Big Something in Concert
With a name like Big Something, this North Carolina-based band has a lot to live up to. But if you're a fan of fun, funky fusions of jam-rock, alt-rock, and even a little hip-hop, they'll likely meet every one of your expectations, especially if you're able to catch them in their natural habitat: the music festival.
The band has come a long way since forming in Maryland in 2009 as a trio simply known as "anonymous." Once lead vocalist Nick MacDaniels moved to North Carolina, the lineup expanded and eventually took on the more commanding name Big Something. Over the years, the six members, along with regular lyricist Paul Interdonato, have shared a wide range of influences — Talking Heads, Flaming Lips, Gorillaz, Rush, Zappa, Miles Davis, and Sly and the Family Stone —and have synthesized them into an impressive mix made of strings, horns, and synths.
Big Something first set this sound to record with ‘Stories from the Middle of Nowhere' in 2010. With the help of Grammy-nominated producer John Cluster, the release showed off the band's hard-rock edge and funk-infused grooves, and it kick-started a heavy touring schedule across the U.S. Three years later, they returned with their self-titled sophomore album, then one year later with third release ‘Truth Serum.' By this time, they had become seasoned performers, opening for bands like The B52s, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Galactic, moe., and Umphrey's McGee.
After plenty of time on the road, the band came back in 2017 with fourth album ‘Tumbleweed,' quickly followed by ‘The Otherside' in 2018. Still, seeing them live remains the ultimate Big Something experience. Fans are invited to bring balloons, costumes, and bubbles to any and all shows, and while the band performs many originals, they're also known to unleash some groovy covers of artists like the Talking Heads, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails, and even a little Coolio (yes, "Fantastic Voyage"!). They've become a must-see act at music festivals around the nation, including their own annual festival in North Carolina called The Big What?