Koji, Turnover, Ivy League, Have Mercy
The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids
July 23, 7 p.m.
$10 advance, $12 day of show
All ages
pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758
When Pennsylvania-based singer/songwriter Koji was looking for a place to write his first full-length album, he chose Grand Rapids. But why travel all the way to Grand Rapids to create such an important milestone of his career?
Koji’s intimate ties with the Grand Rapids music scene started with his collaboration with local post-hardcore band La Dispute on the band's 2011 split Never Come Undone, which was written in its entirety in GR.
After several EP releases and a spot on Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need to Know,” Koji released his debut full-length record Crooked In My Mind this past April, a result of Grand Rapids inspiration and collaboration.
“We started writing most of the album in Grand Rapids; Brad from La Dispute even played drums on the record,” said Koji. “So I’m most excited because of the full-circle aspect of ending the tour from where I started the record originally.”
Now Koji is adding a full band to his set along with joining co-headliners, Turnover, in a nationwide tour this summer. They conclude the tour with a stop at The Pyramid Scheme in July.
“For this tour, I’m very excited to play the new songs from Crooked In My Mind, and being able to play them with a full band,” Koji said. “From an autobiographical standpoint, these songs express where I’ve been and where I’m at now. So I’m excited to share them with my fans, while also being able to share the experience.”
Pop-punk co-headliners, Turnover, also released their first full-length record in April, titled Magnolia. Each band will be able to show off new material throughout the summer tour.
“It’s definitely good to have material out that we didn’t write when we were 17, and not having to play the exact same songs at each show,” Danny Dempsey, Turnover's bassist said.
The Virginia based band will add a contrasting, heavier sound to Koji’s post-punk set.
At each show, Koji aims to be a part of an environment of creative ideas and inspiration, but what he is most excited about is sharing the experience with new and old fans.
“It’s going be really cool to mix the old songs with the new ones, because it reshapes the experience of every show. There’s an original and unique moment that you only share with the people there,” Koji said.
