Mates of State
Culture Room
September 12th, 2008
Article and Photos by Kevin Allen
Cheering, screaming and an occasional "I love you!" echoed inside the walls of the Culture Room as indie rockers Mates of State took the stage, kicking off their latest tour.
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The married duo that makes up Mates of State, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, have been creating music together for more than 10 years now. With Gardner on the keyboard and Hammel on drums, they write and sing harmonious songs that many can relate too, while putting on an energized and fun show.
"I’d always thought of playing music as a necessity; if I wasn’t doing it, I would be unhappy," Gardner said after the show.
While it may be everyone’s fantasy to live out their dreams and perform for a myriad of fans, Hammel and Gardner have had to balance their career, marriage and parenthood to make things work. This balancing act has led to the inclusion of their two daughters, Magnolia and June Elizabeth, on their tour bus.
"I like having Magnolia and June with us all the time; they get to travel and see the world," Hammel said.
Gardner agrees. "It would be too hard to be away from them for too long. We keep them with us; the whole family is here."
Being married to your band mate has its perks and drawbacks, but at this point in their careers the pair know how to deal with the stresses of touring – and each other.
Hammel and Gardner have had to balance their career, marriage and parenthood to make things work.
"Of course we piss each other off sometimes, but for the most part, we realize what it takes to relieve those personal feelings and usually we’re sensitive to one another’s needs," Hammel said.
Gardner said, "It’s easier to perform with the person I love. There’s no awkwardness with him, like there would be in a regular band. There’s a level of comfort that I wouldn’t trade for anything."
Their newest CD Re-Arrange Us, which dropped in late May, was their fifth album together. This album is a change from their usually organ heavy sound that defined their earlier work, but fans are sure to be just as in love with them now as they were before.
"The lyrics are more coherent and easily understood by more people," Gardner said, to which Hammel added, "It has the same energy as our previous albums with upbeat, joyous and hopeful lyrics."
Every diehard States fan was singing along with the band throughout their two-hour set, which included an encore performance. When all was done, everyone went home happy; the Mates of State provided their fans with what was expected of them and more.
Let us know what you think at: outloud@outloud.com.