Sound & Gravity: An Exploration of Music
Article and Photo by Kayla Matheus
Sound & Gravity is a new music festival that just closed out its second edition, spanning four days and seven local venues. The festival aims to be an immersive experience and headlines a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to post-punk. Sound & Gravity was a lively exploration of alternative music unlike any other in Chicago. The festival showcased varied methods of creating unique sounds across the lineup, and the walkable commute between venues let attendees engage with the Bricktown community.
Exploring each venue was part of the fun. Most of the locations were a short walk from one another, making it easy to hop between sets. Because of the intimate nature of each show, attendees had effortless front-row access. The Rockwell Patio and Main Room stood out, with ample space to roam, beautiful views right on the Chicago riverfront, and delicious food and drink options.
Sam Wilkes played the Rockwell Patio; his solo show used a loop pedal alongside honey-smooth guitar and vocals to create a groovy sound. Resavoir played after- their style combines jazz with otherworldly synthesizers, contrasted by a bright soprano saxophone. The drums and bass were tight, and the electronic wind instruments had a unique metallic sound. Water Damage played the Main Room, and they were unlike any other live music experience. Their set included ten musicians on stage: two on violin, two on guitar, two on bass, two on drums, one person on cello, and one strumming a homemade string instrument. Their set was a wall of sound, slowly building up as each new instrument came in to build a motley soundscape. They played one continuous piece for an impressive hour-long set.
The featured artists displayed how instruments can be played in inventive ways. During Water Damage’s set, a guitarist played their instrument with a bow as the drummer scratched the surface of his cymbal with a drumstick. Each musician created intriguing and unique sounds. microplastique used objects like rubber duckies and homemade shakers in their set. Kalia Vandever played the trombone with reverb so delayed it sounded like she was performing a call-and-response with herself. Ami Dang sang over the sitar and the low rumble of a synth; some songs featured her grandfather's poetry.
Sound & Gravity is the perfect festival for the seasoned music enthusiast. The eclectic lineup lets festival-goers discover new artists while exploring Bricktown’s local creative culture. The festival also fundraises for Constellation, an avant-garde performing arts presenter focusing on jazz, improvisational, experimental, and contemporary classical music.
PHOTO PASS: SOUND & GRAVITY FESTIVAL
