The Seven Cities offer a variety of styles from the Peninsula to the South Side, and in my opinion Thin Air Rising is a true representation of the Virginia Beach music scene.   The beach is known for their reggae or beach rock variations, and with the easy going lifestyle the message within the music is valid amongst fans.  The name Thin Air Rising comes from the idea that this reggae-infused group literally appeared from thin air out of the beach music scene to spread fresh and positive vibes throughout the 757.  The original band members came together in 2007 and started to formulate a style that they felt fit their diverse backgrounds.  Their self-titled album has an assortment of six vibrant songs that go from a very traditional reggae to a more complex percussion sequences generally found in punk and hardcore music.

With a punk drummer and classically trained horn section, the dub/reggae scene was quite a change, but the ensemble was not afraid to take on the challenge.   In meeting the group, I was pleased to see that they were older than I expected - regular Joes who find time to jam on the side and not Sublime-obsessed, out-of-work waiters with bongo drums.  I sat down with the octet for drinks, a bit of dining, and more drinks, to discover who and what Thin Air Rising was all about.

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The Interview

33:  With the reggae roots community being so big in Virginia Beach, have you all ever received any negative or positive perspective from them?

We've gotten positive responses so far.  Nobody dislikes what we're doing...

there may be some frowners that say 'that no real reggae' but we haven't directly heard that. We're all tight knit.

 

33:  Usually reggae is used to spread a political message.  Are you all trying to spread a message in any way through your music?

Peace, love, and balance.

33:  Music longevity is something that every band strives for; what does it take to achieve longevity?

I believe that you have to keep ideas fresh and new and always be on the cusp and not stale...grasping the attention (of fans) and at the same time sending the message to move...it's a vibration.

 

33:  Where would you be if you weren't playing music?

Miserable.

 

33:  What can we expect in the future for Thin Air Rising?

A lot!  A new album out in March 2010 and doing a lot of shows in the spring...anticipating some out-of-town shows.  Lots of exposure.

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I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at finally hearing the group play live.  I was hesitant of the ensemble of eight, wondering if they would be able to co-mingle in a fashion to make their songs worth listening to live.  With a sold-out show at the Norva and with Badfish as the headliner, Thin Air had no choice but to deliver, and they did exactly that.  The live show was reminiscent of an old-school Caribbean rock-steady vibe because of the ever present horn section, but the fans seemed pleased with the modern ska fusion.  The performance was entertaining.  Thayer Davis (guitar) and Chris Brown (drums) were able to handle vocals and keep up the pace of the performance without missing a beat - very impressive.  Unlike so many other groups throughout Hampton Roads, the dedication to their music and families of the members of Thin Air sticks out.  With some in the group not even being members a full year yet, it seems logical that with time and experience they will bring their caliber of music to yet another level.  I would like to thank Thin Air Rising and their Manager Jason Brunner for not only showing me a good time at the Norva, but also for making my day by spending it with serious and driven musicians.  Looking forward to catching them this summer.

Find out more about Thin Air Rising:

MySpace.com/ThinAirRising

By Author and Staff Coordinator: Mallory Douglas

Mallory loves to cover the Jam Band, Rock, Ska and even Bluegrass genres for the Seven Cities as she leads Hampton Roads Team33!

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