by Mely Duong
photo by Brendan O’Connor
Del Paxton is an organic indie/emo band hailing from Buffalo, NY that has been around since 2013. Their name originates from a character in the Tom Hanks movie That Thing You Do; Del Paxton is an elusive jazz pianist who embodies playing music for all the right reasons. This reflects the band’s own authentic interest and dedication to their craft and to the process of creative music. Dylan England (guitarist and vocalist), Greg McClure (drummer), and Zach Schoedel (vocalist and bassist) have been playing the same music and living in the same music scene for years.
Despite the constant familiarity, the band has evolved over the years. This is evident in their debut LP, All Day, Every Day, All Night, which is set to be released this Friday, March 3rd. The songs are typically written based off a riff from a guitar or bass with layers added subsequently. McClure and Schoedel have played together since 7th grade and have established a strong compatibility and musical connection. Sometimes they are so in tune with each other musically that England merely plays a simple chord to fill in the space. Other times, the band messes around with a mixed meter to challenge themselves. However, lyrics are usually last.
Their previous EPs- Worst. Summer. Ever. and Split- were recorded, mixed, and mastered by Adam Korbesmeyer, whereas their new LP was done by Jay Zubricky. Although the band’s songwriting approach has remained the same, the slight nuances in the sound emanated can be attributed to the different recording philosophies Korbesmeyer and Zubricky respectively. This has resulted in different choices that can influence and alter the entire listening experience for fans.
If England could go back and alter the LP, he would have liked to add more sound clips or instrumentation, but staying true to form Del Paxton has kept the architecture of the melodies simple. England recommends “’Koolwink’ because it’s in seven and it’s about a motel…[in addition] ‘Coast to Coast AM’ is different enough from what we’d normally do.”
There’s just enough variety to keep the listener engaged. Del Paxton has managed to walk the fine line between staying true to their authentic sound as a band while challenging boundaries.
On this LP, England states, “There are certain themes we visit like traveling, seasons, memory, and youth, but it seems to me the album is more a collage comprised of our collective moments from growing up in Upstate NY.”
This LP inspires a mood of nostalgia, yet also mourning and celebration of times past and ahead. When the band recorded the album, their good friend had passed away from an overdose a few days prior to Del Paxton entering the studio. At the time, England was also in the middle of buying a house so there was a lack of focus creatively.
“It helped that we recorded live because it was therapeutic and natural for us,” he says. “It’s tough for me to hear this album and not think about that specific time but I’m really happy with how it turned out.”
It is clear that the songs are brimming with raw emotions and inspires reflection of past grief, the continual motion of time, and yet culminates in an understanding of growth. Del Paxton is not a full time band, so at times their focus is diverted. Planning is often a weakness. However, their short term goals include playing some great shows including SXSW. They hope have more new material this year as well.
“Thanks to all who support us and what we do! You can still pre order our debut full length from Topshelf records. See ya in Texas. Keep an eye on our tour schedule we’d love to hang this summer,” finishes England.
To learn more about the band and their tour schedule, visit their Facebook and bandcamp.
