Local Band Alert: ThisisReno takes a closer look at local bands in this series of 5-minute interviews. This week we chat with Apothic.
Apothic is a local band performing a unique blend of powerful vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements crossing blues, R&B, traditional and contemporary country and Americana.
The band features original music by co-founders Jeff Davis (guitar, mandolin, banjo, triangle, and vocals) and Marty Easter (guitar and vocals). Other band members include:
Bev Riley – (keyboards, vocals),
Eric Ohlson -(saxophone, keyboards, percussion, vocals),
Karen Sikkenga – (flute, percussion, vocals),
Dennis O’Connell – (bass, vocals) and
Nick McCabe – (drums) (disclosure: Nick also writes and shoots for ThisisReno)
Davis, as a member of the RX Blues band in St. Louis, has opened for such artists as Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Tommy Castro. As a solo artist Davis opened for multi-Grammy winner, Karla Bonoff.
During the summer of 2017 Apothic performed at the Nevada State Fair featuring highly sought after sound engineer Carlos Casiano, Benefit for the Veterans’ Resource Center and the Humpbuckle Music Festival in Shingle Springs, Calif. The band recently completed successful engagements with award-winning Nashville songwriter Bill DiLuigi and was the featured band at “Music in the Garden” for the May Arboretum in June 2018.
Recently I had the chance to ask the band some questions in an online interview. Here’s what they had to say:
ThisisReno: Who came up with the band name and what is its meaning, if there is one?
Apothic: Jeff Davis decided on the name Apothic after several hours of sitting around with the band members trying unsuccessfully to come up with a name. There was a bottle of Apothic wine being passed around. We looked up the meaning of “Apothic,” which means “blend.” That made it a perfect name for our group, since we blend three- and four-part harmony of many songs and blend music styles and backgrounds.
TIR: Who is the band mostly influenced by?
Apothic: Our style is greatly influenced by blues artists from Van Morrison to present-day Keb’ Mo’ and harmony groups ranging from Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Eagles along with recent work of Kenny Loggins. Our original music composed by Jeff Davis and Marty Easter gives us a unique blend of their very different musical backgrounds. These songs become fan favorites that are often requested.
TIR: Describe the band’s sound and style?
Apothic: It is a combination of Southern rock and blues with an uplifting message, and we throw in R&B to keep folks up and dancing.
TIR: Where do you see the band in five years?
Apothic: We see this group opening for and backing well-known artists, and to continue being featured at large festivals in the region. We recently opened and backed award-winning Nashville songwriter Bill Diluigi at The Saint.
TIR: What do you think of Reno Music Scene?
Apothic: The local music scene is challenging but improving. Many areas are like that now with strict enforcement of non-smoking regions, DUI, karaoke, and DJ music over live music groups. However, there are some amazing artists with original music and the talent seems to be improving as the competition gets better.
I’ve seen this band before and they play very well together and have plenty of music to play, both originals and covers. They’re very much worth seeing.
Always remember to support your local bands and venues … Go to a Show!
