Band Crush: The Daylilies
The Daylilies are a new band composed of living relics of Boston rock and roll history
I remember the first time I saw The Daylilies because it was one of those times where you’re really pleasantly surprised by a rock show. I didn’t even know the show was happening but when I asked someone else what they were up to that night they said “Ad Frank has a show at the Midway.” That was exciting to me because the Midway is about a ten minute walk from my couch, so I walked over expecting to see my friend Ad in a band and that’s always something I enjoy. Then my friend Mike Quinn was in the band too! Incredible luck! And that guy from Mistle Thrush! And also Laura and Adam but I didn’t know them at the time. So what I thought was going to be an uneventful night ended up being all around great. I really loved their music and was excited to see them again so it was really the best of surprises.
Let's start at the beginning. Can you give us some background on your come up and journey so far?
Ad: I was a fan of Matt's old band Mistle Thrush. Valerie, their singer, introduced us and we clicked. Matt's then-girfriend-now-wife Laura was looking for a band to sing in and I had played in previous bands with Adam and Quinn. The three of us played at my 50th birthday and Matt and Laura were in the audience. Poor Adam and Quinn had no idea that it was their audition.
Matt: They don’t know that they’re still auditioning. Ad and I are still auditioning as well. So is Laura I think. I don’t know who we’re auditioning for though. I had seen Ad around a lot in the 90s but was never introduced and I got a weird vibe that he must be a pretentious dick. Turns out I was the pretentious dick because I didn’t take the time to find out what a swell cat he truly was! Better late than never. I was hesitant to suggest we try out my then-girlfriend-now-wife to be our singer as I didn’t want the “Yoko” thing to happen but then I realized I don’t have an ounce of whatever it was that Lennon had anyway so we should be alright.
What are people gonna see when they go to one of your shows?
Ad: A hodge podge of infuences! New wave, trip-hop, grunge, post-punk, shoegaze and pop. We hope it works.
Matt: As he said, depending on the song, they will see their feet, or us playing, or the bathroom.
You've got carte blanche to put together a show in Boston. Who else is on it with you and where are you playing?
Ad: I'm still kind of sad never to have made it onto one of the Burma "reunion" shows. So let's start there. We'll take middle slot cause it's our fantasy. Future Carnivores can open up. Can we do it at that weird outdoor amphitheater by the Charles River in Lower Allston? Is it called the Publick Theater? I've always wanted to see or play a show there.
Matt: I want to play on a bill with Nicole Atkins and Johnny Marr. I’ve never played at Brighton Music Hall and I love that room.
Laura: I'd love to play an intimate venue like The Lily Pad but I think we're a bit loud for there… Also love the Lizard Lounge and I'd enjoy sharing a bill with Abbie Barrett and Stars Like Ours.
What other Boston artists are you crushing on lately?
Ad: Mine is Matthew Connor.
Matt: I’m really enjoying Abbie Barrett. I’m also a fan of what Sidewalk Driver is doing.
Mike: Eldridge Rodriguez
Laura: I am a huge fan of the Future Carnivores and I also love the energy of Set Fire (and love Jess's vocals!)
You can find The Daylilies on their website, you can listen to them on Spotify, and you can buy their music on Bandcamp. Check ‘em out!