Review of Amber Mark + Demo Taped

Demo Taped started off the night with so much energy. The 20-year-old Adam Alexander from Georgia, could have hyped up a large stage just the same as the small venue with his dance moves alone. He played songs off his EP “Momentary” and my favorite at the moment, his single “Not Enough”. In between songs, he explained how at one time he wasn’t doing good, and that he struggled with depression, and he is so happy now to be performing for us. It’s so hard to put your finger on the genre of music, but this description takes the cake; “glitchy electronic textures layered over smooth R&B aesthetics with velvety vocals.” Adam himself said “electronic with many other elements built in” but he wishes to keep experimenting and bending genres.

What I appreciated was that Adam had a message to share. He openly voiced his struggles with anxiety and depression. He wants to talk about illness and self-care in the black community, especially during the current political climate. In an interview, when asked about where he got the name from, he explains how one way to have his music heard was to send it into labels. He saw on every site that they would not accept “unsolicited demos” and that got him thinking about those demos that don’t get heard.

“I wanted to take this idea of something that doesn’t get heard, or gets set aside, like demos that get sent into labels, and I kind of wanted to make that my voice.”

One of his songs, “Insecure” was recorded in his grandfather’s church that was started by former slaves during the civil rights movement. His grandfather marched with Dr King in Atlanta. He has been raised by a family that proudly stands up for what they believe in. I highly suggest you take a look at: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8013833/demo-taped-debuts-pack-of-gum-talks-insecurities-interview

to read the whole interview where he expands on the song “Insecure” and talks more on destigmatizing mental illness in the black community.

We Await Amber Mark

After a pause, and some technical difficulties the beginning of “Conexão” plays. Long awaited Amber Mark walks on stage to a loud cheer and meets the microphone just in time to sing the first line of the title track of her new EP.

The first time she was in Montreal was to open for Glass Animals, where we all fell in love with her powerful voice and beats you can’t help but move to (even if you can’t dance, trust me). My favorite shows are when an opening band comes back to headline their own show and I’ve been looking forward to this for about a year. For some research about Amber take a look at my review for Glass Animals.

One thing that welcomes the band is the crowd singing along to the new music they are putting out, letting them know “we like where you’re going, and we support you”. I’d be surprised if anyone in the Belmont that night came without listening to her new EP “Conexão” and loved it!

There was nothing but support, especially through all the sound problems. The top keyboard not working, parts of the drum pad, background vocals not heard, disconnecting her microphone halfway through a song and having to restart. There was nothing but cheering from the crowd during breaks when trying to fix the sound. Amber would kneel down and talk to the crowd, among the compliments on her outfit and the random yells from the crowd saying they loved her, and the drunk guy behind me singing “gonna party like it’s your birthday” seemingly like a broken record.

Because of time constraints they had to cut down on the setlist, she mostly played her older songs from ”3:33”. The crowd sang along to the old and new, and danced along to “All the Work”. Afterwards, they exited the stage after much applause and the classic “ole ole ole” chant. The crowd enthusiastically cheered as we heard the first piano chords, and we knew exactly what song she was playing as an encore. The show closed with the positive mood of “Way Back” and everyone sang along to the last hurrah before they have to leave.

Amber and a few band members came out soon after, to talk to the fans and take pictures with them. She apologized many times for the sound problems and having to cut it short, but was met with thanks and smiles from everyone she talked to. She graciously signed a setlist for my friend who couldn’t make it, and we took a quick picture. She was so sweet and attentive and made conversation easy.

Not every day you get to talk to your favorite band. Gotta love intimate shows.

Review – Breanna Wark