Intermediate: finding meaning in the middle
A debut album release show that reflected care for process and people.
By Summer Rabold | Reporter & Photographer
David Bryant jumped back onto the stage behind the microphone. A loud, low buzzing sound hummed throughout the basement of Students’ Cooperative as he frantically fiddled with the strings and amp cable plug of a bright red electric guitar.
Halfway through his set, just after leaving the stage with his guitar to mosh with audience members, Bryant’s guitar stopped working.
“I broke a string, but I also kind of caused it,” Bryant said. “But I think shows are full of beautiful, unexpected expectations.”
Saturday’s show at Students’ Cooperative, a Fair Housing provider and event space for students on the University of Minnesota campus, marked the release of Intermediate, a debut album from Minneapolis musician Bryant, also known as Easeupkid. The album, released the previous day, features 10 tracks including “Maybe I’m Wrong,” “You Problem,” and “Never Really Know.”
Bryant headlined with bandmates Clark Amann and Leo Lerner. Openers included local musicians The Amores, Lasalle and The Dregs. Tickets were $10, with organizers noting that attendees would not be turned away for lack of funds.
For Bryant, Intermediate reflects the idea of being “in-between” — transitional, unpolished, but meaningful — an idea that carried into the release show itself.
Even the way bandmates described the album as a late-night snack highlighted its experimental and evolving nature. Drummer Amann compared its versatility and adaptability to eggs, while bass player Lerner compared the buzzing and unpredictable nature of the LP to Pop Rocks.
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About 20–30 people filtered in and out during the night, including an appearance from local clown Papita. When Bryant’s guitar cut out, Papita told jokes and personal stories about his experience at a Machine Girl concert and rope climbing, and brought a puppet and other props to entertain the audience.
“Papita the clown was there to save the day,” Bryant said. “What more can I ask for besides that.”
Between sets, people chatted, hugged, and laughed with one another.
Audience member and friend of Bryant’s Zach Prettyman credited the ability to connect with people more intimately as a positive aspect of smaller, local shows like Saturday’s.
“You can really hang out around afterwards,” Prettyman said. “You can at bigger shows, too, but you’ll see the same people at a lot of these smaller shows, and that kind of builds a community. That’s why I met David and a lot of these people — through small shows.”
Audience member August Hillstrom, scarf dancer seen at many local shows in the area and fan of the musicians in the lineup, credited the atmosphere as much as the music.
“I think the night was perfectly impactful.” Hillstrom said. “The intimate setting, high energy, and love I share with all of these artists made for a wonderful experience on my end. I know there are so many more wonderful things to come for these guys, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.”
“Everything — production, photography, new creative projects, being able to confidently express myself — that’s the biggest thing, just being confident.”–David Bryant, Easeupkid guitarist
Bryant hopes to carry that spirit of possibility into future work, including new collaborations and a reformed band after Lerner’s move. More than anything, the biggest shift has been learning to trust his skills and embrace the ongoing process of becoming an artist.
“Everything — production, photography, new creative projects, being able to confidently express myself — that’s the biggest thing, just being confident.” Bryant said. “It’s taken a lot of practice, but I think I’m at a point now where I can say I’m good at it, or at least I’m intermediate.”
