Featured Band: Makari

With a sound reminiscent of Circa Survive, As Cities Burn, and Paramore, Makari (meaning ‘poet’ in Gaelic) successfully bridge different musical influences and genres to mold songs with meaningful lyrics and vivid images.

Beginning their career in 2012, Makari has endured many successes in their short tenure. The band has worked with Tilian Pearson (best known from his time in Dance Gavin Dance and Tides of Man), helping them release the single “Life, Barefoot,” which showcases the unique style and sound that is Makari. Throughout the years the band has been honoured to share the stage with Dance Gavin Dance, La Dispute, and Set It Off. More recently, the band has toured with Utah natives Eidola, and completed a full US tour with progressive/post-hardcore outfit Hail The Sun. With a wide array of musical influences, Makari successfully merges their talents, forming a unique melting pot of genres including: post-hardcore, progressive, alternative, and pop-rock. In their debut EP release, See Dreams, Makari offers a beautifully composed five-song release that purely engages one’s curiosity. “See Dreams reflects our fascination with how the moon and the sea work together to keep everything going,” says Eric. “We wanted to write something youthful but also something beautiful.” The band called on Brooks Paschal (VersaEmerge, The Academy Is…) to record the EP in Tyler, TX. It was at this time that the then 6-piece demonstrated their raw talent and electric chemistry. To follow up the success of the aforementioned EP, the band began touring regionally, and shortly after embarked on their first full US tour. Eric explains “There are a lot of messages we as a band want to share with our listeners, and I think we have a desire and a responsibility to use our art form in a positive and engaging manner.” Fast forward a few years to their most recent release Ghost Stories (recorded at Starlight Studios), and the band unleashes an EP that would catapult and stamp their mark in this scene. Off the 2015 release came lead singles “Paper Ghosts”, a track showcasing their unique blend of heartfelt lyrics with powerful melodies, and “Subtitles,” a song inspired by the idea that romance is movie-esque. Eric continues, “I think music can be the voice many people search for when trying to articulate certain emotions, or trying to cope with certain events. A lot of our songs deal with losing love/loved ones, but ultimately we try to offer and illuminate that sliver of hope that can always be found if you look.”