music” this Thursday May 8th. Describe your favorite experience playing at the Canopy and what the venue has meant to you as a band.

Santa: Our favorite show was definitely our CD Release show in March. It was an honor to debut our disc the night after Headlights. We had great opening acts, and by the time we took the stage, the room had an incredible energy. The whole show felt perfect for us and we are expecting nothing less of this Thursday.

the217: Speaking of great experiences, Thax Douglas (the poet who enjoys introducing bands with a reading) recently introduced Santa when you played Chicago’s Double Door. Do you have the poem he read? If Thax Douglas is any sort of barometer for popularity, how did his decision to introduce Santa make you feel?

Santa: We have the poem, written by Thax himself (at Dunkin’ Donuts). When we found out that he was reading for us, we were elated. Some might say it’s just words on paper, but it gave us confidence nonetheless, probably because we knew that at least one person was in our corner that night. We dig the poem, too. It reads:

Santa by Thax Douglas

on moving
sidewalks the gardens
flow, sucking
nutrients from the
carnival atmosphere
they applaud with
their roots!
Their spectacular
colors are strong
enough that resting
spa souls
float on them
up to the
resurrection casserole
baking in an
oven that
was only a myth
until now.

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

the217: What are Santa’s plans for the summer? Excited for any festivals you might be attending?

Santa: Apart from writing and recording everyday, we’ll be celebrating the phases of the moon, playing soccer, gardening, and having campfires. Mack turns 21 during the Pitchfork Music festival, so it’s going to be a happy clappy time with Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, and the Hold Steady. The rest of the time, we are getting down to business. We are really excited for our show at the Abbey Pub in Chicago on May 31. It’s a Saturday night and its 18+, so all of our friends can come. Who knows, maybe even Thax will be there.

**

Photo By: Elle Destree [Courtesy: Santa]

Whether you are a resident of CU, still have finals left, or are just here to PARTAY - head over to the Canopy Club’s 10th Anniversary Celebration featuring a “Tribute to Local Music” tomorrow night (Thursday)! Santa will be playing alongside CU’s best local talent. Don’t miss it!

Contact Info:
Electronic Press Kit
Santacast!
Booking: santabooking@gmail.com

Matt Fender: I'm put together beautifully