by Lexi Bissonnette
(credit Darin de Montbrun)
Calypso music isn’t just for the islands anymore. Indie folk band Kobo Town is bringing it to Philadelphia at World Cafe Live on July 9th at 7pm. Having toured Canada, Europe and small sections of America, this stop is one of the first on their extended American tour this summer.
Founded seven years ago by Trinidadian/Canadian Drew Gonsalves, Kobo Town captures the lyrical qualities and folklore of Calypso music and messes it seamlessly with some more modern sounds.
(photo credit Paul Wright)
“I didn’t have a clearly articulated idea, but I was really interested in Calypso,” says Gonsalves about the bands sound. Calypso music has ties with all folk music. It’s the fourth cousin twice removed separate from the blues.” Due to that, it allows for a similarity and mix in sound that draws in many listeners.
Though songwriter Gonsalves did not have a distinct sound he wished to capture when he formed Kobo Town, he had distinct inspirations: the Caribbean folklore he grew up hearing and singer Mighty Spoiler.
Kobo Town’s second album, Jumbie in the Jukebox, was released in April and helped the band to evolve their sound into what audiences will hear Tuesday. Gonsalves credited this largely to working with produce Ivan Duran. “He is a really meticulous producer and encouraged me to think deeply about the material. He helped me to capture the mood in the music as well as in the words.”
Along with an extended American tour and a new album, Kobo Town has been nominated for the Polaris Prize, an award for the best Canadian album regardless of genre.
Add a little of the island to your summer with Kobo Town on Tuesday at World Cafe Live.
