“[Incorporating] genres and styles that everybody in the band loves.” This is the intended musical mentality of the local Turlock band, The World Fairs.
All of the band’s members are either former or current Pitman students. Though this amateur band is still in its early phases of development, it’s musical talent is anything but unexperienced. With the superb bass skills of senior Benji Williams; the guitar and vocal inspired talent of junior Trevor Speckman; the insane drumming ability of senior Kameron Schumann, and the impressive vocal, keys, and trombone capabilities of recent Pitman graduate Dustin Speckman, this quartet of passionate musicians makes up for a fresh addition to the emerging musical landscape of the Turlock area.
Specializing in indie music with the mixture of folk and pop, the band develops its lyrical and stylistic inspiration from the preferred bands of: Picture Atlantic, The Zolas, Jack’s Mannequin, Tokyo Police Club, You Won’t, Grand Daddy, Andrew McMahon, Jack Antonoff, Joe Plumber, and Ace Enders.
Through a discussion of The World Fairs collaborative formation, the band members’ extended musical expertise demonstrated each musicians’s unique talent is not limited to their particular instrument of choice. Bassist Benji mentioned that he has been playing various instruments like the drums and clarinet since he was little, but has recently been focusing on the bass guitar for about a year. Drummer Kameron has been playing percussion since elementary school, and has used such experience to perfect his skill as the band’s drummer. Singer Dustin played clarinet until eighth grade, and comments that he has since learned to play trombone and practiced throughout his years in high school. As for guitarist Trevor, he began to play piano at a young age and as he grew older, learned to play saxophone for the PHS band, in addition to practicing on the guitar and mandolin during his spare time.
When asking the bassist for The World Fairs, Benji Williams, the inspiration behind the creation of the band, he reasoned that there was a feeling of ”wanting to make music that [the band] will enjoy and love”. When asking Benji this question the subtle smirk and a passionate eye on his face displayed the genuine love he feels toward his music.
It is apparent that through this display of dedicated musical passion, The World Fairs is not after world recognition or fame, but for the experience of striving to make music that reflects their personal enthusiasm for music in general. So, “Where is this band really going?” and “What lies in store for the future” Their answer remains consistent. “our plan is to make music that [we] love playing and enjoy, without the care if someone likes it or not… and if someone does like it, it is further motivation to making more music.” Such musical philosophy revives that age-old purpose of playing music “just to play music”–a musical creed that is sure produce greatness.
Looking to support The World Fairs? To see the The World Fairs in their live musical debut, save the date for Friday, October 26th, at the Grizzly Rock Café in Turlock. Plans of a future winter gig with the Jerry Rig Gig, another Turlock-based band, are also in the works. Be sure to stay tuned.
