Locochino, a local alternative/progressive rock band, will perform at The Jam on Friday night. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 with Locochino performing at about 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Other performances at the show include Los Panas 352, Stew and Liquid Spiral.
The band is made up of guitarists Brian Johnson and Alan Garver, bass player Nick Melms and drum player Sam Coplin.
Locochino spoke with the Avenue about how the band got together, different aspects that contribute to its music and the fun energy the band embraces.
So, let’s start with the basics: How did the band come together?
Sam: So like, I don’t know when it was — it was a party. They (Nick and Brian) came to a party of ours (Sam and Alan), we exchanged phone numbers, I sat on it for like a year and I just called them up one day and we jammed and we meshed well.
Gainesville has a very large, diverse music culture. How do you think this has influenced your music? Have you developed a fanbase or type of audience?
Sam: I think we kind of fit in well with the type of music that’s played in Gainesville, kind of like that funk, jammy style. So we have a successful place in this city in particular.
Brian: We have a mixed bag of genres, and Gainesville is kind of diverse in the music scene, so it works out.
What is the music-making process like for you? What goes through your head?
Sam: Honestly, usually it’s like somebody, usually Brian or Nick, will have either a rift or an outline of a song, and we just kind of jam on it. That’s kind of why our music sounds so jammy — because all of our songs just come out of jamming.
Brian: We’ve, like, all brought our own pieces. Once everyone is there, everyone has their opinion and puts their layers on it.
What is the main take-away point or feeling you hope your audience gets from your music?
Alan: Just dance, that’s what I want.
Sam: Just have a good time; it’s nothing super serious. Not trying to change the world or whatever.
What is your band’s spirit animal?
Sam: A dingo!
If your music device broke and you could only listen to one song your whole life, what song would you choose?
Sam: “Holland, 1945” by Neutral Milk Hotel
Brian: “Reba” by Phish
Nick: “Divisions” by Umphrey’s McGee
Alan: “Rescue Me” by Zach Deputy
Is there anything you want to add?
Brian: For me, I personally get a lot of joy out of music, which I mean most people do, you know, that’s kind of why we listen to music. That is kind of what I think is the most important part about music — bringing joy to people.
[A version of this story ran on page 9 on 4/9/2015]
