News Feature

by Jacob Michael

The amplifiers buzz behind the low roar of the talking crowd. Snare drums rustle as they’re moved to and from the stage. The day is winding down at 11:30 p.m., but show time is just beginning for one of Murfreesboro’s newest indie rock acts, Lo Beggar. Though the band was originally slated for an opening slot, the lineup change didn’t faze the members during their gritty, energetic headline set. Lo Beggar’s performance not only showcased the band’s talent, but the camaraderie behind its music.

The quintet formed in early 2015 after drummer Preston Vaughn and guitarist Chad King became friends playing in another band together. Vaughn is also known for his work with Murfreesboro mainstay Mountains Like Wax.

“Preston and I wanted to start a band of our own, but he didn’t have time after he began production work on a tour,” King commented. Lead vocalist/songwriter Seamus Fennessy was added to help develop the band, along with electric guitarist Kyle Mosurinjohn and bassist Murphy Johnson a couple of  months later. With influences ranging from Brand New to Explosions in the Sky, Lo Beggar likes to bring some heavy rock elements to its indie/ambient sound, according to King.

Lo Beggar’s songs primarily capture Fennessy’s reflections on childhood and growing up, along with dark, witty imagery that makes the songs stand out from typical indie rock angst. “A lot of my songs are about maturing and realizing how much control I don’t have over my emotions or beliefs,” he confessed.

After creating a rough yet structured draft, Fennessy nervously brings it to the band to flesh out ideas. “Because of the guys’ incredible talent, the melodies and accents accompanying the final product blow me away, assuring me that any song I bring to the band will be enhanced for our shows,” he raved. Fennessy is also quick to credit his bandmates for giving him renewed confidence in his musicianship, encouraging him as an equal instead of a novice.

With plans to record and two Murfreesboro headlining dates later this year, Lo Beggar is gaining momentum but isn’t aiming for fame. “Honestly, we’re just happy playing together right now…We simply enjoy making music together and sharing it with others,” King said humbly.

The band’s humility makes them distinctly relatable instead of superior, a group of good friends instead of talented acquaintances. The strength of Lo Beggar’s friendship is also apparent in the live shows as the members feed off of each other’s energy to engage the audience, not the spotlight. You can catch Lo Beggar at The Block on Nov. 11 and Bonhoeffer’s on Nov. 19.

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