The fields are covered in ice and the temperature is in the teens. A small shed-like structure is illuminated by a single window set back into the Fairhaven woods. A thunderous sound emanates from within. Local alternative rock band Starbath is having its weekly rehearsal, thrashing out its one-of-a-kind wall of music. “Walk towards the sound, and you’ll find us if you get lost on the way,” was the text received by this reporter.
Citing Sonic Youth and Nirvana as influences, Starbath has been spreading its message of musical freedom throughout the South Coast, making a name for themselves in the burgeoning music scene. Lead singer Autumn Liv Cyr is the element that binds them with their audience.
“We’re trying to make a statement in New Bedford, and a lot of my lyrical content is very relatable — granted in [the form of] abstract lyricism — that comes from experiences I’ve had in New Bedford living here most of my life now. The experiences that I’ve shared with people related to mental health struggles,” she said. “Sound-wise, we’re artists. We’re just trying to be as original as possible, really authentic, and I think that’s the best way to represent yourself as an artist.”
Is New Bedford the new Seattle scene for musical talent? On a busy night before the holidays, the crowded bar at Play Arcade couldn’t care less about the future of music in their city. They are enjoying the interaction between performer and audience in the moment. They are drinking beer and soaking up the sound coming from the quintet of childhood friends. The voice of the diminutive Liv Cyr roaring on top of guitar riffs among thunderous drums.
“New Bedford’s the most supportive place,” she said. “We have played all over, and the New Bedford art community, the music community, and local businesses are extremely supportive. And it means the world. It makes you feel like you have a chance to make it and to express yourself and be a part of the community. And definitely, art is integral to New Bedford. We’re sitting in … a nice little biome of art right now.”
Away from the microphone, Liv Cyr is a confident artist of many talents, yet lacks the need to make small talk, she said. She readily discusses her mental health challenges and what being on the autistic spectrum means to her.
Learn more
Contact Starbath and Autumn.
“Group conversations are very hard for me,” she said. “When you’re on stage, it’s like I’m speaking to you. I’m speaking my piece. I have this opportunity to say what I want to say and I can perform. Granted, it is for other people as well, but I’m sharing a lot of myself with you, and my bandmates are sharing themselves with you instrumentally.”
Her confident stage presence smashes the image of the diminutive, sensitive artist. Like the great bands that have preceded them, Starbath plays with an authority that demands your attention, a proclamation to be heard.
“I have so many ideas for things that I want to create revolving around isolationism because I’ve isolated to an astounding degree,” Liv Cyr said. “Not healthy probably, but a lot of people can probably resonate with that, and I think it’s OK to have some time by yourself but not as much as I do.”
The New Bedford creative community seems especially adept at blending the visual and musical talents of many artists.
“I find a lot of visual artists are inspired by music and vice versa,” Liv Cyr said. “You’re inspiring each other. There’s a creative overlap. …. And, you know, in terms of the people you’re surrounding yourself with, there’s a lot of back and forth creatively. There’s a lot of discussion.”
The opportunities the community has to offer artists, both musical and visual, seem to be the right combination to ensure wider success for these artists. New Bedford may never be a metropolis, but its intimate music community just may someday be larger than the city can contain.
David Walega is a photojournalist from the South Coast whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email him at dwalega@newbedfordlight.org.
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Loving this video series and this is my favorite one so far! This artist’s passion for her art is contagious!
Thanks- the artists are so deserving of attention. I’m glad you liked the piece.