Queefers Rise Up In SLC
Article written by Destiny Ross and photos by Destiny Ross & Alec Moody
Queef Jerky is a band for the people by the people. On their latest tour through Salt Lake City, at the Soundwell, they proved that to us. Dev and Nick, both talented in other ways than this band, have created a world of music made to “outlive”* the world as we know it. They have made music that has connected and created fandoms of different diverse age ranges, interests, etc. Their experimental and collaborative project, being made to be “post-music-music” really encapsulates what vibe they are going for. Fun and wacky, of course…
They recruited Orange Soda, a local hyper-pop group, composed of three brothers, to fill in for Lenny Zen… who was supporting the first half of the tour but wasn't able to make this date. Orange Soda brought the heat to the stage as they came out in full hamster onesies with matching hamster wife beaters on. They were committed all throughout their set as they took the stage dancing and belting their hearts out. With them all being a part of their own projects, coming together to be one with this project is beautiful with their collaboration on stage and in music. They were entertaining between songs and interactive with the crowd as they talked to us and made us feel welcomed.
Find Orange Soda at their link below:
After a short set change and a few stagehands getting cheered on, the moment everyone was waiting for was finally there. Most of the crowd were in PJs, per Queef Jerky’s dress code they made, and I can vouch for everyone and say we were sweaty but ready being in Utah summer. The crowd went understandably, absolutely berserk as Nick took the stage. He first did some crowd work as he then took to his drums, and drums Dev in to take the stage as well. Both of them in PJs ready to play along with the crowd and have a good time.
They played a variety of songs throughout their whole entire discography which was nice for new and old fans alike. Newer fans were able to hear hits such as DON’T TALK BACK TO LADIES and MICHAEL PAUL and fans from their earlier days got to hear hits like PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN and QUEEF STEW. In between sets they were given many things from their fans as they have a very tight-knit relationship with their fans. They also continuously made the audience laugh and scream back at them as they told us things about the album and told us things about each song.
They truly provide an otherworldly type of stage presence when it comes to being a two man band taking up a whole stage… They do it easily and beautifully. Dev sounds even better live than you think she would and by that I mean she sounds exactly like their recording but with more raw emotion while also providing dancing in between during Nick’s lyrics and even her own. Nick provides energy that the whole night needed but didn't know it. He brought excitement to the set and unpredictable moments with the drums. Nick got up from behind his drums during the set to, fortunately, interact with the audience and give them hoodies that were stained at some point on tour, so they signed them and gave them away to select fans that night.
If you have never seen them live I definitely suggest and encourage it for the experience ALONE. If you’re a fan already then you should see them regardless but if you have no idea who they are, go to a live show and experience the vibes they bring to the table and bask in the glory of their talent collectively together in one project.
