There are a multitude of reasons for people to make art. For most college students who do, these reason are relatively simple. Either there’s nothing else of interest to do, or to have an outlet to vent feelings and frustrations that have nowhere else to go. The latter was true for Aidan Delaney when they first started writing music. Though now they tell me it’s grown into something more.
Delaney is one third of the San Jose punk band Epyllia. Though billed as the guitarist of the group, all members divvy up vocal and songwriting duties as well. Delaney has been enjoying songwriting more lately as they’ve begun moving away from simply writing songs about how they’re feeling in the moment, taking up the challenge of penning music more people can connect with. But even with this task in mind Delaney says proudly,
“I write music for me. Art for yourself is valuable. People’s feelings are valuable.” And you can hear that passion in the music.
Aside from the adventure of songwriting, Delaney informs me that the sense of community by itself is a reason to get into the local music scene.
“Playing in front of people is the best. And the community is full of really cool people” Delaney says. Going on to explain that the longer you’re in it and meeting people, the bigger it gets.
When asked about the biggest challenge the group has faced as a band so far Delaney said it was
“Finding a sound and style that we would continually enjoy playing” which is something anyone who has ever played with the idea of starting a band can relate to. The band’s new release will see the group fleshing out songs more completely than their previous work, with the addition of some extra instrumentation. Delaney even plays saxophone on some of the newer music. Extra instrumentation aside, the new music is also more guitar-heavy.
The only release to speak of so far is the EP “Julie Whoolie" credited to Monogatari. The EP showcases a band with a knack for infectious guitar leads and a burgeoning songwriting ability with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics dealing with topics familiar to anyone who’s dealt with self-doubt or even just waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
“Julie Whoolie” is technically not an Epyllia release though as the line-up has slightly changed. The band changed their name when they got new bassist Kyle Thompson and has since moved towards a slightly more “Scrams” or “Screamo” direction.
New music is due out very soon, a split EP with Penelope, another local band. Epyllia is frequently playing shows in San Jose, in fact you can catch their next show at the San Jose Rock Shop on April 2, where they will be playing along with a slew of other cool bands. To keep up with the band and the release of their next project, be sure to check out their Bandcamp at Epyllia.bandcamp.com.
Photo courtesy of Adrian Discipulo
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