87 Nights is back with “Karsu,” an intoxicating turning point for the Charleston-based band
FEBRUARY 16TH, 2023 | by EMMA SCHOORS
There’s something magic that occurs when a group shifts their sonic focus — think the hefty change from Rubber Soul to Revolver. Whether this evolution is fueled by personal transformations within the band, or the ever-changing world around us, it makes for a welcome change in musical scenery. That’s why 87 Nights is on fire with “Karsu.” While their earlier work is well-worth indulging in, this new single is the start of an entirely new chapter.
“It was initially sparked by the infatuation of a girl, but without the angst of some of the other girl-centric songs,” the band explained to us of the song’s meaning in a recent interview. “It was more of a “Gatsby staring at the green light” vibe. There was inaccessibility to this specific love but more importantly, the world and connection, in general, with others.” COVID forced the band to look inward for inspiration, a stark contrast from their usual observational writing style, and what resulted is more ballad-esque than the band has veered before.
Bassist Shane McCoy sports a gripping bass line, complimented by Mac Dickson’s effective beat. “Ooh-Shalalala,” the group sings in harmony atop Zane Acord’s calming tenor, while Johnny Holliday and Preston Johnson deliver soothing guitar parts. As per usual, the track relies heavily on melody, but an innocence is added byway of the lyrics that helps counteract any rhythmic angst.
Where “I Ain’t Your Man” offered audiences grit and danger, “Karsu” offers steadfast comfort — a sign that 87 Nights is entering a time of alluring maturity. “We’re extremely proud of the outcome,” the band wrote in a recent Instagram post promoting the single. “There’s much more to come in the coming months. And we can’t wait to show you.”
Read below to find out more about 87 Nights new found sound, and what we can expect from the rock quintet in the year ahead.
RAMBLE: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us! Before we get to your new single, we’d love to hear a bit about the band’s background. How and when did you all meet?
87 NIGHTS: We all met in Charleston during college through mutual friends and a love for music. We quickly started playing house shows, which then evolved into leaving class early so we could travel on the weekends to play shows across the southeast.
RAMBLE: When you first started playing together, did you play covers or original material?
87 NIGHTS: Both! We had some originals in our sets from the beginning but we were constantly learning covers as well so we could play longer sets and keep things fresh.
RAMBLE: 87 Nights’ sound seems to have formed from a variety of genres. Who are some artists you all look up to musically?
87 NIGHTS: Like many others, our foundation is created from the “classics” like Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis, T. Rex, Kinks but moving to more modern we are also inspired by Beck, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Tame Impala.
RAMBLE: Take us through your new single, “Karsu.” What was the initial spark of inspiration for this track?
87 NIGHTS: It was initially sparked by the infatuation of a girl but without the angst of some of the other girl-centric songs. More innocent.
RAMBLE: This song, as you explained, is a slight divergence from the typical 87 Nights grit. What caused the pivot in sound?
87 NIGHTS: Similar to the question above, I think it just came from a different place and with a lot of the writing and composition happening during covid, compared to the Charleston drunken nightlife scene. It was more of a “Gatsby staring at the green light” vibe, meaning there was inaccessibility to this specific love but more importantly, the world and connection, in general, with others.
RAMBLE: If you could play a sold-out show at any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
87 NIGHTS: Tough question! It would be wonderful to time travel and go back to CBGB’s. I’d love to play some of the incredible outdoor venues throughout the US, Red Rocks, The Caverns, The Gorge but there’s nothing better than a random packed dark random club in middle America!
RAMBLE: What can we expect from 87 Nights in the year ahead?
87 NIGHTS: Music, music, music. We’re concentrating on releasing new music, and accompanying content, compared to touring for 2023. During covid, we made demos on demos and it’s taken us this long to finally get it out so that’s where our energy is going. EP by the fall!
Listen to “Karsu” by 87 Nights, and connect with the band below