True
Life: How a Dedicated Fan Became Management
Material
Written by Kristina Weise
Photographed by Mary Blanco
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Kai
from The Switch |
When I first moved to New York
City last summer, I was unaware of all the possibilities
that were out there waiting to be tapped into. Upon
doing some internet research on freelance writing,
I came across New York Cool. After sending in my
resume and meeting the Editor, I was assigned to
cover a story about a Manhattan-based band, The
Switch.
So I ventured out into the Lower
East Side on a Saturday night and attended their
stellar performance at Pianos. I remember being
in the midst of the crowd that was being whipped
into a frenzy by their music and embracing the tangible
electricity that was jolting through the air and
running through us. It had been a long time since
I felt truly enthused about a band. The Switch rejuvenated
my hope and silenced my current cynicism about my
generation’s music. After the show I scheduled
a Q&A session with them at a quaint café
in Greenwich Village. My article got picked up by
a few other publications and it wasn’t long
before I stopped being a reporter and started being
a dedicated fan and friend.
Kai A few months later it’s
exactly 10:00 p.m. on a Saturday night when The
Switch take the stage during the second round of
The Redbull Band Competition. The venue is packed
with patrons growing anxious for lead singer Kai
Altair to provoke their pulses with her sultry,
seductive and illuminating voice. Once again I find
myself in the back of the club, but not because
I arrived late. Somewhere in between sound check
and finalizing our guest list - somewhere backstage,
while mingling with club owners and inquisitive
reporters, I missed my opportunity to secure a front-row
seat. For such is the life of a Manhattan manager.
Yes, after being approached by The Switch, I graciously
accepted the enormous responsibility of managing
the band, because they possess the potential to
lead our generation into a new realm of music. Living
in the most competitive city in the world can be
a daunting task, but I view it as a fantastic opportunity
to gain exposure, be a part of a band that plays
pioneering, universal music, and have a lot of fun
in the process. To be honest, I do not view myself
as a manager. I am simply a huge fan living the
ultimate dream: hanging with the band that inspires
me and being the voice that represents them off
stage.
Performing live, Kai Altair, Joe
Pepitone, Dan Onori, and Floor Van Herreweghe strike
a delicate balance between computerized beats and
the youthful freedom of pure rock 'n' roll energy.
This fabulous foursome is taking New York City to
a higher level of musical integrity and leaving
nothing but screaming fans and fire in their wake.
The Switch will be performing at The Cutting Room
on Saturday, July 16th, at midnight following the
hot burlesque show, Le Scandal. If you would like
to get more dates and details, please feel free
to visit: www.switchedmusic.com
So what is the moral of this story? I am not quite
sure that there is one. I can tell you that a year
later, and a little bit wiser, I've learned that
the importance of getting involved with the scene
that inspires you is crucial. It is going to take
effort, but the rewards far outweigh the work. New
York City offers a taste of every flavor. Best to
come hungry.
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