The members of The Novelists are nothing if not ambitious. On Saturday, April 23, at The Nugget in Sparks, the local folk-pop group will release its much anticipated double-album “Breaking The Script” with a two-hour concert as well as premiering its debut music video.
Over the last five years, the local folk-pop group has been hard at work winning over crowds and constructing well-crafted soft-rock songs. Last year, the four-piece raised more than $28,000 via Kickstarter to finish the album, record a music video and launch a PR campaign that has helped put itself in prime position to release this album not just for steadfast fans here in Reno but to potential listeners across the globe.
But that money didn’t go toward obscene studio costs or some pricey engineer working by the hour, most of the album was recorded and produced by the members of the group themselves.
“I’d say 90 percent of it was recorded at True Story Records, which is Joel’s house,” drummer Justin Kruger explained with a laugh. “People (who have heard it) can’t believe it.” Lead singer/guitarist Joel Ackerson’s house acted as home base during the recording process and each member was instrumental in capturing the sound. “We were all the engineer or producer at some point,” Kruger continued. “It was almost all done at headquarters and then we sent it off to this mastering guru in L.A. He’s our secret weapon.”
Their now not-so-secret weapon is freelance producer David Peters, who has worked with artists such as The Flaming Lips, Blake Mills, and Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith. “We had a great back and forth with him when it came to mixing,” Kruger said
The band also brought in L.A. filmmaker Nicholas Lam to direct the video. Lam has worked with Fetty Wap, Bastille, and Nicole Scherzinger.
This balance of DIY attitude, professional know-how, and crowd funding is at the heart of what has made The Novelists such an artistic force in the area. When asked what fans can expect from the show on Saturday, Kruger doesn’t hesitate: “A real rock production, something to be proud of, something to get excited about.”
“People are going to be getting a video premiere, two hours of incredible original music and a double album,” he said.
The Novelists have set sights high with this endeavor but if its quick ascent in popularity is any indication then this promises to be much more than just a rock show. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are available for $22 at www.nuggetsecure.com.
