Tonight: Phantom Pop

Phantom Pop, a one-of-a-kind fusion of funk and jazz from Brooklyn plays at The Syndicate Lounge tonight. The five-piece instrumental band is touring the Eastern coast and stopping in Birmingham to share its unique elements of soul, jazz, and R&B stylings with the Magic City.

Interestingly, Phantom Pop, consisting of the bass, drums, keyboard, saxophone, trumpet and vocals, did not begin as a complete five-piece band. It was first created when Dave Lowenthal, the bassist, aspired to create an album and sought other talented musicians to produce a more well-rounded sound. Lowenthal united the band through former acquaintances he knew would work well for the album.

“[Lowenthal] had met each member through various other bands and musical colleagues, and he just chose the ones he wanted for the recording, based on personalities and playing style,” says Josh Schusterman, the drummer for Phantom Pop.

This first recording was so successful that Schusterman suggested the band continue to play gigs together and thus Phantom Pop was formed. The band’s name is derived from the necessity to use “phantom power” when recording with condenser microphones to ensure they work properly.

“On a mixing console, you can turn phantom power on and off, and when it’s flipped on, you get this little audio pop. Hence “Phantom Pop”. Dave [Lowenthal] actually had that idea long before the band came into existence.” Schusterman explains.

Phantom Pop explains their recording process to be comprised of playing one or two live takes of a song as well as the members can perform it. If all went well, the band moves onto recording the next song.

What seemingly sets Phantom Pop apart from other bands is its purely instrumental sound. While the band does have a singer, Songyi Jeon, there are no lyrics to the vocals. Instead, her voice lends itself to accompany the horn instruments, like the saxophone or trumpet. In a music world full of pop stars and solo artists, Phantom Pop values the talent of each member of the band and its unique rhythm and blues sound.

“We all do play in other bands with singers, but Phantom Pop comes more from the jazz inspiration of everyone having a “voice,” as opposed to backing up a central figure,” Schusterman says.

After playing in Birmingham, the tour will continue to Nashville, Cincinnati, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh and finish in its hometown of New York City.

Don’t miss the fusion-funk instrumental stylings of Phantom Pop as they play in Birmingham at The Syndicate Lounge tonight. They will be joined by Young Defenders of the Constitution and Tragic City. The show starts at 9 p.m.  The Syndicate is located at 433 20th St South, Birmingham, AL 35233.