Decibully: A Midwestern Affair

Veterans of the Midwest routine, Decibully have an “almost incestuous” relationship with their hometown of Milwaukee, Wis. Active since 2001, lead vocalist/guitarist William Seidel and a revolving cast of others have toured the country promoting a blend of independent rock and alt-country that has never been able to stray far from its roots.
“Everyone knows everyone, and everyone has played together at some point in time,” Seidel remarked on the lasting affair with the region. “Decibully could not be Decibully without such a wide range of influences.”
Signed to Champaign-based label Polyvinyl Record Co., Decibully’s ever-changing lineup currently consists of seven members with a varying range of backgrounds. With such a large, musically versed group, the band is able to create a live experience that goes above and beyond what can be done in the studio.
“You keep it fresh by reinventing songs for a live setting. Sure, you have access to more in the studio, but we believe in the idea that less is more live,” Seidel said.
By no means does less mean less impressive, however, as Decibully has held their own touring with the likes of Lucero and Headlights. Three years since their last full-length release, the band is in the process of mixing a new album, delayed only by the addition of several songs since its mid-2007 recording. Assured of a “hopefully spring” release, the album is said to have taken on a life of its own.
“We intended a much different album than it turned out to be — it started out a little more spacey but turned into a concise pop record,” Seidel explained. Regardless of the form the music takes, Decibully will surely be testing new material when the band hits our part of the Midwest.
Don’t miss Decibully at Canopy Club Sunday, Feb. 2 with special guests Tall Tale and Tractor Kings. Tickets are $5 in advance, and the show starts at 9 p.m.

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