Lotus: Masters of Improvisation

“It feels good to be back,” said Lotus bassist Jesse Miller. “Milwaukee has always been good to us.”

Electronic jam-band Lotus recently returned to Milwaukee for a highly anticipated two-night concert series nearing the end of their current tour.

Downtown’s Turner Hall Ballroom was bustling with people of all ages the night of Feb. 26, the second show of their two-night running. The sold-out concert occurred almost exactly a year after the last Lotus visit. Also at Turner Hall, the group’s 2015 show quickly sold out, demanding the necessary second night for this year’s tour.

Next to the stage and up numerous staircases past rows of toolboxes, sound equipment and instruments, Lotus’ crew was swiftly setting up for the show. Once in the lounge, filled with vegetable trays and guitars, the band was informed of dinner being served. Guitarist Mike Rempel flashed a smile and a quick, “What’s up?” before being led out towards the catering. Miller, wearing a flannel shirt and beanie hat, did not follow the catering call but sat in a metal chair next to a wall of makeup lights. The band did not wear any makeup or any extensive outfits for the show.

“It was nice not changing venues. It’s harder to move to larger venue and trying to fill it up than staying where you were and adding another show,” said Miller.

The band is known for its live improvisation work accompanied with an expressive, colorful light show. With numerous large lanterns hanging not only on stage, but above the audience, the crowd was captivated by the star-resembling ambiance.

“Improv really helps us connect with an audience,” said Miller. “It really takes things to a new level.”

Improvisation is the chance for Lotus to get creative. Every show, the band members communicate nonverbally, just strictly through their music. Miller commented that each show is a little different and that their lighting crew improvises alongside them. The light production workers study the music, then follow the band’s musical cues to know where to take the show next. This produces a musical connection with every aspect of the show: the musicians, the lighting, and the crowd.

Likewise, the crowd improvised. Most audience members danced to the beat, but some showed off their own improvisation techniques. Many of these techniques involve colorful lights, sometimes featured on the fingertips of gloves, which then the wearer makes patterns and rhythms with each of their fingers. Also seen were people accompanied with variations of poi, which is another performance art featuring bright, colorful lights. The performer listens to the music and creates a pattern for these lights to flow accordingly, even if they do not know the song.

UW-Milwaukee student Mandy Litwin experienced Lotus live for the first time during their sold out show. “The lights were so cool,” she said. “They had huge blue zig-zagging lights that drew your attention to Turner Hall’s ceiling. That with the lanterns showed Turner’s old-time architecture and aesthetic. It was really cool seeing them play in Milwaukee.”

The band recently released, “Eats the Light,” which offers a glimpse into its new album. The song, although featuring their expected rock-and-roll feel, had an 80’s techno twist that came to a surprise to many of their following. With a focused composition, the album also features lyrics on every track, which is a first from their albums.

“This album is definitely dancier than before, but with a rock feel,” said Miller.

Almost every member in the crowd of the sold-out show caught this dance vibe. Their heads, swaying back in forth in sync, glowed in hues of yellow, blue, and purple from the stage lighting.

“I just love the company and being in an environment where no one cares about anything,” said UW-Milwaukee student Sam Nelson. “They just want to boogie!”

Nelson claims himself not being into the jam-band scene. However, he has attended Lotus’ Milwaukee shows for two years in a row. He and his best friend, joined with a large group, were celebrating their 22^nd birthdays.

Lotus played continuously for two straight hours. The band ended its set with, “Colorado,” their most popular song that was released in 2005.

Lotus was formed in Indiana in the late 90’s. Miller commented on behalf of the band that they like Milwaukee because it is close to home.

The bassist admitted to being still tired out from their first show on the 25^th, but the band stepped outside and explored the downtown area for awhile. Because their stays are usually so short, they do not create any plans at the cities they perform at. They only have enough time for the show, to eat, to sleep and to continue forth on their tour. It is a rare occasion when they can leave the venues for awhile and explore.

“It was definitely nice having more time here,” said Miller. “Usually there is just enough time for sound checks, but we had a little more time to relax.”

Although there is not much time for improvisation outside of their shows, they were able to during their weekend in Milwaukee by not making plans during their stay, but rather just exploring the environment around them.

The band has been very busy for the last three years writing and recording its new album. They began working on it in 2013, and have continued since. It will be released in late spring of this year.

“We just hope you enjoy the show,” said Miller as he walked towards his pre-show dinner.