Base Trip Records Takes Over BU Central for a Night of Good Music for Good People

Ask 21-year-old Conor Loughman (COM ’10) about the meaning behind the name of his record label, and you’re likely to see a sheepish grin emerge. Then he’ll ask you a question—“What’s the opposite of an acid trip?” Base Trip Records was founded by Loughman in 2007 and is made up of friends – all of whom are students or grads of Boston University. Sense of humor may well be one of the major common threads among the artists on Base Trip, which has everything from folk, rock, and pop outfits to hip-hop, spoken word and electronic musicians. Last Friday night, BU Central hosted all the artists on the label for a night of music that seriously hit the spot.

“We’ve never had that many Base Trip artists on the same bill before, it was surreal seeing all my best friends play back to back,” Laughman said, “Also, we got free cupcakes and stuff in the green room.”

Katie Uva (CAS ’10) started the night off with a brief but satisfying set chock-full of clever and delightful folk songs. A highlight was definitely “Man at the Delicatessen,” one of Uva’s best. An added bonus was watching Loughman mouth every word to the song.

Next up was Allison Francis (COM ’11), who is already an established veteran performer at BU (whom Jen previewed here). Francis’ songs aren’t too sweet, and they certainly cut to the core. She opened her set with a brand new song called “Kaboom,” which is as catchy as it is heart wrenching. She played some of her older greats, which never fail to deliver, as well as some new stuff—including the brutally honest ode to Allston, “Vampire Party.” Francis closed her set with the classic “Lost (On this Side)” and seeing her fans and friends scream the words along with her definitely made the show. The live tune offers an experience that greatly differs from the recording, and shouldn’t be missed.

Next up was CAS sophomore Nick Lattanzi’s new project, called Sun Cut Flat. This was their very first show, and they did not disappoint. After the somewhat laid-back vibe of the first two acts, people stood up for Sun Cut Flat as they kicked their set off with a trippy and beautiful song called “Paper Sky.” Lattanzi has in the past played mostly by himself, which is always great, but now he’s backed by a full band with an even fuller sound. Lattanzi has a knack for making music that builds and builds seamlessly, yet never loses touch with its raw and powerful foundation. A bluesy cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” was surely a high point of the night that really got people dancing. Other than that it was almost all new material and despite some technical problems with the mike, the band created some serious hype for upcoming shows as well as for the release of their album, called “Running of the Bulls,” which will be out early this month. Definitely keep an eye out for that and stay tuned for much more this year from Sun Cut Flat.

Hip-hop artist Aviator, AKA one half of The Throwbacks, followed next. Aviator showed off his magnetic and fierce presence with some of his new material, including “I Like It,” a brash and boastful song that makes reference to everything from Trueblood to the H1N1 virus to Tetris. And he’s got a swagger that makes it look easy. Audible gasps of incredulity and enjoyment were heard from first-time listeners in the crowd. He even threw in some A Capella rhyming in between the bangers. With his infectious combination of smart lines punctuated by undeniable refrains, Aviator proved (once again) that he is a force to be reckoned with. His solo release “Bigger Than My Matador” will be out soon on Base Trip.

DJ Supersillyus, who had been spinning tracks in between each of the artists, played his final song and then Rapper Steph came up to close the show. She gave an electric performance filled with highly political songs that make you stop and think. This MC can captivate her audience with socially-conscious music that has a message and also makes you nod your head and stomp your feet.

The show was a hearty mix of music that can’t help but pull any audience member into Loughman’s unique project. The story of Base Trip Records is one about friends who just love hearing each other’s music and playing together. It’s hard to keep up in today’s independent music environment of endless bands with cryptic names and general too-coolness. That is definitely not Base Trip, whose artists so obviously care about their music and their friends and fans, and put everything they’ve got into what they’re doing. Base Trip acts as a sort of a one-stop shop for good, exciting new music that plays perfectly to the most eclectic of tastes.

I caught up with Loughman over Thanksgiving break to get his take on the BU Central show and also his views on how Base Trip fits in at BU, in Boston and to come in the world at large. When asked about his major plans for Base Trip this year, Loughman’s answer was pretty concise. “Releasing albums.  It’s all I think about.” He’s also gotten the okay from COM to have interns next semester, another prospect he’s psyched about. Base Trip’s evolution from its founding two years ago was something else Loughman talked about:

When we first started out all we really had was music, internet access, and a good idea.  We’ve experienced and learned a lot since then.  At this point all of the artists are seasoned performers and songwriters and I have the contacts and the skills necessary to run a successful label.  The main difference between now and then is that we’re really doing it now.

Loughman is graduating this semester, and I asked him about long-term plans for Base Trip Records. His answer perfectly sums up the no-drama, good-natured and driven approach he’s taken.

My goal is to make it possible for all the artists on Base Trip Records to be able to make music their career if they want to.  I really believe it’s going to happen.  I have no idea where we’re all going to be in ten years but I expect everybody to be happy and successful.

Well said. Check out Base Trip’s website for more info and upcoming shows.