$ 20,000 to support the local art-making process and premiere of these endeavors ; funding comes from the city and local lodging establishments . The Great North Special was awarded a $ 20,000 grant , which enabled the group to complete the demanding recording process .
“ We ’ d spent a couple of years saving up show money and we spent all of that right up until the grant came through ,” Long says . “ Had the grant money not come through , we would have been playing a lot of little gigs to continue saving up . We knew it would be expensive and we ’ d have to budget out to build out the LP . The grant truly helped us bring it to completion .”
In July , the band debuted its new LP in dynamic style at Rivian South Coast Theater . The sold-out Laguna show not only featured the band ’ s live performance set to a psychedelic liquid light show , but also included a panel discussion and a viewing of Matt Costa ’ s short film about the band , titled “ Nothin ’ But Fun .”
Mostly recorded live in the studio , the album highlights the band ’ s lyrical and musical craftsmanship . Corradini explains that
each song presents a unique musical story with lyrical themes like joy , love , nature , community , technology , spirituality , mental health , existentialism and pure celebration .
“ I have been pleasantly surprised by the positive response we have received so far ,” Vega says . “ Each one of us brings something different to that table and we all have various influences , and yet we have managed to create something that is a joy to listen to . I would say , as a band , we work hard at keeping the vibes on stage good and that ’ s what really keeps this train moving .”
The Great North Special delighted local fans this summer when the band opened Laguna ’ s annual Music in the Park summer series . Long and Corradini agreed that , especially with the album complete , it was a great time to just perform their music surrounded by friends and fans .
“ The response to the new record has been incredible ,” Wagner adds . “ Seeing people in the crowd getting super pumped when hearing the intro to a song they want to hear from the album is such a special feeling . [ It ’ s ] hard to describe . It ’ s totally new for me on this side of the stage .”
JAMMING INTO THE FUTURE “ The next phase for the band and the record process is now to play the songs , share the record and the live show wherever we can on the road — get back to the business of having fun ,” Long says . “ And then , come up with some new jams along the way .”
Corradini says to get to this point and finish the record , it meant turning down other opportunities over the past year .
“ We had to write and be in the studio and all that ,” Corradini says . “ I think it ’ s exciting that that ’ s done and under our belt , so we can get back to doing what it is all of us want to do — being able to play a bunch of live shows and enjoy what we ’ ve done .”
The Great North Special ’ s debut LP is available on vinyl , CD and cassette tape , and can be purchased at Sound Spectrum in Laguna and Creme Tangerine Records in Costa Mesa , as well as on the band ’ s website , thegreatnorthspecial . com . Stay tuned for upcoming shows including “ An Evening With The Great North Special ” at 8 p . m Sept . 26 at Skyloft in Laguna . It ’ s sure to be a special night . g
Opening Laguna ’ s Music in the Park summer series , The Great North Special performed at Bluebird Park in July .
JIM STIDHAM
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