Written by The Candy Jedi
There is a BIG announcement about to drop regarding Umphrey’s McGee that is guaranteed to bring a lot of attention to this Midwest band. Only a select group of people have been let in on this special news in advance, while the rest of us are left waiting on the edge of our seats for the BIG reveal. In a recent interview with Jambands.com, Umphrey’s keyboardist Joel Cummins shared he thinks the BIG secret is going to blow everyone away. Though he withheld any specific details, his excitement is enough to bring Umphreaks far and wide to attention.
After all, why hasn’t Umphrey’s finally hit it big? In the past decade, they have been hitting the road harder than a politician, playing over 100 shows a year and pushing the limits of creativity every step of the way. Yet, no one has ever heard of them. They have consistently provided new, innovative ways for fans to connect with their music and even set the bar for the live music experience with special events like Umbowl. This band breaks down barriers and pushed the boundaries of what is possible – a natural progression has led them to this boiling point.
A few rumors that can easily be dispelled: first off, Joshua Redman will not become the official 7th member of Umphrey’s McGee, as many have speculated. Also, the band will not be changing their name to Godboner after all. Finally, The Utopian Blur can confirm that this announcement has nothing to do with The Fort, Summer Camp, or any of the other festival Umphrey’s will be headlining this summer.
This announcement is probably going to be BIGGER than anything Umphrey’s has ever done before. In fact, we predict it will hit a worldwide audience and catapult Umphrey’s into the pop rock act they never wanted to become. For those band members who still dream of being rock stars, this type of success feels long overdue. Umphrey’s bassist Ryan Stasik shared, “I’ve been waiting for this since I was like 14. This is the mother load, the great Gambino.”
But is Umphrey’s really up for the challenge? When it comes to making it big in the music industry these days, you practically have to sell your soul. Next thing you know it’s MTV, VH1, and HBO live streams. Suddenly, your dream come true has turned into a nightmare where you’re left washed up and turned out on Celebrity Rehab.
More importantly, Umphrey’s needs to be sensitive to the reactions of their most devout followers: Umphreaks. These fans have followed them since the good old days of 40’s and chicken wings. If they sell out now, it would be devastating. If they start pulling more gimmicks like they did with “ChicagoOoOoOoO,” their core fanbase is almost guaranteed to crumble.
While the BIG news seems to be contained for the time being, it was leaked that more details will come in February. Perhaps the rest of the world will take note of this band like never before. Regardless, the next chapter of the Umphrey’s chronicles is bound to be monumental.