by Sean Neumann | buzz Magazine | November 14, 2014
It’s no surprise Elsinore was chosen as the best band in Champaign-Urbana yet again this year.
The indie-pop band has held a stronghold over the title in a constantly changing, constantly productive CU music scene. Elsinore is growing stronger as time goes on too, having released two full-length albums and two EPs within the last four years. The Champaign band lives and breathes CU, signed to Parasol Records (Urbana) and still playing house shows in the area, despite earning the right to step out of the basement scene through select commercial success.
Elsinore’s focus on remaining local while branching out in a marketing sense has gained attention from other artists in the area as well.
“I think the key to keeping that ‘local sweetheart’ status for so long is making sure that you are being involved in the community as much as possible,” said Vivian McConnell, singer and guitarist of Grandkids. “From what I’ve seen over the last five years, Elsinore has been super active all over town playing benefit concerts, Ryan (Groff) playing solo, encouraging a very supportive music scene, etc. Their dedication really pays off.”
A lot can be said about Elsinore and a lot has already been said over the years, but according to McConnell, it just takes one show to understand the effect the band has on its audience.
“At the last show I saw them play at Cowboy Monkey, there was a kid on the top step of the stairs that lead onto the stage,” McConnell said. “He was practically drooling on (keyboardist Mark) Woolwine and all bent up watching Ryan sing. He was punching the air and holding his hands over his heart and feeling every word to every song. At first, I found myself laughing at this kid but then I realized how cool it was to see someone having such a physical, emotional reaction to Elsinore’s music.”
