Papadosio keyboardist discusses life on tour and the band’s ‘trippy’ space rock sound

What defines a successful musician? For most of us we think of big houses, fancy cars and stadiums filled with fans.

For the band Papadosio, success to them was being able to turn their passion into a living. Their eighth album “Content Coma” will be released on Sept. 7.

Papadosio is a band from Athens, Ohio, made up of five members: Mike Healy, Sam Brouse, Rob McConnell, Anthony Thogmartin and Billy Brouse. The group will bring their “space rock” sound to The Senate in Columbia on Sept. 2. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

“Our music is kind of spacey,” said keyboardist Billy Brouse about the band’s hard-to-describe sound. “And with the lights and everything, (our shows are) kind of trippy.”

The band mixes electronic sounds to create a unique style of music that flows from one part to another, almost like a continuous train of thought, Billy Brouse said.

Papadosio formed when MySpace was at the height of its popularity. The social media platform allowed the band to post songs and reach listeners across the country. And while technology has helped launch their success — they’re now on Spotify, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram — they’re driving home a slightly different message on their new album.

“We don’t need to spend every waking moment on the phone. People should get out and experience life. Go for a hike, get out into nature,” said Billy Brouse.

Billy Brouse talked recently about the band’s influences and life on the road.

Q: Your band has such an interesting sound, who are your musical influences?

A: Oh, I have lots of influences. They really run the spectrum. From Rap to Tool, there are just so many.

Q: What can one expect when they attend one of your shows?

A: We try to keep it interesting. We never play the same song, the same way twice, you know what I mean? We have these crazy screens, with these diamonds that are connected to each band member, so they pulsate when we play, to the beat of that performer.

Q: So do you let the music take you where it’s going to take you, kind of like jazz?

A: It’s more planned out than that. We talk about it ahead of time, but sometimes when we’re in the moment and realize it’s not working we will redirect back to what we know works.

Q: You’re kicking off a 37-date tour in support of your latest full-length album, “Content Coma.” Talk a little about life on the road. Do you pick up souvenirs from each city? And how do you eat on the road?

A: It’s hard leaving, but that’s a part of this, you know? Souvenirs? I pick up a shirt at each venue we go to. Like that’s all I have to wear. I’m wearing a bands’ shirt right now. As for food, we don’t eat fast food anymore. We make sure we have good food available to us.

Q: You guys have been together for 13 years, how do you keep the peace when conflict arises?

A: To be honest we don’t have a lot of conflict. Not saying there isn’t ever a disagreement. But when we do we talk it out. It’s all about communication, you know? It’s really just like in any relationship.

This story was originally published August 29, 2018 at 4:14 PM.