Ed Schrader's Music Beat brings their revamped post-punk sound to Milwaukee in support of new album

Ed Schrader’s Music Beat is an evolving band that perplexes and surprises fans with its hard-to-pin-down sound and high energy. 

What started as just Schrader banging on a floor tom drum, shirtless and screaming, has transformed into a post-punk noise duo with the addition of Devlin Rice. Now the band has added another creative mind to the mix. The duo is releasing its third album Riddles, co-written and produced by electro-pop visionary Dan Deacon. The album marks a synth-driven, 1980s pop turn for the band.

The duo are now on tour in support of the album, released on March 2 via Carpark Records. They hit SXSW 2018 and are visiting Milwaukee April 7.

Schrader emailed WiG about the formation of the band and working with Deacon on the new record.

Wisconsin Gazette: The group started with just Ed and a floor tom. How has the band “fleshed out” since then? 

Ed Schrader: In those days it was very primal — I was all about opening this vent of repressed upstate New York angst from years of banging my head against the wall with numerous bands, which I’d start and crash in this continuous cycle of quicksand finally broken by my move to Baltimore. This eventually led to Devlin and I living together, and in the midst of many nights getting baked and playing Mario Kart and finishing off multiple 12 packs of “Natty Boh,” we really bonded. 

How did your friendship with Devlin Rice evolve into a musical partnership? 

I was invited to play at a rave club with a bunch of other acts and I wanted to add a little spice to the mix, so I thought, “Why not have Devlin vibe out with me on the bass?” He had already somehow figured out parts after overhearing me practice many nights in the basement through the heat vent. At first, Devlin was working around whatever weird primal pop thing I had concocted while sitting for hours in Dunkin’ Donuts — and we’d build off that. Eventually we started messing more with the composition and etching things out to feel more like something you’d want to experience outside an art gallery. Dev brought that balance. Having worked in tandem for so long, we have developed a fun synchronicity that has made the song-writing process feel more cohesive. At the same time Devlin is not afraid to be frank if something’s not sticking to the wall. I guess we all need that.

The band started with a minimalist approach. How has it stayed true to this style working with new producers?

I think we do a decent job of keeping the clutter at bay and only throwing something into the pot if it sweetens the broth — is this the same type of minimalism that you hear on JazzMind? No, but it feels like the place where we should be.

How did the partnership with Dan Deacon come about? 

I joked to Dan, “You should produce it!” He pondered for two seconds and was like, “OK, you maniac, let’s make a record.” Dan in a nutshell broke us of our one minute and 27 second metric, opening up these jams in a way where we felt more present and pumped about trying new things. I’d be like, “I want this to sound like Sinatra on Mars,” and he knew what I meant. 

The new album explores personal loses. What other themes are on Riddles? 

I’d say Riddles has some euphoria and a certain feeling of resolution once you get through the woods and into the mall parking lot. Sonically, you can feel us being more excited on this album than any previous one. The mood in the studio was highly caffeinated — electric!

Why did Riddles take two years to make?

We wanted to do it right as this is a pivotal point for us. Not knowing who we ultimately wanted to put it out with took away some of that pressure, though we did feel some anxiety about where this album would land. We wanted someone as excited about Riddles as us and that’s Car Park. We really lucked out with them.

How was it co-writing with someone new?

Dan pushed us to places beyond our regular comfort zone with karaoke warmups that slowly devolved into broad-stroke sound pools where we’d construct songs. It’s not easy sharing the captain’s chair after we’ve been so used to doing things our way, informed by audience reactions and gut instincts. We made songs that would melt faces, Dan wanted something deeper

Have you played Milwaukee before? 

We’ve played Milwaukee many times — usually at the Public House or Quarters Rock ‘n Roll Palace.

Ed Schrader's Music Beat performs April 7 at Quarters Rock 'n' Roll Palace, 900 E. Center St., Milwaukee. Also on the bill are Dogs in Ecstasy, Platinum Boys, Storm Chaser and DJ DRiP Sweat. The show starts at 9 p.m. and admission is $7.