I'll preface by stating that I am a lot older than many of Eisley's fans; I've lived in several countries (visited dozens of others), seven states, countless cities & towns - I've been everywhere, seen, done & heard everything (twice),  and it takes a lot to get me excited. Yet by my jaded standards, Eisley is a remarkable band ... the music is earthy, ethereal, fun, funny, haunting and beautiful.

 

The best way to describe the effect Eisley's music had on me, from the first notes I heard ... is to use the words and experience of Chauntelle herself:

 

There is a charming narative by Chauntelle Dupree, detailing her reactions on hearing "OK Computer" by Radiohead for the first time Listen carefully to every word she says, because that is precisely how I felt when hearing Eisley for the first time.

 

 

"Who IS this? What kind of music is this? WOW". The key difference between Chauntelle's experience in discovering Radiohead, and mine in discovering Eisley, is the fact that I was raised on the Beatles and have listened to everything ... every single thing that has come hence.

 

You have three girls out front, on guitars and keyboards. Yet it never ever occurs to you as a "girl band" sort of thing because you are stricken by the musicality and musicianship. This is not to mention (or overlook) the fact these girls are shockingly, stunningly beautiful ... as much so as they are talented ... but the music is what brings you to the concert and keeps your ears glued to the record player.  And when the music stops,  it is then you look up and realize "These girls are absolutely darling"!

 

You have a very tall, very lanky, very interesting guy on drums, who is also a sibling, and a bassist who is a cousin - and both SO young (Garron's even younger than Stacy). I once saw them walking down a street together and was at first excited (began fumbling for a sharpie & camera from my briefcase); but looking at them, they seemed to have been in high spirits ... enjoying a moment's reprieve from fans and tours; so I repressed my "fan reaction" and decided not to interject into their moment.

 

As a band and as people, the members of Eisley are devoid of the egotism or pretentious nature that sometimes characterize artists, musicians, famous or successful people; this group - this family is as affable, as approachable as your best friend down the street. They make themselves quite freely accessible to their fans, while on tour.

 

If you make reservations to an Eisley concert, and are hoping to get an autograph to go with your ticket stub, don't worry, you'll probably get it. They spend HOURS fielding questions, signing CDs, posing for "grip-n-grin" photographs, and making their fans feel appreciated.

 

Music aside, this is a remarkable family; a sterling example of what families can be, what they can mean - to us all. As a fan of this band, you end up becoming a fan of the family. Indeed, fans of this band are pretty much an extension of the "Eisley" family itself. I don't think there's a better family in America - and I'm certain there's no better band.

 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Ben (webmaster)