I remember seeing Lotus for the first time back in '04.  The show was at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, and there were maybe 15 people there.  And I loved it. 

Their live shows easily create an outlet for me to channel my energy - positive and negative - into dancing it all away to their really beautiful instrumental compositions.  With influences ranging from electronica and rock to jazz, funk and jam, you don't get monotony with Lotus.  Instead, it's a cohesive flux of beats and jams that ebb and flow into peaks that bring you to another place - and in harmony with everyone else around you.

Touring extensively across the country for the last 7-plus years, Lotus has picked up a dedicated fanbase along the way, which they've definitely demonstrated in Austin over the last two-and-a-half years, playing five times at various venues: The Parish (my favorite), Antone's, Ace's Lounge (2-night run that sold out) and now Emo's.  Emo's definitely struck me as an odd choice for the band's gig, considering the plethora of indie, rock and metal that graces the stage there.  It doesn't usually cater to bands with a following that actually dances (yes, I'm saying the crowds at Emo's aren't typically to my liking).  And there's reason behind this, too, I would think - it's an outdoor venue made of concrete that's far from level (hello, trippage), and the place doesn't have much by the way of atmosphere.  However, Lotus made it work, in part due to their light rig and, of course, the crowd that just naturally follows them - making for the most chill vibe I've ever experienced at Emo's.   

Comprised of five members - brothers Jesse Miller (bass, sampler) and Luke Miller (guitar, keys), Mike Rempel (guitar), Mike Greenfield (drums) and Chuck Morris (acoustic & electronic percussion) - Lotus has a pretty large setup with two drum kits, among many other instruments and equipment, on stage, and it definitely seemed a bit crowded up there at Emo's.  But the music was ripe, and we even got a little relief from Mother Nature at set break's end when a huge gust of wind blew through, bringing the temperature down with an evening shower.  It was actually kind of surreal.  And, though sheltered from it, we got to dance in the rain...or maybe it was dancing with us :-) 

AND, lucky for you, Roxwel shot the first set and did an interview with Jesse and Luke before the show, too.  So, if you're not already familiar, you'll get the Lotus experience (in HD, of course) and some insight from the band on their music and what else they're listening to now, touring (Ultra Music Fest was apparently a bit freaky), creative marketing ploys, the industry today, and what it feels like to be at the center of bringing people to that feel-good place that's essential to the live music experience - and their job. 

Also, be sure to check out their tour dates and see if they're hitting a town or festival near you.  You won't fully understand them till you see them live.  Trust me.  Their live album Germination (2003) was what warmed me up to their music - on the drive back to North Carolina from Phish's 4-night NYE run in Miami, actually - and a few months later I found myself hooked, fittingly dancing the night just a block away from Sunshine Daydreams.

by @crunchyMunckin