My day with Cindy.
Cindy are my favourite band, and so when the San Francisco based group announced their first UK tour I was naturally delighted. A pre gig meet up in Bristol was loosely arranged, but I never could have imagined the way it would ultimately pan out, with the band welcoming me along for the duration of their stay in the City. What follows is an unashamedly misty eyed account of what was a very special day.
It all started calmly enough with an invite to the Mickey Zoggs cafe where the band would be holding a one hour session for Noods Radio, playing the work of fellow Bay Area friends and collaborators. When I arrived I assumed they’d be off out back somewhere so I could grab a coffee and get my shit together, but as soon as I opened the door I was greeted by the hand of drummer Mike Ramos and the welcoming embrace of front person/bandleader Karina Gill. Band introductions and radio session completed, it was soon time for a trip to the city centre for some record shopping, a trip I was delighted to be invited along to.
We walked and we talked. We talked of the differences between living in New York and California. We talked of Bill Evans and the Village Vanguard. We talked of how UK motorists give precisely zero fucks about weary pedestrians. The destination was Wanted Records, a real crate diggers paradise, and I highly recommend a visit if you ever find yourself in Bristol.
After finalising overnight plans there was time for a visit to Rough Trade where the band were immediately recognised by the shop owner who grabbed his camera to capture them holding Cindy albums both old and brand new, before wishing them well for the nights show. I meanwhile, stood quietly off centre drinking it all in and feeling absolutely delighted for them all. With evening time approaching and soundcheck looming it was time to move on, and so more walking, more talking, as we sauntered back through the fine but persistent rain to the nights venue The Crofters Rights.
The soundcheck wasn’t without issue and the band, although hungry and running short on time to recharge before doors open, were fully committed to ensuring everything was as right as it possibly could be. Karina would later explain to me the importance of creating the right environment on stage in order for her to be able to fully immerse herself in the moment.
Cindy is primarily Karina Gill’s project. She carries herself with a gentle energy whilst projecting a powerful aura, and she exerts authority over situations that arise with kindness and compassion. Throughout the day I’m frequently touched by her bandmates commitment to realising her vision. Long standing keyboardist Aaron calm and collected. Bassist Will with his infectious enthusiasm. Guitarist/Viola drone maestro Stanley understated and quite frankly cool as fuck. Finally, drummer/Flowertown collaborator Mike who is effortlessly kind and an absolute gentleman. Soundcheck wrapped up, it was time for food and pre gig preparation.
Aside from some rather grim stories of previous post gig mansplaining, the vibe in the green room was outwardly relaxed, and the band seemed most concerned about making sure they would be ready in time to catch the nights fine support band Pictureframes, who were playing their first gig and would no doubt appreciate the support.
At around 9pm Cindy took the stage. As their set unfolded I became completely immersed. The band creates small worlds of sound which, for the initiated like myself, immediately feel like home. For the uninitiated however, there is work to be done. The songs aren’t always immediate, and require commitment and the full attention of the listener. As Karina put it herself so perfectly on one of those previous long rainy strolls, ‘You kind of have to meet me halfway.’ With that in mind it was fascinating to hear the initial gentle patter from the back of the room gently dissolve as one by one people began to really hear, and really FEEL what they were in the presence of. Records were bought and signed, equipment was gathered up, and then slowly the venue wound down.
Post gig we retreated to a small local pub, where what could have merely served as a footnote could possibly end up providing me with one of the most enduring memories of the entire day. The band, relaxed and at ease, talking movies, sharing stories, with me somehow there at the heart of it all, at once in awe and completely at home.
All that remained after that were hugs in the Hostel hallway, as the band went one way and I another. The following morning I travelled back to the South East, walking a little taller and dreaming a little bigger.
https://cindytheband.bandcamp.com/album/why-not-now
http://www.mtstmtn.com/audio/mtn-44-cindy-why-not-now
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