Local indie synth-pop dance musicians Prom Date will showcase their music and likeness for their fans a little differently Thursday night.
The Radio Bar on Government Street will host a Prom Date listening party to play songs from the band’s upcoming EP, to be released Feb. 10.
In addition to Prom Date’s attendance, local musicians will perform for the event, including DJ Matt Cee, local hip-hop artist Shoelace and after-party DJ set Casino Night, which is comprised of Prom Date members. Matt Cee also plans to feature a different twist to Prom Date’s new music.
“DJ Matt Cee is actually mixing up one of our tracks from the new CD,” said Brett Burke, Prom Date singer and keyboardist. “We love Matt Cee enough to hand him over our raw tracks.”
Prom Date plans to offer redeemable codes to fans who attend which can be used for an early download of the band’s new EP, which will only be released digitally.
The band’s new three-song, self-titled EP will also break from its traditional sound, Burke said. “The word for [the last EP] was kind of ‘epic,'” Burke explained. “We wanted to be big and loud.”
The band pulled in friends and instruments to create a plethora of sounds for its last release, but this collection will feature more electronic elements, with every song featuring various forms of synthesizers.
“We shifted more toward dance,” he said. “It’s definitely more electronic.”
Burke explained this event will be a calmer precursor to the band’s Feb. 10 EP Release Party at the Spanish Moon. That show will feature Matt Cee, Austin-based band Sphynx and Jean-Eric of New Orleans.
Tonight’s event marks the first dance party for the Radio Bar, which co-owner Brian Baiamonte said is a tradition the venue hopes to continue.
“Having listening parties has always been part of our plan,” Baiamonte explained. “It’s a laid-back way of showcasing a band.”
The venue plans to hold several similar events over the course of the year, Baiamonte said.
He explained this event should allow Prom Date to interact with their fans, sell their merchandise and showcase their music in a relaxed but effective way.
“We’re giving musicians an opportunity to introduce their music without having to perform it,” Baiamonte said. “They can be interacting with their fan base and the clientele. It’s a good way to get people introduced to their music before a performance.”
The show will require no cover, but attendants must be 21 or older.
 
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Contact Austen Krantz at [email protected]