Walking into the Victory Courtyard for the SCAD Day show, I wasn’t sure what I could expect from the band I was supposed to be interviewing. The only descriptors I had been given were “A blend of funk, rock, and classical.” I took my seat as the opener finished their sound check and began to play a mix of rock and grunge covers. When Split began to set up their instruments, the difference between the two bands was apparent. Whereas the openers were comprised of rhythm guitars, a full set of drums, a lead singer and a bassist; Split is comprised of just two people. A bass and a stripped-down drum kit. However, by the time they walked in front of the crowd, the atmosphere was reminiscent of a community concert in July. Comfortable.  

Anyone who has been to a basement show or indie venue can tell you there is a noticeable difference between bands who are confident in what they are playing and those who aren’t. No matter how good or bad the music itself is, energy and confidence can make or break a show. Not only was Split confident from the first bass line, but they were also damn good. The band’s drummer, Ainsley Lerille, has an enigmatic stage presence that can only be compared to a jazz musician moving with every beat and swing of the song. There was also almost no “downtime” during the set. No awkward pauses as they adjusted their instruments; no one unsure at any moment of what song was next on the setlist. So, of course, by the time their set ended, and the next band was up, I couldn’t wait to talk to them.  

Sitting down, it was clear they were looking forward to this as much as I was. Of course, one of the first things I asked about were their influences. I got roughly what I had expected, a few jam bands and other adjacent artists. When I dug into the why and who behind their music, I got an interesting answer from the band’s bassist and frontman, Max Park:  

“I’m a keys player originally. […] I’m a huge, huge classical head. That’s how I started on the piano. Very classical influences, playing Bach, playing Beethoven and all that stuff. I still love playing it and listening to it. I also love blending those classical elements with more of a rock sound. You just don’t see that crossing point very much. It’s cool to experiment with this thing where you’re taking these classical ideas and shifting them […] but you’re still able to groove to it the whole time, you know?”  

While both Max and Ainsley are Music Composition minors, they are both pursuing other creative interests as “day jobs”—illustration and film respectively—creating music always has and will be a main staple of their creative outlets. 

“It’s so hard [for me] to not be in a band. It’s like heroin, I’ve felt the high of playing music and being successful. I mean, I’m never going to not be in a band. I’m never going to not be playing music. If those doors were to open, you know, it’s going to be really hard to say no—I guess there is a reason I’m at SCAD and not at Berklee at the end of the day.” (Ainslee Lerille) 

“We need live events like this that get people out of their rooms with their friends and with new people shoulder to shoulder. We live in a super weird time. I think music is an incredible tool to shift us and people are realizing it! And I think that’s beautiful.” (Max Park) 

Split was a great time not only to watch perform, but also to sit down and talk to. We highly recommend seeing them live if you have the chance. They have an album releasing by the end of the quarter that they are excited to share to every major streaming platform. You can follow them on Instagram: @splitmusicduo for any and all future shows as well as releases.