Columbus contains one of the largest populations of college students in America — the same segment of society known for a never-ending desire to party. As if providing “adult” beverages weren’t enough to fuel the fire, the Scarlet and Grey Café has made it clear the party doesn’t start until Stretch Lefty takes the stage.
Showing off a blend of multi-genre-infused hip-hop, Stretch Lefty has effectively gotten people moving and shaking at the Scarlet and Grey every Thursday night.
“It’s hip-hop and whatever,” said Eric Rollin, one of the two singer/rappers in the band. “We’re making what feels good.”
The weekly show started near the end of 2008, and the band only takes summers off.
“We’re always down to do anything for the community,” said Johnny Williamson, who shares vocal duties with Rollin.
This is highlighted by the band’s upcoming concert at the Ohio Union Grand Ballroom on Thursday, May 6.
“Feed Ohio’s Future” is a benefit concert that donates all the proceeds to the Children’s Hunger Alliance of Ohio. The organization provides services to feed thousands of children across the state.
Other than being an active part of the community, Stretch Lefty is currently working on refining its aesthetic.
There’s no problem with the energy level. The group plays with a liveliness that keeps the dance floor and the stage busy. Performance technique aside, Rob Riley said he learned about 18 songs in three days when Williamson first invited him to join as the drummer.
The difficulty lies in playing the hectic game known as show business. There are many elements to being a professional artist, and one of them is the money.
“It’s all for the music,” Rollin said. “When you’ve been playing for seven or eight years, it’s cool to play for free,” but with changing priorities that often come with age, it gets a bit more complicated. He summarized the situation, saying “it’s hard to balance art and business.”
One tactic Stretch has adopted is the release of shorter albums containing only four or five tracks. According to guitarist Anthony Fancelli, the goal is to “put it in the ears of everyone.”
“We want to release a lot of small things and put out as much new material as possible,” he said.
“Beat Down and Broken,” the band’s latest work, was released in March. It contains five tracks, half as many as 2008’s release “Universe Box.” Fancelli explained the method, saying they want to release bits and pieces over the years to test which style fans really like.
The common thread in the band’s music is hip-hop, as most verses are filled with rapping rather than singing. Other than that, many different genres come and go. Some tunes lean on the funky side, and some are more soulful. There are even some reggae grooves on “Universe Box.”
Overall, “Beat Down and Broken” is more upbeat than the 2008 release. The title track opens with a jingling guitar lick and horns reminiscent of James Brown and the 70s funk scene. The only slow song is the final track, “Broken Record,” a five-minute ballad that makes for a mellow ending to the album.
As Stretch Lefty closes in on its 10-year celebration of coming together, everything is running smoothly.
“Beat Down and Broken” inspired a newly remodeled website, Thursdays are on lockdown at the Scarlet and Grey, and the group is working on building its fan base with a schedule booked up until June.
In terms of the future, “we’re trying to do some festivals even though we’re not a jam band,” Williamson said. As for now, “we’re just shopping the EP.”
