Stupid November

Stupid November is a high energy band that packs a punch with their in-your-face style of original music, while still providing plenty of tunes one can relax to and reflect on. Their music can function as ear candy to those with musical experience and a sophisticated ear, or simply as something to causally enjoy and dance to for those less interested in the performance, that are looking to hear something exciting as the background to their night out. The band is an instrumental group, that knows how to engage a crowd in the way a DJ might, and is the perfect way to provide the soundtrack to great memories for all types of clients and friends alike.

The Band is willing and able to work with any potential client to assemble the perfect performance for their specific event. Stupid November can master up to three covers per performance upon request, however their set is typically constructed of original music. Covers are to be performed in the the bands style and with an instrumental twist, as the group does not have a vocalist.

Stupid November is an inherently louder band with a full drum kit and louder drum parts, so they are likely not the right performer for quiet dinner performances, but instead work to get a crowd excited about the music they provide.

Stupid November was formed in 2018, and is made up of members Elijah Skie Richards (drums), Joel Fasy (saxophone), Charlie Reitz (Guitar), and Alan Pochmara (Bass). Elijah, Joel, Charlie, and Alan met at Finger Lakes Community College in late 2017, and found that with each member hailing from unique musical backgrounds, the music they created together contributed a distinctive energy.

Drawing from genres like Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Psychedelic Rock, Stupid November is able to create a sound that is uniquely them. The band’s music is able to display the up-tempo danceable qualities of Ghost Note and Snarky Puppy, while also contributing tracks that allude to famed Hip-Hop producers DJ Shadow and Madlib with their hypnotically looping, driving feel. These qualities, combined with their shared love for jazz greats like Charlie Parker, creates the band’s signature sound. Stupid November’s groove-based output is crafted to appeal both to the ears of the casual music fan, as well as the seasoned expert.

The band has extensive live music experience, having performed in their home town of Rochester, NY at favorites such as Funk N' Waffles, The Bug Jar, Vineyard Community Space, and The Photo City Improv, as well as venues outside of the Downtown Rochester area such as the Smokin' Eagle BBQ, The SIlverlake Brewing Company, and Funk N' Waffles Syracuse. Stupid November also has extensive experience with informal gigging such as house parties or outdoor sets at events such as 2019's Rockland Music Festival.

The group's releases include 2018’s Stuck in Traffic EP, which demonstrated the development of Stupid November’s unique style, and 2019’s Ashtray/Camel, a double single off their upcoming album that demonstrates their current sound, and the direction of their work to come.

Stupid November has an Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Saxophone and Drum Kit. Stupid November requires space enough to accommodate four musicians.

Stupid November's drum kit consists of a kick drum, a hi-hat, two snare drums, a floor tom, two ride cymbals and a crash.

A Stupid November performance requires amplification for saxophone through the form of a microphone and PA, as well as an additional vocal microphone for speaking to the crowd on stage. Venues with a sound professional and sound equipment are welcome to amplify the remainder of the band as desired for their space, however the only microphones that are absolutely necessary even for smaller spaces are those for the saxophone and vocal.

Included in the cost of booking the band is the transport of all the instruments and amplifiers the band needs to play, excluding a rig for amplifying the saxophone and vocal. If a method to amplify the saxophone and vocal are not already available to a client, Stupid November will transport and provide them for and additional cost. It is recommended that very large rooms without sound equipment available access a PA of some sort to utilize Stupid November fully, this too can be provided by the band with advanced notice for an additional cost.