Music makes beer taste better? In 2016, Vrije University in Brussels, Belgium, conducted a study that showed scientific evidence that music has an impact on our taste of beer. This study concluded that lower audible frequencies, ie: electronic dance music, reggae, and hip-hop make one perceive bitter senses, while higher audible frequencies, ie: metal, pop, and classical bring out sweet senses. It makes me curious and at some point I may want to experiment with this. I have noticed that when dining out, if the music is upbeat with a fast tempo, I tend to enjoy my beer and the company I keep better than when the background music is a slower tempo, like the mid-’70s melancholic soft rock. We all feel that certain songs and alcohol can often bring out our emotions. Composing music and creating local craft beer, wine, or spirits mirror each other not only in their creativity, but in the influence they have on each other. There are quite a few local musicians who love and support local craft. I had the opportunity to talk to a few very talented local musical artists. I was pleasantly surprised and excited about the responses and valuable messages I received. I hope you are too.
When I was thinking about the union of music and beer, Narragansett Brewery came to mind. Steve Smith and the Nakeds has been the official band of Gansett since 2005. Josh Kane, who plays the trombone for this rhythm and blues band, recalled this union to me. “When Mark Hellendrung (owner of Narragansett Brewing) was bringing Gansett back to RI, he reached out to Steve Smith to help promote the beer. Every public Nakeds show became a beer promotion. They give us swag to hand out to the crowds at shows, sometimes Smith has the band truck deliver beer to venues, and they keep our band cooler stocked. We’ve gotten some really good beers over the years. The Lovecraft Honey Ale, Allie’s Donuts Chocolate Porter, Bananagrams Hefeweizen, Imperial Black Steam Ale, and Autocrat Coffee Stout have been some standouts over the years.”
Kane comes from a family of musicians and music teachers. He is an instrument manufacturer for a company in Massachusetts. He has played with many bands over the years, including; Bad Larry, Deer Tick, Free Funk All-Stars, John Allmark Jazz Orchestra, and John Cafferty. He also plays in a band called Kickin’ Brass, which debuted at Pivotal Brewing’s Mardi Gras celebrations this year and last, and at Beervana, Foolproof Brewing, Buttonwoods, and the former beer bar, Track 84. Kane shared “We played Buttonwoods brewery and had entirely too much fun with the Underberg. I have a lot of really good personal memories at Foolproof over the years and would have to say when I get to play there, it feels like home.” To add to this impressive experience, Kane is also in a band called the Funky Submarine.
Sharing the love of the craft, we agree that times have changed. ”I think the thing that killed big beer fests is the economy and just the complete oversaturation of offerings,” Kane shares, “When I turned 21 there were 4, 5 breweries in RI. 20 years later, it’s 10 times that? I think the fight for shelf space and the attempt to bring beer to the masses puts a lot of small breweries in a precarious place. The retail shops lean into making space for craft beer, and there is much more competition. Let’s not forget the macros are still the macros and haven’t lost THAT much of the market share. I don’t think there are too many breweries making too much good beer. I think trying to compete in a retail distribution space ends up hurting more small breweries than it ultimately helps. My local brewery is Bravo, and I like their stuff. I don’t see it on as many shelves as some larger area breweries. It seems like they have more control of their sales by limiting distribution instead of trying to keep up with everyone else. I don’t think the future sees anything like Track 84 again, but going to a brewery, catching a band, and having some food from the kitchen or food truck seems to be en vogue, and I don’t see any reason that should change anytime soon.” Does Kane have a favorite beer? “I don’t think I can lock in a singular favorite, but I’ll tell you one that I thought was so delicious it haunts me: Vigilant Brewing’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Sour. Holy crap was that tasty.”
Christopher Principe is an original songwriter who can be heard often singing covers in RI and MA breweries, bars, restaurants, and small clubs. He told me, “I was drawn to music at a young age. Both of my parents are musicians. I grew up in a household where listening to music was more than just background. Listening intently was celebrated as not only a skill, but as a way of being. There were a lot of sing-alongs at the upright piano in the living room. I remember my father being so emotionally affected when he was singing and playing. It was a type of pure joy and connection. A whole different way of feeling.”
I personally struggle at times finding the headspace to be able to write. Principe had some input on this, explaining what inspires him. “It’s hard to pinpoint that, but sometimes a melody or lyric idea can just pop into your head uninvited, and if I happen to be in a space where I can grab the guitar and explore it, then it’s game on. Lyrically these days I’m into telling stories from my past as a way of working through and making sense of things that have happened in my life. I’m also very much moved by what’s happening socially and politically in our country. I’m moved to speak up for the underdogs and to celebrate our differences as humans. Diversity, acceptance, tolerance, inclusion – it is what makes us strong. We are better together, not divided.” This struck a positive chord with me and made me curious to know what Principe was working on right now lyrically, “Right now I’m excited about sharing two songs. “Us vs Them” – a song that aims to remind everyone of their own humanity and also encourages folks to remove themselves from the algorithm and to interact in real life, instead of with comments on social media. “Judge & Jury” – a song about the idea that hate is learned and love is innate. No one is born into this world hating anything, like at all. We learn from our surroundings and our environment. It also proposes that hate can be unlearned if you are open to it. Make it your mission to be kind. Give others a chance. Break through snap judgements and open yourself up to those who are different.”
Cheers to those inspiring words. Principe can be seen locally in his free time having a beer at Bravo Brewery. A fan of malt-forward beers, he favors Bravo’s Octoberfest beer. He also expressed concern over the decline in our local breweries. “This does worry me. My hope is that for every place that closes, a new one pops up. I do know that it is very difficult in this current time to be a small business owner. We should all do our part to support local venues, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, etc. These are the places that foster local talent and help create vibrant local economies. Support your local!!!”
It isn’t just our local craft that is suffering. It is also local music. Jake Hunsinger, voted Motif’s favorite country act for the past three years, had some insight on this. “Nightlife is suffering in general, things are too expensive, and there’s not enough places for curated band shows with a door cover. Be that as it may, there are countless breweries, distilleries, vineyards, and restaurants where a solo artist or band can make a lot of money doing original and cover music. Most places these days do not demand top 40, but rather that you don’t suck and do something interesting.” When I asked Hunsinger what makes him stand out, he humbly told me, “I think that’s a question better answered by other people. Often when folks talk about what makes me stand out, it’s usually my voice, my writing, and my stage show. I think it’s because I wear a cowboy hat.”
Hunsinger has been playing the guitar since the age of ten. His songwriting started when he was in high school, taking jazz guitar lessons. His lyrical talent comes from writing “words that feel and sound good” and that are “true to the point.” Playing music full-time since 2021 and releasing an album in 2022 hasn’t stopped Hunsinger from making time to support local craft beer, wine, and spirits. Explaining that he didn’t have a favorite, he mentioned, “Moniker, Trágmar, and Tilted Barn offer some of the best. Moniker makes a lot of Czech-inspired beers, Tragmar does Irish, and Tilted Barn does American style. So in short, I go to each for when I’m craving something in particular. For distilleries, it’s the same: Sons of Liberty’s Bottled in Bond is something I always keep stocked in my home bar, and ISCO’s Ostreida Oyster Vodka or their Coastal Cask Bourbon are two I always look forward to having when I play music there. Working Man Distillers in Pawtucket has curated a really special environment, and makes a great single malt as well. When it comes to vineyards, there are two that I’m obsessed with in Connecticut, across the border in North Stonington: Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard and Salt Water Farms Vineyard. I played a show at the latter just recently and was able to bring home a wonderful dry red that will certainly be drunk before the week is over.” He then added, “All of these locations I mentioned take special care to make inspired beverages, and also all have live music. I encourage everyone reading to go check them out!”
The support doesn’t stop there, Pat Barone, former professional sound engineer, singer, and songwriter shared that he, “Always preferred craft beer over mass-produced options because of the creativity and quality involved.” Some of his local favorites include, “Tragmar Ale Works, Crook Point Brewing Company, and Grey Sail Brewing. Each produces exceptional beers such as Tragmar Ale Works, Tragmar Czech-inspired Pilsner, Crook Point’s Two Hammers Double IPA, and Grey Sail’s Captain’s Daughter.” I have had all three, and I agree. Barone is always interested in discovering breweries and hopes to visit Lops Brewery and Troy City Brewing soon.
Barone has had “a strong appreciation for music since an early age.” He was a former member of the two rock bands, Mirror Studies and Running Maid. He has spent the last eight years as a solo artist and finds music relaxing and something that has been a staple of his existence. No stage fright here, Barone portrayed the character James Dalton (Patrick Swayze) in a musical performance of the movie Road House (the original) at Proclamation Ale Company.
When you combine music with local craft beer, wine, or spirits, it is truly a one-of-a-kind moment. One you are sure to remember. You can’t dance without music, and you can’t enjoy local craft if you don’t fill that glass.
Cheers to local beers!