By Carrie McLendon

The alternative rock band Speak Easy, made up of four Troy University students have been making waves, performing multiple shows across the state with a few more upcoming, as well.

The band has four upcoming shows over the next couple of weeks including stops in Newton and Birmingham and even one out of state in Columbus, Ga. Speak Easy is made up of guitarist Nate Braisted, lead singer Jack Anderson, drummer Cole Brown and bassist Tate MacNicol. 

Members of the band expressed their excitement for being able to perform in different places and meet new people.

“Being able to play shows is one of the best parts of playing music,” said Braisted. “I’ve really enjoyed what we’ve done so far and I just want to keep that going.”

Anderson agrees, he emphasizes that meeting people is what he is looking forward to.

“I think it’s just the people we meet. Being able to be in that culture and have that and continue to grow and meet new people, get connections. That’s what I’m most excited for,” Anderson said. 

Through these shows, the band hopes to bring an engaging experience to their fans and listeners by involving them in their shows and showing them just how important they are. 

“We want the crowd to be just as important as us. Us and the crowd should be the center of attention,” Braisted said.

Whether the band is performing or in between songs, they interact with the crowd every chance they get. One of the distinct things they do is hand out hand drawn and signed playing cards to their audience.

“If I’m not playing immediately, I’m handing out cards and stuff like that to keep them engaged,” said Braisted. “And if (Anderson’s) got a break, he’s running into the crowd and talking to them in between songs so that there’s no dead space.”

The members also expressed their gratitude for those that support them.

“We’re just really grateful for everybody. We’re not very big, but people are still listening, and that’s such a huge deal to us,” said Braisted. “I mean it’s such a huge thing, even though they may not think so.”

Anderson agreed saying that it’s been a dream.

“It’s just been so much fun,” said Anderson. “Being able to spend a day where we wake up and we’re working on a song, then we go play a show and then we get back and wake up and do it again the next day. It’s some of the best fun that I’ve had.”

The band also gave some insight on new music possibilities.

“We’re working on music. We want to get that out, but we won’t get it out until we think it’s ready to be,” Anderson said.

The band hopes to release a short EP or single by the end of the summer and shared their goal of releasing a full length album by the end of the year. Speak Easy plays at the Village Inn in Newton May 31 followed by performing in Birmingham on June 6, Columbus, Ga., on June 7 and in Birmingham again June 14. 

Anyone interested in following the band and staying updated with them can find them on Instagram @speak.easy.live.