93 days…2,232 measly hours…I don’t think I’m alone when I say that Electric Forest needs to come right now and quit taking what seems like all of eternity. From the magic of Sherwood Forest to what I keep hearing only described as “out-of-this-world good vibes”, I cannot wait to positively contribute to my first one. With an eclectic lineup that includes the likes of The String Cheese Incident, Zeds Dead, and a deftly balanced DJ and jam band roster, Electric Forest is one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the summer. Add on the fact that it is located on arguably one of the most picturesque, perfect festival locations in the country and we may have found ourselves a winner.
Today in our first installment, we introduce to you EOTO. If unfamiliar, hopefully this piques your interest and has you on the edge of your seat waiting for June 26th. If you are already well aware, well, hopefully this fills your insatiable Forest appetite for the day. Enjoy!
“All improvised, all the time”
Comprised of creative masterminds Michael Travis and Jason Hann, EOTO is the flag bearer when it comes to improvised, on the fly, live electronic music. If you think those names sound familiar, you are right, as those two also make up the drums and percussion respectively of The String Cheese Incident. Describing themselves as a “100% improvised dubstep/breakbeat/house/DnB/trip-hop duo”, there is really nothing quite like them in the world of electronic music today.
Each and every one of their sets is completely improvised from scratch, allowing the crowd to dictate the journey for the particular night. Yes, even their albums are treated in the same light as live performances; improvised and recorded in one take. This kind of organic, free-flowing take on electronic music allows for a completely unique experience for everyone involved. In an age of pre-packaged drops and lazy similarities, EOTO is successfully breaking the trend through a fusion of live music which is really without genre.
“When we’re playing live for 3 hours a night, it’s like playing tribal drums in a ceremony. I’m looking at one person at a time out there, and thinking ‘what can I do to make you dance?” – Jason Hann
In testament to both their love for music and their fans, each and every set of theirs is recorded and uploaded online for free download to the world. Between the live improvisation every night and their touring schedule these two almost never allow themselves a chance to rest. In just the past year they have performed in nearly 200 shows, and 700 in total in the five years of EOTO’s existence. It is this kind of heartfelt dedication to music and fans that I feel radiates through in their live performances and just gives you something different you can’t quite feel anywhere else. If these two haven’t made your “can’t-miss-under-any-circumstances” list for Forest, I’m not quite sure what else to say. If you haven’t already, I implore you to take a look at their Soundcloud (where every single song and live set is up for free download) and get a taste of what’s coming to Michigan in June. Sit back and take a listen below to a live set of theirs at Red Rocks last summer in an attempt to mentally prepare yourself for what’s in store.
With each day that passes we are one day closer to Rothbury, MI. If unique, fun, creative, heartfelt music is what ultimately draws fans in looking for a musical breath of fresh air, these two men should have quite the crowd ready for them come time for Forest. Enjoy the set above and make sure to be on the lookout for future Electric Forest spotlights!
Photo: B. Hockensmith Photography
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