Turbine to bring unconventional energy to Kearny’s Donegal Saloon
By Anthony J. Machcinski
A turbine is commonly used to create energy. When using that name for a band, one might think the band would come out of the heavy metal, punk, or ska genres. However, the band Turbine is far from those musical formats.
“It kind of sounds like a German death metal band,” said Jeremy Hilliard, guitar player from the band Turbine. “It started out as a humorous thing we thought was kind of funny. As we sat with it, we realized it was more than just that. It had energy to it.”
Turbine origininated in Manhattan in 2004 when Hilliard and harmonica player Ryan Rightmire heard each other play in an unconventional way.
“(Rightmire) and I were next door neighbors in Manhattan and we heard each other playing through the wall,” Hilliard explained. “From there, we just ended up forming a duo and that ended up in Turbine’s first album.”
Soon after forming, the duo realized they would need a rhythm section. After what Hilliard described as an “intense audition process” formed through networking, Turbine became a full, well-oiled machine. The band would go on to debut the new lineup at several national festivals including the famous Bonaroo music festival.
“It was nice to be included in that,” Hilliard said of Bonaroo. “It was one of the greatest gigs to get recognized at.”
What makes Turbine one of the most unique bands hitting the scene is the band’s unique style. With an eclectic group of influences that would make many bands crumble from the sheer variety, Turbine continues to purr.
“(The) style is something that I’m proud of as far as the band is concerned,” Hilliard explained. “We have songs that we play, but it’s the style we play in that’s more important – that separates us. “
Besides their style of play, the style in which they write songs is unique in it’s own right.
“We look from a mix of different themes and places to inspire us,” Hilliard explained. “We also try to look at modern songwriters and lands that write songs in our style.”
The band’s style comes off very similar to that of many jam bands seen at music festivals.
“Our style is a little more improvised,” Hilliard said. “We look to more of improvising at our live shows. It’s a take on the jazz approach and the jam band style.”
This unique style of play showcases itself in many of Turbine’s songs.
“Invited”, a four-minute, bluegrass-infused song off the album Reward, is one of the many songs showcasing the band’s range. With an ever-present harmonica and simple lyrics, the song invites you for a nice relaxing time, transporting the listener to a warm summer’s day down on the river. Even for the greatest bluegrass opponent, Turbine’s great play can be easily appreciated.
Moving away from the bluegrass feel, “Eddy the Sea” brings back more of the jam band style. A soft, rhythmic drum beat accompanies Hilliard’s smooth guitar solos. “Eddy the Sea” is a song that, beyond it’s great studio version, can be expected to be taken to a different level at any live performance with several areas for improvisation.
With a steady group of fans and several albums under their belt, Turbine has slowly worked its way into being one of the best live bands in the area. Despite their success, Hilliard still knows that the band has the opportunity to continue growing.
“Bands are like running from a shark, you got to keep going otherwise you’re dead in the water,” Hilliard explained. “We’ve always managed to grow in one way or another.”
Hilliard continued to show examples of their growth, saying, “If you look at the progression of our records, they keep getting better and better. As long as we are working on our live shows and continue to work on our writing, then the opportunity for growth is there.”
While Turbine’s success cannot be measured by the particular venue that the band plays in, Hilliard just looks at one thing.
“(Its unrealistic to) feel like you’ll sell out Madison Square Garden,” Hiliard explained. “You got to be able to enjoy the little things and enjoy the process. It’s never really over. It’s about growing and playing the music.”
Turbine will come to Kearny when they play Donegal Saloon on May 11. To listen to their music or buy their albums, visit www.turbinemusic.com.
