The 1078 Gallery was flooded with folk and country music when it hosted three musical artists Saturday, Feb 23. Donald Beaman, China and Garrett Gray took the stage to share their craft. Gray celebrated the release of his album “Five Winds.” China’s second album, “And Then Nothing Happened,” was released just a day before.
Beaman opened the show and, after some brief technical difficulties, entranced the audience with his music. He debuted some songs which were well-received by the welcoming crowd. The intimate venue pleasantly complemented his sound.
China, an Oakland-based band, is made up of four people who want their music to inspire people in the same way that music has inspired them. They have been together for about 4 years and the show at 1078 is the last show of their West Coast tour.
Michael Tapscott is the lead singer of the band as well as a songwriter. He had been playing in various bands for 15 years before starting China.
“I started (China) with the bass player, Jeff Moller,” Tapscott said, “Because we played in another band together which I won’t name. We kinda had a shitty time and we bonded over having a shitty time, so we decided to make something of our own. We were more aligned with the country music we were into.”
Country music is a huge inspiration for Tapscott and the band.
“I really like ‘70s and ‘80s country,” Tapscott said. “It just speaks to me more; I used to be more of a classic rock guy but country is really all I want to listen to anymore.”
The band’s drummer, Raphi Gottesman, has found that he needs no financial motivation, he just loves music.
“(My inspiration) definitely isn’t money,” Gottesman said. “There’s something special about music that can be hard to put your finger on. I love making something beautiful, plus I’ve met all my closest friends through music. It’s had a strong role in my life as a listener so I love that I can create something as important as the music I’ve always loved.”
Mitchell Kret can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_arts on Twitter.
