The Daze

Following the “green” trend right along with the rest of the world is homegrown Austin, Texas band, The Daze, with their uncompromising mission to create sustainable music - music that will be appreciated universally by all ages at any point in linear time. Inspired by a diverse spectrum of the greatest bands in history, Evan Butts (guitar/vocals), Chris Ritchie (bass), and Aaron Lemke (drums/percussion) began honing their chops by getting together to jam the timeless classics of Led Zeppelin. They have since evolved into a group that strives tirelessly for originality and exudes a transcendent quality aurally tangible to music lovers from all walks of life. With one of its tracks already hand selected to be featured and performed by The Daze themselves in this summer’s film, Bandslam, their upcoming debut release, Straightjacket Hymns, is currently positioning itself to serve as the unstoppable vehicle that will deliver them from the confines of obscurity to the world’s stage.
First impressions of these three music aficionados (aged 19 and 20 years old) are slightly misleading. What lies beneath the deceiving youthful appearance is an intuitive depth in understanding life, societal strains, and how to compose a song designed to “let the listeners really arrive somewhere if they’re willing to take the trip” as Evan puts it. There is an indelible wisdom possessed by each member individually, which far surpasses the collective 58 years of life shared amongst the trio.
This depth is strikingly evident in the concept from which the title of the album, Straightjacket Hymns, was derived. Lyricist Evan Butts admits the title may seem intimidating or pessimistic at first introduction. But contrary to this view is the optimistic interpretation whereby music, in a “quasi-hymnic” nature, enables its listeners and participants to temporarily break through the subconscious confinement via “some deep-seated, un-intellectualized, raw” energy. In his own words he explains, “A straightjacket is something that is both associated with insanity and is something that confines. It is not uncommon to hear people say ‘Oh we’re all a little crazy.’ Especially pertaining to people who are considered or who consider themselves ‘artistic’ or ‘creative,’ this craziness might be manifested in the development of an individual worldview, in someone’s idiosyncrasies, or in the way someone chooses to express their ideas and emotions.” Music provides the medium for artists misunderstood as “crazy” to escape the unspoken laws imposed upon them. He continues by defining a hymn as “some votive song or song of praise directed at a higher power” further explaining that he escapes earthly concerns temporarily when music invites him into “its world.” The goal he shares with his band mates is to provide this sometimes trance-like escape for their listeners.
Having been together for over four years, The Daze has already built an impressive list of achievements and outstanding performances. The symbiotic synergy of this group is rooted deeply in childhood. Evan and Chris met when they were each nine, and not too long after, their paths in music aligned. Evan took to the guitar and after much arduous contemplation, Chris made the fateful decision to differentiate himself by making the leap from guitar to bass despite his prior drive toward guitar. What brought Aaron into the scene was an extra-curricular organization called “Jam Club” offered at the school Chris and Aaron attended. The “meetings” were hosted at Aaron’s house. Coming from a family of musicians where he actually played drums in his dad’s band, The Blue Howlers, at only nine years old, Aaron was naturally drawn to be a major part of this experience. Each Sunday, the jam club met in his basement to release their inner jam. Evan, whom Aaron had coincidentally jammed with weeks earlier to the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” was invited by Chris one day because they needed an “adequate” guitarist. He began attending each week as well. Slowly, the group dwindled down, and when they became the reining participants, finding themselves undeniably connected in music, the trio was ultimately cemented and became The Daze.
As self-professed descendants of Led Zeppelin, members of The Daze readily pull from an extensive range of musical influences from The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, Dr. Dog, The Strokes, and Of Montreal all the way across the spectrum to Dr. Dre and The Carter Family. The minimalistic rock of The White Stripes and The Black Keys especially played a major role in shaping their craft. Lyrically, Evan has relied largely on his multi-faceted appreciation of Bob Dylan. When it comes to lyrics, he believes “Dylan is obviously the biggest.” His intrinsic ability to write lyrics that “stand up to so much scrutiny and to so many listens” has provided a foundation for Evan’s own lyric writing. He strives to write songs which yield multiple meanings