Boston Calling’s final day of the Memorial Day weekend festival saw a double showcase of Philadelphia talent, with back-to-back performances from local favorites Mo Lowda & The Humble and party-pop funk band SNACKTIME. The camaraderie between these bands highlighted the vibrant and diverse Philadelphia music scene.
After their energetic early afternoon set, members of Mo Lowda & The Humble sat down for a conversation where they shared insights on their musical journey, their roots at Temple University, and their fond memories performing in Boston.
Victoria Wasylak, the interviewer, kicked off the discussion by expressing excitement about the two Philly bands sharing the stage. She asked Kirby Sybert to elaborate on the Philadelphia music community and what they hope to bring from it.
Kirby responded enthusiastically, mentioning the diversity of music found in Philadelphia. He highlighted various genres present in the scene, including rock, funk, punk, and jazz. “There’s so many different kinds of bands,” he said. “It’s cool to come all the way to Boston and see friends of ours that are playing the same stage.”
Jordan Caiola shared the band’s beginnings, noting their formation during high school and their developmental years at Temple University, which were filled with house shows and smaller venues. He remarked on the natural progression of moving to Fishtown after college due to the vibrant music scene.
“That’s why I moved there,” he explained. “Because Shane had already lived there, and he was going to shows on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights.” He reminisced about the connections made with fellow musicians back in the day, underscoring that the band was built from that foundation.
The conversation shifted as Wasylak probed whether they were familiar with SNACKTIME before the festival. In unison, the band’s members confirmed their friendly relationship with their fellow Philadelphia performers. Shane Woods recounted a unique encounter with SNACKTIME’s tuba player, Sam, who he reconnected with in a Russian sauna in the suburbs of Philadelphia years after their initial meeting at a show over a decade ago.
With excitement in the air, Wasylak directed the discussion towards their new record, set to be released soon. She asked how they balance promoting the record while still focusing on their live set.
Caiola expressed their patience in introducing new songs live, emphasizing trust in their studio abilities. “We’re making shit that we want to make,” he noted. “Hopefully the crowds fall in line and they dig it.” With five records behind them, the band felt exhilarated to present new material on stage, especially in front of new fans.
Woods indicated that they plan to incorporate a mix of older favorites alongside the new material during upcoming club shows. “It’s nice to play this today because there’s a lot of new fans,” he said, referring to their singles released earlier in the year. The anticipation of sharing their music with the audience was palpable.
As the conversation continued, Wasylak asked what song they were most excited to hear from other performers at the festival. Sybert enthusiastically picked “Santeria” by Sublime, while Woods expressed interest in hearing any Rage Against the Machine tracks from Tom Morello. Caiola chimed in, mentioning a Dave Matthews song called “Shake Me Like a Monkey,” which features a captivating horn line.
The conversation revealed a shared enthusiasm for festival culture and the desire to connect with fellow artists, particularly Dave Matthews, with Caiola noting, “We gotta meet him. That’s our quest for today, meet Dave.”
As the discussion transitioned to their experiences performing in Boston, Wasylak queried about their favorite venue in the city. Caiola favored The Sinclair, praising its perfect size and fantastic acoustics. He reflected on how the venue allows for an intimate but energetic concert experience.
Woods echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Sinclair still has my heart.” Lucci added, “Every venue we’ve played here is really dope, but The Sinclair still has my heart, too.”
The reasons for their love for The Sinclair were clear: its energy, proximity to the audience, and the unique connection created between performers and fans. Sybert shared a fond memory from a show with their friends The Litter Light, stressing the significance of moments spent at such venues.
He also mentioned the Paradise Rock Club, reflecting on its legendary history, where iconic artists have performed. The nostalgia felt in such a venue serves as a reminder of the rich history of rock music, something the band deeply appreciates.
Caiola concluded the conversation with a heartfelt appreciation for Boston, reaffirming, “We love Boston. Boston’s fucking great.” He recounted how it was one of the first cities they toured outside of Philadelphia, highlighting their familial connections to the area.
As the interview drew to a close, the sense of excitement and devotion to both the music they create and the community support surrounding them was evident. Whether it is performing at festivals or in their favorite venues, Mo Lowda & The Humble have forged a strong bond with the Boston music scene and are eager to see where their musical journey leads next.
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