Karma Darwin
Gig Seeker Pro

Karma Darwin

Brewster, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

Brewster, New York, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Alternative Indie

Calendar

Music

Press


"Homegrown talent at SOWE Music Festival"

When Brewster-based Karma Darwin takes the stage at the Southern Westchester Music Festival, the crowd will be considerably larger than the band's typical audience.

“When we play a big show, it’s usually like 250, maybe 300 (people),” says Drew Stubbs-Stroud, one of the band’s guitar players and vocalists.

The festival is expected to draw thousands.

“It’s just really cool,” adds Alex Peterson, who also shares guitar and vocal duties. “If it’s 10,000 people or no people, we just do our thing.”

The SOWE Festival will feature 15 acts playing across two stages from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park. It features a mix of local and well-known acts including Mark Cohn, Steve Forbert and David Johansen (see the festival's full schedule below).

Karma Darwin landed a spot on the lineup after winning an Aug. 4 battle of the bands held at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre.

“We got on the 9:37 Local on the Peak (a radio show featuring local up-and-coming bands) and the Peak were the ones running the battle of the bands,” Stubbs-Stroud explains. “So it was a mix of the best five or six 9:37 Local bands and they invited us to come battle at the Cap.”

When they scored a spot in SOWE, it was somewhat of a good news/bad news situation for the guys, who are supposed to be at a friend’s wedding the day of the festival.

Karma Darwin will get the day started, performing on
Karma Darwin will get the day started, performing on the Doral Arrowwood Stage at 11:45 a.m. (Photo: Peter Hanke)
“We knew our buddy would understand if we won that we would have to go since it is important for our careers,” Stubbs-Stroud says. “He was super supportive and he was so happy for us. He told me he would be upset if I didn’t do the festival and went to the wedding.”

While the band formed in late 2012, its members had been familiar with one another for years. Stubbs-Stroud and Peterson attended Brewster High School together along with their bassist, John Newton. The band's drummer, Ryan Lowry attended nearby New Fairfield High School.

“Me and Drew grew up together and we always played together, but it was nothing like serious,” says Peterson. “We just kind jammed together at family events.”

He adds that the sense of familiarity has been integral to the band’s rapport.

“As far as our chemistry, just from playing together and being together absolutely helps.”

The pair rattled off names like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors and Sublime as major influences, as well as modern acts like The Dear Hunter and RX Bandits.

They say their hope is that they'll be able to quit their day jobs — Peterson services pools, Stubbs-Stroud works at a headshop — in order to pursue music full time.

"These are all just jobs that we have that allow us to do this band thing," says Peterson.

Regardless of whether it will make them breakout stars, the guys say they're just happy their music is going to reach such a vast audience.

“It’s going to be cool to have that many people be able to hear our stuff,” Stubbs-Stroud says.

More than just music

This is the third SOWE festival, but the first with a primary focus on music. The event’s organizers are the same ones behind the 2013 and 2014 SoWe Food and Wine Festival.

But don't think that means music will be SOWE's only attraction. Billing itself as a "celebration of music, food, wine, beer and family fun," you can expect plenty of libations, tons of food trucks and vendors, plus rides, games and other children's activities. Encouraging festival-goers to bring their tykes along, kids under 12 are admitted free.

Food will be a big part of this year's Sowe FestivalBuy Photo
Food will be a big part of this year's Sowe Festival held in Mamaroneck. (Photo: FIle photo/For The Journal News)
The festival will be held 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in Mamaroneck's Harbor Island Park at 123 Mamaroneck Ave. There are two ticket options for the festival. General admission tickets will run you $48, while VIP tickets, which score you access to a tented area nearest the stage, as well as VIP parking are available for $85. Tickets and more information can be found at sowemusicfestival.com. - The Journal News


"Anderson East and Kaleo Join Lineup for 2015 SOWE MUSIC FESTIVAL"

Karma Darwin (winners of a local Battle of the Bands, curated by 107.1 The Peak). The Peak airs The SOWE 2015 All Access Radio Hour each Sunday evening, 7-8 p.m., highlighting the artists performing at SOWE, and details to help maximize your event experience.

Karma Darwin will also perform at the SOWE Music Festival VIP Press Preview on Thursday, September 3 in Elmsford, NY at the Captain Lawrence Tasting Room. The event will provide a small snapshot of the festival itself, with live music, beer from Captain Lawrence (sponsor of the festival's beer garden), as well as great food and dessert provided by returning SOWE vendor, Artuso Pastry. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. To request more information, RSVP, or schedule an interview, email rich@sowemusicfestival.com. - Broadway world


"Things to Do in the Hudson Valley, Sept. 11 to 18, 2015"

PAWLING Daryl’s House Shawn Colvin, folk and rock. Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. $45 and $65. Karma Darwin, pop. Sept. 11 at 10 p.m. - NY Times


"Hudson valley artist spotlight"

Radio interview. Available on website. - WHUD 100.7 fm


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Formed in early 2013 Karma Darwin is a progressive new band that mixes high energy sound and harmonies with smooth vibrant riffs. Formed locally in Putnam County, NY the band consists of Drew Stubbs - Guitar & Vocals, Alex Peterson - Guitar & Vocals, John Newton - Bass & Vocals, Ryan Lowry - Drums, George Everett Park IV - Keyboards

We are the ones. We howling fiends. The ones who would never go astray
as we attempt this, the rescue of Tiger Lily from her viscous captor the
Beast on the road. A stormagedon that has left it's scars In the sky
and trapped our little dirigible and that's how we know the world is
ending. - Karma Darwin


Band Members