Kickin' back with Screen Door Porch

After a night of music at Jean Ferris Winery, I caught Screen Door Porch members Aaron Davis and Seadar Rose for a bite to eat at Good Foods Co-op here in Lexington. This duo has been playing together for the last 4 years, starting out as a side project.  Over the last two years, it has become more focused with song writing and touring. For those interested in the origin of the band name, Seadar gives us some insight. The name “Screen Door Porch” comes from an Uncle Tupelo song, “Screen Door” The thought of it comes from the idea of playing music on a porch, chugging whiskey with your friends.”

For both Aaron and Seadar, music has been a part of their lives for quite some time. Aaron has played the guitar for the past 13 years and has since messed around with a slew of instruments, such as the mandolin, banjo, harmonica, bass, pedal steel, dobro, percussion and jaw harp. Aaron says, “There are endless possibilities with guitar, through effects and tunings, to create different textures.” Seadar sang a lot when she was younger and gave it up. Years later, when she turned 23, the singing came back with the aid of guitar. 5 years later, it’s only getting better.

In the group, not just one person is responsible for all of the musical direction. Both Aaron and Seadar bring songs to the table, some arranged, some with some missing pieces, but always needing the other to flesh out the song. “Sometimes it’s tough to think about what instruments we are going to play to create the sound” Seadar explains. Aaron adds, “As a duo, we bring a bigger sound than expected. We play in different octaves, misarrange and add layers to make the most of it.” Working in the studio can carry over into the live shows as well. Aaron says “When in the studio, you come out feeling that you made the songs the best they can be. When performing these songs, you want to show the true colors out of them.” Seadar also mentions the added dimension of the two. “When making music in the studio, that creates a foundation and bringing them live adds in the subtitles. We also have a full band in the studio, so we have to compose for the duo live without the support of the band."

SDP has shared the bill with some extraordinary artists with the likes of Willie Nelson, Wilco, Grace Potter and the Yonder Mountain String Band. This led us to talk about the influences that have helped move the music along. For Seadar, they range from country female powerhouses such as Lucinda Williams and Bonnie Raitt to Johnny Cash, Uncle Tupelo and Wilco and more recently the Avett Brothers. “A lot of times, we won’t hear the influences in our music, but hear it from fans and critics. It feels good to make our own music and be compared to the sound of our influences.” says Seadar.  As for Aaron, The Band holds a special place on the iPod, with other influences coming from Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Bonnie Prince Billy. During college, Aaron followed Phish and other jam bands, doing the festival scene quite often.  “I’m just a fan of good music, hip-hop to jazz. If it’s good, it’s good.”

Playing in Lexington isn’t new for Screen Door Porch. They have played several sets at Buster’s as well as just recently playing Jean Ferris Winery and doing a set for Red Barn Radio while in town. The upcoming show at Natasha’s gives them another venue to open their music to. Aaron suggests “We wanted to play an intimate venue. This will allow us to turn the crowd on to our music that might not hit the bar scene. “ Seadar confers and adds “We want to support Natasha’s because we like what they are doing here." They both agreed on looking forward to tasting the food offerings as well.

Of course, coming off of Thanksgiving, curiosity struck about the favorites of the feast.  “Always desserts, too many this year. The top picks were pecan and pumpkin pie.” says Seadar as she reminisces on the sweets.  Aaron goes another culinary path, “For me, it was the dressing, both cornbread and bread. Mom does it up” Aaron also mentioned that they receive a little care package of baked goods around this time of year, which makes for good post show treats. “Anytime we can avoid McDonalds is a good thing.”

Screen Door Porch will be bringing their sound live at Natasha’s this Tuesday, November 30^th at 9 PM. The show is all ages with a $6 cover; starting at 9 PM. Reservations can be made at: http://www.beetnik.com/reservations. “Kentucky has a lot of roots and it comes out in the music. It’s always great to see old friends coming back here.” Aaron states. “Kentucky has a special spot for us. Love seeing new faces coming out.” Seadar includes. For those who haven’t heard of or seen Screen Door Porch live, expect a blend of electric and acoustic sounds. They are not your ordinary folk duo, bringing an energetic and soulful mix with a folk/blues/Americana feel.

The Natasha’s show on Tuesday will be their last Kentucky stop this year. After Lexington, the group will head south to the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee before heading west for a score of shows in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. Keep updated with their tour and music at: http://www.screendoorporch.com/.

Printed in Ace Weekly, 11/30/10

(Photo credits by Barry Lewis, Matt Kramer and Aaron Davis)