Racket Man Bring Bedroom Pop to Herzog

by Jon Stout

Herzog Music continues to keep free live in-store performances going, with an active list of upcoming events. Coming up next is a performance from Cleveland’s Racket Man on September 17. 

We recently chatted with the band to discover more about their background and to see what fans can expect from their upcoming visit to Cincinnati. 

History

Racket Man came together a year and a half ago, though founding members Chris Seaman (bass) and Tommy Marx (guitar) have known one another since high school. After years of living on different sides of the Southern Hemisphere, the members returned to Cleveland to form a band. The lineup was rounded out by Tyler Elwing on the keyboard, followed by Vince Silvestro on the drums. 

Though the members of Racket Man view Cleveland as a “rock centric” town, they also acknowledge the presence of some great hip hop and pop being created by other talented musicians. Some fellow Cleveland-native music acts that the band recommends include: Beach Stav, Lonely Pirate Committee, soft copy, Key to the Mint, and Collin Miller & the Brother Nature.

Future Plans

We asked the band what they have in mind for the future and what they wish to get out of playing music.

“First and foremost we just want to be able to keep making music together. It’s the most fulfilling thing we have in our lives and something we can’t live without,” they replied over email. “Remaining great friends and being proud of our efforts will always be our focus.”

Beyond landing bigger gigs and increasing their fanbase, the band has realistic economic goals in mind, including merchandising, licensing and more. 

“Ultimately, the more you can make music financially lucrative the more time you get to spend making it, and not working jobs to fund that passion,” they commented. 

Racket Man have new singles slated for release over the next couple months in promotion of their current tour, which begins on September 11th and continues until November 25th. 

What to Expect

Cincinnati music fans can expect Racket Man to present synth drenched ambient bedroom pop, not completely dissimilar from the likes of contemporary indie soft rock favorites Mac Demarco and Ariel Pink. As far as their live show goes, the band jokingly promises “uncomfortable banter and monochrome jumpsuits.” 

Dream Gig

As a fun way to wrap up our band profiles, we like to ask bands what their “dream gig” would be, and to pick other bands to theoretically share the stage with. Racket Man didn’t disappoint in their response, providing the legendary Red Rock Amphitheater as the venue, featuring an eclectic supporting lineup of Todd Rundgren, Tyler the Creator and Thundercat.

Racket Man will play a free afternoon set at Herzog Music on September 17 at 3 pm. Their full list of tour dates can be viewed on their Facebook page.