Friday, September 4, 2009
Airiel Down cuts new N.C. State fight song: Intense, bro
Whether at Carter-Finley Stadium or at home watching on television, most people who saw last night's N.C. State-South Carolina season opener probably thought the 7-3 game was a snoozer. But they didn't watch the game with Beaux Foy and Taylor Traversari of Raleigh quintet Airiel Down.
The pair took a break from recording and touring to witness the debut of their reworking of the N.C. State fight song—a faster, screaming-vocals version that will be played all year as the Wolfpack takes the field—amid 60,000 fans in red.
"They came to us and said there's just a lack of electricity at the start of games," Foy said from his front-row end zone seat, referring to N.C. State's athletics marketing department. "They wanted to make it modern and hard-hitting."
"It's got to appeal to 60- and 70-year-old alums and also to 18-year-old freshman. The song was written in 1923 and we had to try to do something that's not cheesy. It was a daunting task, but we said, 'Let's just play it loud and fast, brother.'"
Though the PA wasn't quite loud enough to do the song justice, Foy and Traversari enjoyed the limelight all evening. They slapped fives with players as they emerged from the lockers and out of the smoke. Heck, they slapped fives with everyone near them—fans, band directors, former offensive coordinators, anyone within arm's length.
Longtime Wolfpack fans might appreciate that Airiel Down kept the traditional lyrics of "come over the hill, Carolin(a/e)" instead of the more modern," go to hell, Carolin(a/e)." Younger folks might enjoy the song's tempo and flair. Download it here, and be prepared to be at least slightly shaken or stunned. For a making-of video, watch this.
Neither Foy nor Traversari went to N.C. State, but they've embraced Raleigh as their home. They recorded a similar song for the Carolina Hurricanes earlier in the year and have plans to perform the national anthem at an N.C. State game later this season.
Provided the logistics of setting up a stage, rocking a show and clearing out in time for the second half are worked out, they will also perform at halftime of the Nov. 7 Homecoming game or the final match up against UNC.
"We support any and all things North Carolina," Foy said. "Everywhere we go, we're proud to be a North Carolina band. We're not a New York band. We're not an LA band. We're not moving to LA. We're an N.C. band, and we're proud of that fact."
N.C. State will continue to play Airiel Down's song, "Gunslinger," at every halftime. Foy sang along with himself last night, throwing rock and roll hand gestures at every chance. He also offered advice on life, love and sport with every play. That's available after the jump. [Editor's note: Trust us on this one. Make the jump.]
On a missed tackle: "Sometimes you only get one shot in the music business, in life, whatever. In tackling you get one shot. You make that fucking tackle."
On a big hit: "That's why you go to a football game. You want to see someone get knocked the fuck out."
On the pep band: "Tuba players are the rock stars, dude."
On the crowd: "Love life, love music, love sport, love people. Music brings everybody together. Sport brings everybody together. It's great. Embrace it."
And that they did.
Comments (10)
Showing 1-10 of 10
like
dislike
I like it! It's got energy and we need that! everyone in my student circle likes their music. I met these guys once in the brickyard last year. Nicest guys you would ever meet. Smiles and energy radiate. They are one of the very few bands that deserve more recognition. If you ever meet them, your opinions will change about them. I promise. Thanks Indy!!!!! Good article!
[...] Weekly’s music blog, Scan, did an article on local band Airiel Down who recently just recorded a new rock n’ roll version of NC States [...]
The other ACC teams are going to be hard pressed to find worse bands... way to raise the bar, State!
Worst shit I've ever heard. This whole thing seems like a bad dream that I can't wake up from.
The Indy failed to cover an interesting performance in the streets last Saturday. A group named LiLa & The Mid-Grade Lifestyle played on Riggsbee St. for a Durham Central Park fundraiser called 3 boys and beers. I considered it worthy of some attention, so here is a link to the friends that helped host it, (the Durty Art Collective): www.durtydurham.com This group is anticipated to play next with The Beast and Hammer No More the Fingers to open up the new Durham Skate Park.
Nice work, Joe. Can't wait to hear this right before UNC thrashes the Pack at Carter-Finley.
[...] Adam Kincaid on Sep.04, 2009, under Local Independent Weekly’s music blog, Scan, did a neat article on local band Airiel Down who recently just recorded a new rock n’ roll version of NC States [...]
A. Play that for the offensive line -- a lot. B. Great stuff; add some horns, more percussion.
Latest in Scan
-
The Avett Brothers, The Love Language to headline 16-band benefit for Oliver Gant
On March 23, 16 bands will gather in Raleigh to play for a two-year-old diagnosed with cancer last year.
- Feb 8, 2012
-
With a little help from her friends: Kathleen Edwards in Carrboro
Bon Iver's Justin Vernon joins Kathleen Edwards during a great Cat's Cradle show.
- Feb 3, 2012
-
Durham's Delta Rae signs to Sire Records
Delta Rae signs to Sire Records, a match made in mediocrity.
- Feb 3, 2012
- More »
Author Archives
-
In 2012, there are opportunities to create a more progressive society
OK, no jetpacks. We'll settle for equality.
- Jan 4, 2012
-
Stancil's report supports police in Yates raid
- Jan 7, 2012
- More »
