‘The Calumet Reel’ singer to play solo at The Bishop

In a red dress, junior Aubre Jean contrasted with the dim lights as she danced Wednesday to the sounds of The Calumet Reel at The Bishop.

The band has been giving local venues a folk rock ambience since its beginning in 2009. However, the sultry vocals and songwriting really had its start six years ago when lead singer David Townsend James first began his pursuit of music.

“I’m self-taught in guitar, and I play piano,” James said. “The music is pretty straight forward: folk, country, rock and roll, rhythm and blues.“

Starting solo, things would soon change after James started at IU in 2008.

“I chose Bloomington because the town was just solid,” James said. “After being down here with friends and the music, I realized it’s just the place I want to be.”

James said Bloomington is easily the best music scene in the state and said living here has influenced his music.

“It’s more of an indirect effect. I’m mainly influenced by other hardworking musicians who put everything they can into their music,” James said.

In fact, after meeting Drake Ritter, Andy Beargie, Scott Schmadeke and Glenn
Myers, James decided to expand his solo career, titling the new project The Calumet Reel.

“It’s a lot more fun to play with other people than by myself,” James said. “It’s been really great making music with a bunch of great guys.”

Though James said he enjoys the new company, he said the style of the music has remained true to that of his solo career. 

“The sound has pretty much stayed the same,” James said. “So when I do play alone, it’s primarily because things didn’t work out with the band, or someone is looking to fill a show.”

However, whether with the band or solo, James’ music is appreciated.

“I think the vocals are just really chill,” Jean said, “The folk sound brings out a kind of dance side to things, and the environment just becomes really comfortable.”

Jean said she would like to see James at his solo show along with Kernal Garner, Randolph Robinson and Dan the Abandoned at 8 p.m. Monday at The Bishop’s One Dollar Show. 

“I think it’s cool that he’s versatile and plays multiple instruments,” Jean said, “His music is folky but also original and cheerful.”

James said he doesn’t believe that he plays much of a role in what people get out of his music.

“As long as someone just got something from it, I think that’s what I’d like,” James said.

However, almost ironically, James said his songwriting is all about human interaction.
“I kind of stick to conventional themes of singing about a girl or maybe singing about God,” James said. “I mostly write songs about human interaction, just people and relationships whether that might be romantic or platonic — I’m just influenced by people.”

As for aspirations, James said he would simply like to be able to keep writing music, even if that means touring with a part-time job. With a major in English, James said if music doesn’t work out, he said he hopes to obtain a master’s degree and pursue teaching.

However, James said he plans to take music as far as it will take him.
“Honestly, I’m a guy who is just getting up and going,” James said. “I’m young, and I like good music. I‘m just looking to write good tunes.”

David Townsend James, Kernal Garner, Randolph Robinson, Dan the Abandoned
WHEN 8 p.m. Monday
WHERE The Bishop, 123 S. Walnut St.
ADMISSION $1
MORE INFO The age restriction for the venue is 18 and older.