Brooklyn-based Prog-rock jam band Dopapod is returning to Richmond tonight, headlining once again at the Broadberry.
Brooklyn-based Prog-rock jam band Dopapod is returning to Richmond tonight, headlining once again at the Broadberry. Since their last stop here in December, the band has stayed busy, kicking off a three month tour just two weeks ago. The band was actually able to have a bit of a respite for a change.
“We spent three days at one festival and there were a couple instances where we could stay in the same hotel for a bit,” said Rob Compa, Dopapod’s guitarist. “Usually you get to your hotel at 2 am, wake up at 8 am and you’re out of there, on to the next place.”
Any tour comes with a litany of work, including setting up and tearing down equipment, along with the brutal schedule. For the guys though, the music makes everything else worth it.
“Sitting in the van all day, moving equipment, that feels like work, but once you’re on stage that’s the fun part,” said Compa.
Dopapod has hit the festival circuit hard the last four years with performing for thousands at Electric Forest, Red Rocks and Mountain Jam. Among the band’s memorable tour stops this year though, was Bonnaroo.
In between their sets, they had time to enjoy the festival and see several of their favorite acts, including Ben Folds. As for Compa, it was the highlight of his summer.
It’s served as a great platform for the Boston born band, to introduce their music to a wide audience.
Once all instrumental, Dopapod has expanded out with lyrics and actual content and yet has maintained their groovy style. Their light shows also add to their stage present, a sight to see if you haven’t caught them live yet.
Its hard to put their sound into once little box and shut it. They got some prog-rock influences, with some jazz and electronic vibes thrown in, but by critics and the masses they are most often referred to as a “jam band.”
But Compa said he’s fine with the label. “We are,” he said laughing.
In between all the work of the tour, the group is in the midst of developing their next album. With the non-stop schedule, dedicated studio time has been hard to come by.
“Right now we’re just trying to lay down the tracks,” said Compa. While keyboardist Eli Winderman is the primary author behind the music, their tracks are always a collaborative effort, with every member influencing the music.
Family is really the best word to describe the group. When they first met up at Berklee College of Music in 2007, something clicked.
According to Campos, the band’s humble beginnings quickly evolved into a full-time act.
“We played a bunch of house parties and stuff like that,” he said. “It was just kind of a weekend thing, at the time we each had a bunch of other bands we were with. It started getting more and more serious as it went on and we made a point of dropping any other gigs we were doing.”
Since that time, the guys have been literally inseparable, only recently taking on some side gigs like a Paul McCartney Tribute show and Compa’s side project Everyone Orchestra, an all improvised group.
As for their show tonight, unlike other stops, the guys probably will not have the time to enjoy the city. With a unique blend of Pink Floyd prog, Medeski style jazz, and a classic jam-style, Richmond will want Dopapod to return very soon!
Dopapod hits The Broadberry tonight with The Nth Power as the opening act. Show starts at 9 pm get your tickets here.
