Roman Candle Lights Up Local Music

"Sometimes while you're sitting in class, you just think to yourself, 'I really hope this music thing works out,'" said Jay Cartwright, summing up his feelings about the double life he leads as a UNC undergraduate and the keyboardist/accordionist for Roman Candle.

The way things have been going for the band lately, he might not have much to worry about.

Roman Candle, the brainchild of Wilkesborough brothers Skip and Logan Matheny, has been around since 1997, but things really started to take off after the addition of Cartwright this past September.

Roman Candle's recent success has been augmented by its connection to Chapel Hill's MusicianRing e-mail network. "The network is most helpful for networking between bands and organizing double bookings," said Skip. "It helps tie in both Chapel Hill musicians and students here at UNC."

The ring, which is sponsoring a festival featuring Roman Candle at the Student Union Cabaret Saturday, has helped the band reach a number of new venues through cooperation with other acts. This has allowed the band to introduce its rapidly evolving and diversely inspired sound to wider audiences.

"Our main influences are DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist and Buddy Rich," said Logan, the drummer. "And U2, Wilco, Elvis Costello and Travis," said Skip, the singer/guitarist.

For such a wide array of influences, they mix remarkably well. Although the result is a sound much more reminiscent of Skip's influences than his brother's, the drum'n'bass in Logan comes out from time to time and things really get interesting.

The thing that really jumps out about Roman Candle is the band's emphasis on lyrics that actually mean something. Skip introduced himself to Chapel Hill as a freshman by singing on the street. Although he has now graduated, it's clear that the lyrical aspect of his songs is still the most important part.

Last semester, Roman Candle released a self-titled EP that drew rave reviews from local media and UNC music professor John Covach.

"We gave Dr. Covach the CD in hopes of getting some advice from him because he seemed like someone who really knew his stuff," said Logan. "We were really excited when he responded so positively to it."

Then one of the first singles the band ever recorded, "I've Got a Reason," became one of the top 10 most highly reviewed songs on garageband.com. The CD has done so well at local music shops that the album was recently solicited by a representative of Elektra Records.

But what separates this particular Chapel Hill band from the myriad of other Chapel Hill bands?

It would be easy to write off Roman Candle's successes as luck, but that would be short-changing both the talent scouts at Elektra and the members of Roman Candle. Of course the romantic answer to the question is talent and passion, but many talented and passionate bands have never had the chances that seem to have fallen into this band's lap.

"We really want lots of people to hear our music," said Skip, when asked if he ever fantasizes about fame. "It's not like 'Hell yeah, put me on MTV.'"

"We fantasize about making good music that people really like," said Logan.

While both of these comments speak directly to the passion part of the equation, any local band worth its mettle knows that it's not kosher to embrace the materialistic aspects of the business while you remain relatively unknown in your own town.

Actions speak louder than words to pessimistic journalists on a dreary Friday night at Local 506. A generous crowd estimate would be 20, including members of the band. Skip and Cartwright take the stage for an acoustic set of Roman Candle numbers.

Skip mumbles something about "candles" as an introduction. It's pretty obvious from the beginning that he's nursing a cold. Skip's crew, which comprises about a third of the audience, appears a little unsettled by the fact that the singer appears to be having trouble hitting high notes.

The final song of the set is "Marble Art." Everything falls into place during this song. The opening riff is so catchy it seems to get stuck in your head before the echo leaves the ears.

Skip starts hitting notes of a range and emotional intensity that he has no business hitting given his health. Everyone in the room involuntarily smiles, including this pessimistic journalist.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.