The DayNites

A chat with Kristi, Shaun, Tim, Rick, Erich, and Ryan of The DayNites as well as fans Lori, Antonio, Dan, and Danielle. The fans share how they found The DayNites through connections at Eastern Michigan University and Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We share our mutual love for The DayNites new self-titled EP. We delve into the musical gumbo of creative influences that shape the band’s sound. Along the way we share laughs and appreciation for our rich musical community.

How They Became Fans

We started out with how our fans got into The DayNites. Antonio went to Eastern Michigan University (EMU) with Kristi. Turns out many of us on this episode are EMU alumni. Go Eagles! Antonio loves Kristi’s voice (as we all do and you should too) and became a fan of The DayNites when she joined. 

Lori became fans while seeking out local bands to feature on her blog, The Stratton Setlist. She met Rick and Erich covering the Grove Studio Equinox party and learned that in addition to running Grove Studio, they were also part of The DayNites. One listen to their single “Cherry Blossom '' from the self-titled EP and Lori was hooked.

Danielle’s friend Brian turned her on to The DayNites. She enjoys their live shows. She also finds their music soothing. Apparently her rabbits do as well. Danielle will play The DayNites for them and they just chill out and enjoy a carrot or two. 

Origin behind the name The DayNites

I was curious how the band came up with their name. Their website hints at Yin and Yang, Night and Day. Turns out that the origin is that the band started out as a side project on Friday nights. The early incarnation being called The Friday Nights. Kristi, Tim, Erich, and Rick were playing in a band called Abe Maybe. Shaun had played with Erich and Rick previously in a band called Jamison. 

Shaun was looking to play some guitar and his friends offered up the Abe Maybe space. As things started to gel during these Friday Night sessions, the roots of The DayNight took hold. The session name eventually morphs into the final name to capture the combined musical chemistry of the band that embraces the full spectrum.

Songwriting

Whether it is a riff or a melody, the songwriting process is all about collaboration and exploration with The DayNites. I mentioned I loved the song “Coastlines” and that began with an exploration by Shaun of a guitar riff that pays homage to the lyrical melody in the Big Brother and The Holding Company song “Summertime”. 

Kristi mentioned that she and Tim had developed the framework for the song “October 17”. They then brought this to the band and the magic began. Each member adds their own essence to the song to create something that speaks with the combined voice of The DayNites. The songwriting is enhanced because everyone in the band is coming at the music from different angles. 

Song Evolution

Danielle asked how the songs change over time. Shaun and Rick explain that as the band performs these songs in rehearsal and on stage, they solidify. The tempos change as the band and the songs find their sweet spot. The DayNites continue to simmer with their music and each performance offers a chance for improvisation and growth.

Black Sheep

Antonio was wondering why the song “Black Sheep” by Metric (famously part of the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World movie soundtrack) wasn’t on the new DayNites EP. Sadly, the band doesn’t have the rights currently to record it. They have thought about doing a covers album, but would need to get legal rights to do so. The band promises that anytime Antonio is at one of their shows, they will play it just for him. If you want to check out how much Antonio loves this song when played by The DayNites, check out his video on YouTube. Kristi loves this song and was happily surprised that the band embraced her love of this tune.

Recording of the EP

Antonio asks what the first song was that The DayNites recorded for the EP. This would be “Cherry Blossom” and “October 17” which were recorded on the same day at Tapwater Studios in Detroit with Dilan Wade. Unfortunately the studio is no longer located in Bricktown as they were priced out of the spot. However, they are still open in a new location.

The superman of mixing on the EP was Jeff Michael from Big Sky Recording. It just so happens that in a former lifetime, my old band Battalion recorded and mixed with Jeff Michael back in the day. Back when Rick, Erich, and Shaun were in Jamison, Jeff was the man behind the console as well. 

The remainder of the EP was recorded with Taylor Greenshields at Fundamental Sound Company. The DayNites certainly were sharing the love with a variety of studios in pursuit of this recording.

Lori asks about the song order on the EP and if it was planned or did it fall into place. Rick mentioned it was definitely planned. Kristi relayed that like their setlists which change with each show, the band is always looking for the best flow. However, the band agrees that Shaun is not allowed to create the setlist as he likes to start out heavy which leaves both the band and the fans exhausted.

DayNite Dynamics

Ryan on keyboards is the newest member of the band. Antonio wondered how his integration in the band was going. Ryan has been a fan of the band since the beginning. For him, joining the band is a dream come true. He loves the way the band works together and makes the most of each minute they have together. Rehearsals are fun and creative. 

The rest of The DayNites agree that Electrifying Ryan is a great addition to the band. He provides a unique insight into the band. The band also agrees that Shaun (guitar) has the most fun. He’s the guy bringing the food, beverages, and laughs.

New Music

The DayNites are definitely working on new music. However, they are not in a rush to record. After learning from the first EP, they know that taking their time is important. Ryan (keyboards) is also adding a new voice to the overall sound. This is pushing the band to explore new sounds while staying true to their original form of being eclectic, energetic, and creative.

Dan the Fan and First Albums

Just as Steely Dan was being mentioned, Ryan’s friend Dan joins the call. Dan became a fan as he and Ryan also play in the band Violet Sol. They had played many shows with The DayNites. Kristi mentioned that she is a big fan of Violet Sol. In Particular, she loves the vocals of Angelena Sicilliano. The beauty of these conversations is that you always learn about more music to enjoy.

A regular feature of Fans With Bands is to dive into what was the first album that everyone bought. As expected, the albums (or tapes or cds) run the gamut. First albums included Prince, Jay-Z, Fallout Boy, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, The Starting Line, Run DMC, Mariah Carey, System Of A Down, and a U2 cas-single. The cas-single was a bummer as Erich had been hoping to get a full album instead of just two songs. We all wonder what exactly is the point of a two song cassette tape anyway. 

Brazil

We wrapped up with a question on where everyone would want to travel if we could. The winner of this episode is Brazil. Everyone wants to go visit Binho Manenti who originally played keyboards with The DayNites. His wife was here on a residency and they have since returned to Brazil. Sounds like a DayNites tour to Brazil will be in the works.

Dig into all the stories, laughs, and much more in this episode of Fans With Bands with The DayNites. We hope you enjoy it! Subscribe to Fans With Bands on your favorite podcast service such as Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible or Stitcher.  Be sure to rate the show and please send us feedback. We would love to hear from you.

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