Music

Bandmates mellow to first EP

Marshmellows PEOPLE

Graphic communications senior Hendrick Rosemond and his bandmates formed The Marshmellows, a funky, mellow, indie pop group. They released an EP, “July,” on iTunes in August. The six featured tracks reflect each members’ musical inspirations like Bon Iver, Bob Marley and John Mayer. | Courtesy of Hendrick Rosemond and Lizette Belen

Music is a universal medium that can easily change a person’s mood from gloomy and sad to happy and joyful. It fuels the soul, opens new ideas and gives an indescribable feeling, no matter the genre.

Graphics communications senior Hendrick Rosemond plays the rhythm guitar and is the lead vocalist for the band Marshmellows, which released a six-song EP in late August on iTunes after working on it for about four months.

“Music should be a reflection of oneself, whether it be a feeling you want to express or an idea you want to convey,” Rosemond said.

Rosemond met his fellow bandmates on different occasions, including high school and Sunday church services. Miguel Sierra plays lead guitar and sings vocal harmonies, Daniel Wilson plays the drums and sings vocal harmonies and Josh Abshier plays the bass.

With a coffee shop vibe pervading their sound, Marshmellows is the perfect band to listen to while doing homework or relaxing at home.

“Dedication, confidence, patience, persistence and passion. That is the best advice I can give to any musician struggling to find their voice,” Rosemond said.

The Daily Cougar sat down with Rosemond to discuss the band, the EP and the story behind their name.

The Daily Cougar: We are all dying to know, what is the story behind the name of the band?

Hendrick Rosemond: I came up with the name in a conversation with my nephew. Till this day he says I have not given him sufficient credit, so shout out to Samuel Phillips! Back to the name, I was explaining to him how you could pull off a good sound behind a silly name and people will take the name more seriously even if it sounds funny. 

TDC: Why is the EP named “July”?

HR: The name “July” has nothing to do with a release month or when the music was made. It is actually just a word to express the essence of summer. I am big on metaphors and symbols. When I think of July, I think of fireworks at night, friends, the beach and sleepovers, and that is what our sound is on this album: mellow and beach-y.

TDC: How would you describe your music?

HR: My bandmates and I call it funky mellow indie pop. It has a jazzy aesthetic to it, very calming.

TDC: In one word, how would you describe yourself as a musician?

HR: Intentional. I choose melodies, words and rhythms to evoke specific moods.

TDC: What inspired you when writing your music?

HR: Real life. I go through things every day that can become a song or inspire one. There have been plenty of times where I woke up, looked at the ceiling and wanted to give up.

TDC: What are some current and future goals that you have for the band?

Marshmellows _ album

In The Marshmellows, Hendrick Rosemond leads vocals and plays the rhythm guitar. Daniel Wilson plays the drums and sings harmonies, Josh Abshier plays the bass and Miguel Sierra plays lead guitar. | Courtesy of Hendrick Rosemond 

HR: Currently, we hope to start playing shows. In the future, it would be really awesome to play a show at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. That would be really awesome.

Calling Bob Marley, Bon Iver and John Mayer his inspirations, Rosemond does not see making music as a hobby.

“It is not something that I do because I am bored; it is one of those things I wish I were always doing, making and learning about,” he said.

“Lifejacket (Intermittent)” has a jazzy blues feel to it. Beginning with a quick guitar solo, the first song on the EP tells the story of a man who wakes up to find the love of his life gone.

“Tried So Hard” is relatable to any listener because it is about trying to be everything you want to be in the world regardless of what others think and tell you.

“Junebug” uses the perspective of a guy to tell the story of two soul mates trying to overcome an issue they have been having.

“Riches to Rags” showcases Rosemond’s rapping skills. The cliché  “never give up on your dreams” describes this song, which is about someone who has lost everything but continues to live life with an optimistic attitude.

“Break” talks about God and how sometimes people look too far to prove his existence.

“Careless Soul” is derived from the Biblical story of the prodigal son, a parable told by Jesus about God’s forgiveness.

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