On the 4th of July, you can spend the day at the beach, host a BBQ, launch fireworks from the comfort of your own backyard or indulge in the musical festivities that’ll be taking over Providence. One of those festivities is Revival Fest, an all-day free event sponsored by local brewery Revival Brewing Company taking place at Dusk on 301 Harris Ave. The lineup features kickass rock ‘n’ roll act Thee Fabulous Itchies among others. I had the chance to talk with Itchies frontman and soul brother extraordinaire Ty Jesso about his involvement in the Providence music scene and his monthly DJ night Soul Power.
Rob Duguay: One thing that’s been happening in Providence over the past few years is the reemergence of a local garage rock scene with bands like Ravi Shavi, Neutrinos, Atlantic Thrills, The Worried and Gymshorts along with Thee Itchies tearing it up. Do you think that amplified rock ‘n’ roll can take over Providence from the folk scene that has been hugely popular in the city so far this decade?
Ty Jesso: It seems to me that both genres are doing pretty well on the scene right now. I think there is plenty of room for all. I for one, don’t just listen to one genre. I think the clubgoers in Rhode Island are pretty openminded as well. But when Friday comes around, I’d much rather see a rock ‘n’ roll band tearing it up onstage. To me, that’s what weekends are for: wild and crazy music that makes you want to drink, yell and dance. Save the folk for chilling out on Sunday.
RD: What do you think has improved the most about the music coming out of Providence over the past 25 years?
TJ: The diversity of music without a doubt. In the past, I recall there being years where the whole city seem to only support noise or metal. Now you can experience all kinds of music from neo-folk to garage to punk to electronic to indie at a lot of different venues with lots of open-minded individuals. I just wish there were more people supporting all of the shows. Still too many people working too much or staying home playing video games. Boo to that.
RD: Along with fronting Thee Itchies, many people around Providence know you as the head DJ of Soul Power, a long running DJ night that features some of the best vintage rock ‘n’ roll vinyl being spun along with special guest DJs and sometimes even a live band. For people who have never heard of Soul Power, where can they check it out?
TJ: Soul Power has existed in some way, shape or form for over 10 years in Providence. From the Custom House to Tazza to the 201 to Local 121 and now happily at Dusk. Soul Power usually happens the 2nd Friday of the month at Dusk. Sometimes the Friday may change to accommodate traveling guest DJs, but it’s usually the 2nd Friday. Also, people can catch my Boston version of Soul Power called Soulelujah at the Middle East every Saturday night.
RD: Out of all the styles of music out there, what makes you gravitate to soul music the most and why?
TJ: Soul music and all of its sub-genres of R&B — funk, boogaloo, etc. — is, in my opinion, timeless dance music. It resonates with both young and old. There is magic captured in soul grooves. Catching a great soul DJ who spins great soul records can be a transcendent experience. If you are a soulful person, soulful music will find you. It found me. I equally love ’60s rock. Garage and psych is in my heart as much as soul.
