Nobody has heard of Longwave yet, but this is almost guaranteed to change. The New York City-based band recently finished their album, "The Strangest Things," on the RCA label and found their way into the pages of Rolling Stone magazine.
Longwave opened for OK Go and The Forms at Mohawk Place last Sunday, bringing their sound to a room packed with listeners who quickly turned into fans. Aside from their music, they brought a good sense of humor as well. Guitarist and singer Steve Schiltz joked about a smattering of locations the band had supposedly driven from to play just for the Buffalo audience, including California, North Carolina, and Boston (their real departure point).
Schiltz said the band had a "good time" playing at the Mohawk Place. "In the past we have played at Nietzsche's and the Showplace Theatre," he said. "We also played Broadway Joe's, which was kind of a bad experience. In Rochester, we have played at Milestones and the Waterstreet Music Hall."
With two members who grew up and went to high school in Rochester, the band has some strong Western New York ties, but Longwave's actual formation took place in New York City.
"We all met up in New York City," Schiltz said. "I know the drummer, Mike (James) from Rochester. We went to high school there together. He came down in November of 2001. Shannon (Ferguson) and I worked together at a Citibank in Manhattan and I found a posting on a bulletin board with Dave's (Marchese) name as a bassist."
So far, the band has used its rigorous touring schedule and intensely motivated members to gain popularity.
"It's from playing shows mostly; we are lucky cause people seem to like it. Our album was just reviewed in Rolling Stone and we are getting good feedback," said Schiltz.
The band's sound is mix of a variety of their musical interests, and their musical influences come from bands like Radiohead, R.E.M., The Flaming Lips, and U2.
The band looks forward to having the singles from their new album get some airplay in order to further spread their music. With the release of their album, their goals include hoping they "sell enough records to make RCA happy enough with us to make another. But mostly to have fun, we are enjoying what we are doing right now."
From the history of the band's touring, it seems that they definitely enjoy playing. They spread their music around the country and even overseas. They have played four tours throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, and will go back to Europe later this month beginning with a show in Glasgow, Scotland on Feb. 21.
After returning from Europe, the band plans to do a college tour, including nearby Alfred University.
Their album, "The Strangest Things," has a U.S. release date of March 18. The band's website, www.longwavetheband.com has news, tour information and sound files for prospective new fans.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
