FSU College of Music bandmates take on musical adventure with Word of South
Megan Eileen and her band Phabrik embark on a unique musical journey, forging a deep connection with their music and each other.
The Phabrik musicians are among the 80 artists featured in this year’s Word of South, a festival of literature and music, including writers and musicians spanning all genres, taking place at Cascades Park April 26-28.
Inspiration close to home
When one stands on the cusp of new beginnings, as Florida State University College of Music graduate Megan Eileen does, the journey taken becomes clear. She is led by the melodies of Spanish music and Dominican beats that filled her childhood.
Equally as comforting were the sounds of her father’s band, covering classics by Sound Garden, Bon Jovi, and Pearl Jam. During these early years, Eileen’s mother, an acting teacher at the University Center for the Performing Arts, also encouraged her to study singing, guitar, dance, and acting. Her study of music unveiled a deep love for Rhythm & Blues and Neo Soul music that she continues to nourish today.
Inspired by artists like Tori Kelly and Adele, Eileen ventures into the world, ready to write, perform, and produce her own music. “It gives me so much energy and adrenaline,” Eileen said. “It’s so fun being able to do something I love for an audience.” But she does not do this alone. Eileen has found a deep creative connection with her band Phabrik.
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Building a band and a bond
Making music is a team sport where each player has a unique role in building the collective sound. Nothing is more intoxicating than watching a band come together and find their groove. For Eileen and the R&B/NeoSoul band Phabrik, the meeting was almost kismet.
Her friend, lyricist and musician Bo Hendrix, approached her a year ago to join him as the powerhouse vocalist for the band. The songs they wrote began as journal entries, then turned into tunes, adding chords with a melody on top, with Eileen and Bo “balling lyrics until something sticks.”
She and local drummer Lawrence Turner had also crossed paths before, where she noted, “He is genuinely one of the best drummers I have ever met.” Eileen and Hendrix quickly invited Turner to join them. His “yes” brought a connection to keyboardist Thomas Greer and bass player Aaron McNamara. Lastly, no band is complete without a keytar, which led to Sammy Hanson joining and adding that extra, fun element.
The connection was instant and powerful when they played together for the first time. Eileen credits the fact they knew each other before forming Phabrik to how well they have musically gelled and created the band’s signature groovy sound.
“I always talk about genuine connections between musicians and how important it is for me to have the connection as a foundation to making music together,” Eileen said. “Now I’m making amazing music with amazing musicians.”
Despite this connection, life continues with or without us. On the edge of that precipice, Eileen and her bandmates will embark on a new journey as they graduate from their prospective collegiate programs.
However, before doing so, they will capture the soulful sound they created in Tallahassee by recording a live album with four original songs. Eileen hopes to continue performing with her band members post-recording, including those relocating to Atlanta.
Sweet music, sweet words
As the winner of this year’s FSU College of Music Noles Onstage: Play Word of South competition, Phabrik eagerly prepares to perform at the festival.
The new competition allowed one FSU College of Music group of any genre to play a 45-minute time slot at Word of South this year. Word of South is a vibrant literature and music festival, a melting pot where writers and musicians, some of whom may have just met, come together to perform spoken word, music, or a combination of both.
Eileen is thrilled to join her Phabrik bandmates at Word of South for the first time, featured at the Cascades Stage at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
“We love to have fun,” Eileen said. “We want to make sure everyone is having a good, comfortable time with us!” Word of South is sure to deliver a mix of top-notch entertainment and kid's programming and an impressive lineup of hip-hop, gospel, pop, bluegrass, jazz, country, R&B, and Americana artists.
If you go
What: Word of South, A Festival of Literature and Music
When: April 26-28 | Phabrik will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cascades Park
Cost: Free, details wordofsouthfestival@gmail.com
Festival schedule: visit wordofsouthfestival.com
To learn more about Phabrik: instagram.com/phabriktheband/
Dr. Christy Rodriguez de Conte is the feature writer for the Council on Culture & Arts. COCA is the capital area’s umbrella agency for arts and culture (tallahasseearts.org).
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU college band Phabrik follows adventure to Word of South
