Theatre Crisp

It’s an Obligation

Independent

While Jay Baty, guitarist and co-songwriter for Theatre Crisp teased that the band’s latest – and first new music since 2014’s Soul Food – was created through obligation, the results show just how much he was kidding.

The band locks into a comfortable groove and doesn’t let go for the duration of It’s an Obligation. Musically, it’s smooth and soulful while lyrically, Kyle Petch (aka Humble Hab) supplies rhymes that avoid falling into the boastfulness found in much of today’s commercial hip-hop scene.

They’re about everyday life and enjoying what you have, rather than acquiring wealth and flashy cars, and bling. All in all, quite refreshing.

Highlights include album opener, “Make Some Noise” and the single “Cup of Ambition,” and the album closing title track.

That being said, it was real tough to pick standouts, which is a testament to the quality of the album’s nine songs.

There are no fillers; it’s all musical muscle. - Niagara This Week

Things are getting more serious for Theatre Crisp.

The Niagara Falls-based band has become a well-oiled machine that has adopted a no-nonsense approach to its music.

And because of that, members have come and gone over Theatre Crisp’s decade-long existence. Jay Baty, the band’s guitarist, joined the band in 2010, three years after it was formed.

Baty was playing bass for Niagara-on-the-Lake band Mrs. Johnston at the time he crossed paths with emcee Kyle Petch, aka Humble Hab, and his musical band of merry men.

“I pretty much ran into them when I was with Mrs. Johnson,” Baty says. “We were playing with them. Then their guitarist dropped out….”

Petch says there have been several personnel changes in the band over the years and those changes haven’t always easy.

“Whenever you do that with people, it’s never personal but you feel like shit when you have to let people go,” Petch says.

Since Baty came into the fold, he and Petch have teamed up to write the songs for Theatre Crisp.

“(If) Jay has an idea or riff he’ll send it to me and I’ll be like, ‘yeah, this works’ and write something to it. It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off each other.”

And sometime the process will work in reverse. Petch will have a lyric idea and he’ll fire off a voice memo to Baty. It’s the wonderful world of smartphones being put to creative use.

The idea is to have the framework of the songs put together – kind of like a pencil sketch – that the rest of the band will colour in.

“Everyone will have some input,” Petch says.

Besides Petch and Baty, members of Theatre Crisp include Damian Kai (drums), Nicholas Serbina (bass), Fearghas Gundy (horns), Dave Cox (taps) and John Kirby (DJ cuts). Musically, the band draws inspiration from the likes of Sublime, Jack Johnson, and the Beastie Boys.

Petch has been involved in the local hip-hop scene even before Theatre Crisp, recording his own material but realized he wanted to have a real band behind him rather than recorded backing tracks and beats.

“I really get a good feeling from it,” he says.

Fast forward 10 years and Theatre Crisp has just released its third full-length album, It’s an Obligation. The album is available for purchase on iTunes and physical copies can be purchased from the band directly at shows around the region.

Petch says that most of his lyrics are written are personal in that he is writing about things from his own point of view.

“It’s just an average everyday person who is living his life and going through struggles,” he says. “Whether he’s dealing with his girlfriend or his mother.”

And with the songs mainly being driven by Petch’s words, Baty keeps the music simple for the most part.

“Most of the songs of the songs only have three to five chords,” Baty says. “But some of the songs can get a little more complex.”

But sometimes, when the band is together to work on a potential new tune, even what seems to be good going won’t necessarily work out.

“Usually we’ll know in just a few minutes if those grooves are not in that Theatre Crisp pocket,” Baty says. “But if it lasts seven minutes, it’s usually a good sign. Ideas will kind of start and just blossom.”

In a way, it’s the same for the band, Petch says.

“When we started there was only four people in the band: me, guitar, bass and drums.”

Since then, horns and a DJ have been added, giving the group a lush sound.

In another sign the band is looking to take the next step, other changes are being made, Baty says.

The album’s title is cheeky.

“It was an obligation for us to make some new music,” Baty says, with his tongue planted firmly in cheek.

“We recently picked up some management. We’re working with DeShaun Jones of Band Push. We’re trying to get recognized by record labels. We want to get some help.”

Hooking up with Jones is already paying dividends.

“He’s looking after our bookings,” Baty says. He has already gotten us booked at 10 festivals this year.”

Those bookings will be taking the band throughout southern Ontario for most of the summer months with stops in Hamilton, Toronto, and Kitchener. Locally, Theatre Crisp plays Ridgeway’s Sanctuary Centre for the Arts on June 3 (with Steady Rebels and Katey Gatta) and in Welland July 8 as a part of the Northern Heat Ribfest at the Welland Fairgrounds.

More information on the band can be found at www.theatrecrisp.com or the band’s page on Facebook. - Niagara Thiw Week

It was a stirring night of inspiring and driving music, but Theatre Crisp, as they so often do, stole the show. Admittedly they are quite a sight to behold. It is not every concert that can deliver non-stop extremely tight, funky live hip-hop and or soul jams. The band also now incorporates a DJ. And just wait (I knew I forgot something important) they have a tap-dancer! Re-read that if you must. - Round Table Radio

Soul food is simple. Soul food is comforting. It was also created out of necessity. And musically, Theatre Crisp has forged a musical style that is both on Soul Food (the album that is). There's no sign it's being done out of necessity however. It seems the boys in the band are doing it out of pure joy on what is Theatre Crisp's second effort. - Niagara Life Magazine

Theatre Crisp playing CMW 2013 - indie round table.com

It is not very often you go to a show where 4 indie bands take the stage and the venue is packed early, starting 9pm. I was surprised to see the amount of people I did, honestly. Vibonics took the stage utilizing some interesting tactics to engage the crowd and really set the bar high for each band after their set. I totally missed Stray Feathers set (sorry guys!) but made it back in time to see Theatre Crisp and The Ascot Royals finish off the night. All of these bands have an amazing live set that needs to be witnessed in person; Vibonics lazer and light show, Theatre Crisps tap dancing extravaganza & The Ascot Royals absolutely killing it live you must add these bands to your 2013 hit list! - BKR Entertainment

It would seem to be impossible for a band to create a fresh sound, since so many new artists follow the ruts worn deep by those who came before. But I was surprised, in the best way, by a band called Theatre Crisp.

They call their sound 'Funk Hop', and that's an apt description for the fusion of funk and hip hop I heard last night. But they're much more, layering reggae, jazz, and a miked-up tap dancer for an unexpected layer of percussion. It was the best time I've had at a concert in a really long time.

Theater Crisp was the opening act on a two-band bill, but I would gladly pay to see them headline. The Sanctuary Center for the Arts, a former church in Ridgeway, was a great venue, as the band certainly seemed to feel the effect of playing in a room designed for praise. The fact that Theater Crisp is a local band, out of St. Catharines, was the best surprise of all. It's so great to be able to recommend band for their sound, but it's a bit of a rush to recommend a local band for their sound.

The evening was hosted by the Wyldewood Surf Club, to cap-off an annual day of tribute to their founding president Magilla Schaus. I spent the day photographing a paddle-out (frankly, the coolest memorial service I've ever witnessed) and skateboard event. These some of the nicest, most open folks I've ever met, and hope to share more of that day soon. - Erin Wilson Photography

Kyle Petch is a member of St. Catharines-based Funk-Hop band Theatre Crisp and one of the many local musicians happy to see the awards survive.

The band, comprising Petch (vocals/rhythm), Peter Goertz (bass), Jay Baty (lead guitar/producer), Trevor Jones (drums) and David Cox (taps), was nominated for four awards and won for Original Group of the Year.

“We’re kind of shocked because the competition was pretty heavy,” Petch said Wednesday, the day after the awards (and after working the morning shift at his greenhouse job). “It gives us good exposure to gain more fans and just to be part of the whole music scene around here is great because there is so much going on with it. To be part of it is just fantastic for us.”

This is the first year Theatre Crisp sent a submission to the awards. The band released its debut album, Modern Daze, in April. Petch wrote much of the material, with the band moulding it together into a Theatre Crisp song, and they recorded the CD on their own.

“We have been calling it Funk-Hop because it’s a mixture of Funk, Hip-Hop and Rock,” said Petch, who added the band also has a tap dancer perform percussive moves along with some of their songs. “It’s really funky positive vibes and positive licks. It’s just have-a-good-time music.” - St.Catharines Standard

Annie Silvester chats with local band, theatre crisp, which performed at the recent Scene Music Festival. - IKFAD TV

At this point, I met up with the guys from the band ‘Theatre Crisp’. They are reggae/funk/rap/metal band from St. Catharine’s who were playing SCENE for the second time. They have been nominated for people’s choice band of the year as well as bar band of the year at the Niagra Music Awards. We sat down just outside the gates of Market Square for a little chat, here’s what the boys had to say: - (705)Video Magazine

Theatre Crisp is very unique, in that they combine Hip-Hop with a live, traditional bass/drums/guitar band.

Recently, the band held their 3rd annual Petestock and raised over $1800 for charity. They’re a great band, and they do some great work. - Made Of Steel Town

A couple of weeks ago Katie and I got out to S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival and were treated to sets from two awesome Niagara bands: Lambs Become Lions and Theatre Crisp. We shared the experience here on EmbraceNiagara.com

- Embrace Niagara

The second band was Theatre Crisp and if I had been worried about staying up so late before I came, I realized that even the dead would dance when they started to play.

This band plays an incredible fusion of funk, rock and rap fuelled by the pure joy of performing. Their lyrics have a clever simplicity that is wrapped in a fun and wholly danceable sound that is distinctively unique. - Embrace Niagara

The diverse sounds of Theatre Crisp have opened doors for the five Niagara musicians.

In less than four years, the mix of hip hop and funk — not to mention some tap for extra percussion — has enabled the guys to play alongside artists of all genres, whether it be alternative rockers like Bedouin Soundclash, USS and Dinosaur Bones to hip hop acts like My Son The Hurricane, Scratch (formerly of The Roots) and D-Sisive.

“Our sound is definitely unique, and that means we’re able to cater our sets to the shows because of the diverse lineup of songs,” said Theatre Crisp bassist Peter Goertz, whose band describes it sounds in its bio as “the type of music you could dance your ass off to, or just sit back smoke a joint and mellow out.”

Consisting of Niagara-on-the-Lake residents Goertz and Jay Baty (lead guitar/producer) and St. Catharines residents Trevor Jones (drums), Kyle Petch (vocals/rhythm guitar) and David Cox (percussion), Theatre Crisp was brought together when Petch (aka Habbilus) wanted to combine his raps with a funky, live band. Goertz said the sound was unique, but they went even one step further by bringing in Cox, who is a three-time world tap dance champion who adds an extra layer of percussion to the band’s sound.

“I think that really just sets us apart,” said Goertz, who describes the band’s sound as “funk-hop”. “It adds to the sound, and it really adds to live performances.”

The band, all in their mid-20s, juggle Theatre Crisp with their regular nine-to-five jobs, but in they’ve also managed to follow their passion for music, playing gigs all over the club scene in St. Catharines. They’ll be performing this Sunday’s at S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival closing the night at Mikado at 12:15 a.m., and Goertz said they’re thrilled to return to the festival for a second year.

“It’s really great to play a festival live this, where there is so much live music and talent,” said Goertz. “As a fan and musician you get to walk around and see so many great acts, and it’s such a great opportunity to get your music out to new audiences.”

The band is excited to have some additional merchandise to hawk at the event. They’ll have their Theatre Crisp T-shirts available, but they’re also celebrating their full-length debut album Modern Daze, released in April 2012.

“That was three years in the making, and it’s really great to have it out,” said Goertz. “We decided to take our time and do a full-length and focus on some real quality songs, and give our fans something worth listening to.”

With a new album, their second S.C.E.N.E. appearance, a long list of shows in the city’s downtown core, and a recent opening spot on a tour with My Son The Hurricane, Goertz said the band is hoping to build on their momentum.

“We’re trying to reach out to other cities,” he said. “My Son The Hurricane were great in helping us out, and we’d like to continue to widen our exposure.”

For more on Theatre Crisp visit www.theatrecrisp.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theatrecrisp. - Niagara This Week

Theatre Crisp was the next band to go on. These guys obviously enjoyed playing their set. The entire time they were playing there was a sense of infectious enthusiasm. Also, they had a tap dancer, which let them play around with rhythmic styles that a lot of bands don't get a chance to explore. By itself that was pretty cool, but what really made their set so great was the tap dancer grinning like a crazed loon while clacking his heels about. Looking around the room I definitely saw that it was getting people dancing and moving around. Their music is extremely catchy too, I've still got one of their songs stuck in my head and its been two days since the show. - gameplanpros.com

The Caverners are playing Oct. 15 with local band Theatre Crisp.

Kyle Petch, who goes by the name Hab, is the lead singer for the Theatre Crisp. Hab says his band "is really hip hop based," calling their sound "funk hop."

Opening for The Caverners, Hab says, is a great opportunity. "We love the Caverners. To open for them we're just excited."

"If you like music, and you like having a good time, we're a laid-back and funky band," says Hab.

"Our songs are relevant to anyone in their mid to early twenties.We're going through what everyone else is going through. We speak the truth in our songs."

For tickets or information on other shows by The Caverners, visit caverners.com, or visit Theatre Crisp on facebook.com. - Niagara News

Theatre Crisp, a young, local band, has agreed to open for The Caverners! They are a fresh face on the local music scene and promise to impress! You won’t want to miss them! - http://kellyedgar.ca

Theatre Crisp attracted a lot of attention and left a good impression on everyone. They are a five man hip hop band. Their sound is very clean and melodic. Somehow, the lead singer managed to rap AND play his guitar (and he did both very well). They incorporated a tap dancer into their set who works his feet like a percussion instrument. It made their hip hop songs much more full and memorable. I strongly suggest you go to their website for a little sampling. - gameplanpros.com

Things are getting more serious for Theatre Crisp.

The Niagara Falls-based band has become a well-oiled machine that has adopted a no-nonsense approach to its music.

And because of that, members have come and gone over Theatre Crisp’s decade-long existence. Jay Baty, the band’s guitarist, joined the band in 2010, three years after it was formed.

Baty was playing bass for Niagara-on-the-Lake band Mrs. Johnston at the time he crossed paths with emcee Kyle Petch, aka Humble Hab, and his musical band of merry men.

“I pretty much ran into them when I was with Mrs. Johnson,” Baty says. “We were playing with them. Then their guitarist dropped out….”

Petch says there have been several personnel changes in the band over the years and those changes haven’t always easy.

“Whenever you do that with people, it’s never personal but you feel like shit when you have to let people go,” Petch says.

Since Baty came into the fold, he and Petch have teamed up to write the songs for Theatre Crisp.

“(If) Jay has an idea or riff he’ll send it to me and I’ll be like, ‘yeah, this works’ and write something to it. It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off each other.”

And sometime the process will work in reverse. Petch will have a lyric idea and he’ll fire off a voice memo to Baty. It’s the wonderful world of smartphones being put to creative use.

The idea is to have the framework of the songs put together – kind of like a pencil sketch – that the rest of the band will colour in.

“Everyone will have some input,” Petch says.

Besides Petch and Baty, members of Theatre Crisp include Damian Kai (drums), Nicholas Serbina (bass), Fearghas Gundy (horns), Dave Cox (taps) and John Kirby (DJ cuts). Musically, the band draws inspiration from the likes of Sublime, Jack Johnson, and the Beastie Boys.

Petch has been involved in the local hip-hop scene even before Theatre Crisp, recording his own material but realized he wanted to have a real band behind him rather than recorded backing tracks and beats.

“I really get a good feeling from it,” he says.

Fast forward 10 years and Theatre Crisp has just released its third full-length album, It’s an Obligation. The album is available for purchase on iTunes and physical copies can be purchased from the band directly at shows around the region.

Petch says that most of his lyrics are written are personal in that he is writing about things from his own point of view.

“It’s just an average everyday person who is living his life and going through struggles,” he says. “Whether he’s dealing with his girlfriend or his mother.”

And with the songs mainly being driven by Petch’s words, Baty keeps the music simple for the most part.

“Most of the songs of the songs only have three to five chords,” Baty says. “But some of the songs can get a little more complex.”

But sometimes, when the band is together to work on a potential new tune, even what seems to be good going won’t necessarily work out.

“Usually we’ll know in just a few minutes if those grooves are not in that Theatre Crisp pocket,” Baty says. “But if it lasts seven minutes, it’s usually a good sign. Ideas will kind of start and just blossom.”

In a way, it’s the same for the band, Petch says.

“When we started there was only four people in the band: me, guitar, bass and drums.”

Since then, horns and a DJ have been added, giving the group a lush sound.

In another sign the band is looking to take the next step, other changes are being made, Baty says.

The album’s title is cheeky.

“It was an obligation for us to make some new music,” Baty says, with his tongue planted firmly in cheek.

“We recently picked up some management. We’re working with DeShaun Jones of Band Push. We’re trying to get recognized by record labels. We want to get some help.”

Hooking up with Jones is already paying dividends.

“He’s looking after our bookings,” Baty says. He has already gotten us booked at 10 festivals this year.”

Those bookings will be taking the band throughout southern Ontario for most of the summer months with stops in Hamilton, Toronto, and Kitchener. Locally, Theatre Crisp plays Ridgeway’s Sanctuary Centre for the Arts on June 3 (with Steady Rebels and Katey Gatta) and in Welland July 8 as a part of the Northern Heat Ribfest at the Welland Fairgrounds.

More information on the band can be found at www.theatrecrisp.com or the band’s page on Facebook - Niagara Life Magazine

It’s an Obligation

Independent

While Jay Baty, guitarist and co-songwriter for Theatre Crisp teased that the band’s latest – and first new music since 2014’s Soul Food – was created through obligation, the results show just how much he was kidding.


The band locks into a comfortable groove and doesn’t let go for the duration of It’s an Obligation. Musically, it’s smooth and soulful while lyrically, Kyle Petch (aka Humble Hab) supplies rhymes that avoid falling into the boastfulness found in much of today’s commercial hip-hop scene.

Story continues below

They’re about everyday life and enjoying what you have, rather than acquiring wealth and flashy cars, and bling. All in all, quite refreshing.

Highlights include album opener, “Make Some Noise” and the single “Cup of Ambition,” and the album closing title track.

That being said, it was real tough to pick standouts, which is a testament to the quality of the album’s nine songs.

There are no fillers; it’s all musical muscle.



Story continues below
click here
Richard Hutton
by Richard Hutton
Richard Hutton is a Reporter-Photographer for Niagara this Week, covering Niagara Falls, everything from politics to community stories and everything in between.
Email: rhutton@niagarathisweek.com Facebook Twitter

Tags: Community - Niagara Life Magazine, WhatsOn - Music, Community, WhatsOn
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It’s an Obligation

Independent

While Jay Baty, guitarist and co-songwriter for Theatre Crisp teased that the band’s latest – and first new music since 2014’s Soul Food – was created through obligation, the results show just how much he was kidding.


The band locks into a comfortable groove and doesn’t let go for the duration of It’s an Obligation. Musically, it’s smooth and soulful while lyrically, Kyle Petch (aka Humble Hab) supplies rhymes that avoid falling into the boastfulness found in much of today’s commercial hip-hop scene.

Story continues below

They’re about everyday life and enjoying what you have, rather than acquiring wealth and flashy cars, and bling. All in all, quite refreshing.

Highlights include album opener, “Make Some Noise” and the single “Cup of Ambition,” and the album closing title track.

That being said, it was real tough to pick standouts, which is a testament to the quality of the album’s nine songs.

There are no fillers; it’s all musical muscle. - Niagara This Week

It’s an Obligation

Independent

While Jay Baty, guitarist and co-songwriter for Theatre Crisp teased that the band’s latest – and first new music since 2014’s Soul Food – was created through obligation, the results show just how much he was kidding.


The band locks into a comfortable groove and doesn’t let go for the duration of It’s an Obligation. Musically, it’s smooth and soulful while lyrically, Kyle Petch (aka Humble Hab) supplies rhymes that avoid falling into the boastfulness found in much of today’s commercial hip-hop scene.

Story continues below

They’re about everyday life and enjoying what you have, rather than acquiring wealth and flashy cars, and bling. All in all, quite refreshing.

Highlights include album opener, “Make Some Noise” and the single “Cup of Ambition,” and the album closing title track.

That being said, it was real tough to pick standouts, which is a testament to the quality of the album’s nine songs.

There are no fillers; it’s all musical muscle. - Niagara Thos Week