BY ECLEEN CARABALLO Summer has come to a halt, but it’s just the beginning for Beecher’s Fault. With music that attracts eclectic groups of all ages, and honest lyrics that keeps listeners intrigued, Beecher’s Fault has expanded their fan base in Queens and all around New York City. Lead vocalists and founding members, Ken Lamken and Ben Taylor, both hailing from New Jersey and now based in Astoria, began jamming and writing songs together about four years ago, with little expectation or vision for how their artistic future would look. Soon after, their first album led them to realize that they wanted to make music full time in the city of dreams, and they dove into a journey that would take them deep into the local scene. Now they lead a band of four, have 100-plus shows under their belt, and are working on a new album. Their success came swiftly and steadily, and Lamken says it’s all because of their unique work ethic. The band leads a very busy schedule – and they are devoted to leaving it all on the stage. In fact, Lamken describes moments on stage as a brief time where you “forget where you are and become at one with the music and the audience.” He also claims it’s a surreal feeling even though it may sound like “something a drugged-out hippie would say.” When it comes to their ability to captivate audiences, both Lamken and Taylor agree that it’s the raw emotion and messages they emit through what other bands have called “really honest music.” Strong lyrical content has always been an important part of the band’s work, from the folk songs they first kicked off with to the unique pop songs they fill venues with today. And, by strong they never mean inappropriate. When looking back at their wide array of audiences, Taylor says they have had everything from junior high school kids to 60 year olds swamp their shows and buy their merchandise, because they try to keep all their music “very accessible and easy for anyone to listen to.” Essentially, they’ve aimed to create a sort of “universal” class of music, and have done so effectively. Ever since 2011 when Taylor and Lamken welcomed their new drummer, Max Maples, and bassist, Serge Ruccolo, they have been successful with the release of two EPs – “Misbehavior” and a self-titled EP. They also won the Battle of the Bands at the Knitting Factory in 2012, with over 200 other bands entered, and have performed in a wide array of wellknown venues such as Mercy Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall, and local Queens spots such as Rest-au-rant and the AM&A Festival in Astoria Park. Yet, they claim some of their best stories and memories have come from being on the road, and they look forward to a year where they can expand their horizons and tour their new upcoming album, with hopes of potentially partnering with a label if it’s the right fit. For more info, visit beechersfault.com. BEECHER’S
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