Story by Jake Smoorenburg
Many artists making their way in the music world are given the label ‘garage rock.’ It’s easy to understand why - for many, the garage is an accessible place to begin rehearsing their craft.
When I visited Paper Tiger earlier this month, for my first show on the second stage, I wasn’t expecting to see the term ‘garage rock’ taken literally. A San Antonio staple venue, Paper Tiger has hosted the likes of Band Suns and I Don’t Know How But They Found Me. These shows, of course, occupied the main stage of the venue. Anticipation was high to see a show on the hidden second stage. I was here to see San Marcos-based indie group Eli Josef, on tour supporting Housecall and Sisyfuss.
The accessibility of indie music is tantamount to the success of musicians across the world. Paper Tiger, situated just off of Saint Mary’s, allows easy access to shows right from the street. No lines, just a quick stop at the front desk. Upon entry, I was greeted by a large courtyard adorned with murals. A dimly lit bar sits right next to the stage, and eager audience members gather on the park benches. This casual environment allowed myself and other fans to simply relax, something hard to come by at larger, structured concerts.
While visiting with others in the courtyard, a voice calls out - “It’s time!” Those around me stop what they’re doing, rushing into the stage area. I joined them. Looking around the garage, spared of intricacies, I was reminded of what indie music was all about.
Eli Josef, a five person group, first appeared on the radar after releasing their single I Love You Aubrey Plaza. Recorded by the band in their college years, it’s a humorous yet catchy track that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The song, gaining over a million plays on Spotify, even spurred a video response from actor Aubrey Plaza herself - and no, she didn’t say she loves Eli back.
Eli Josef shattered my expectations for how loud a garage concert could be. The vibes of their studio recordings, beachy and lively, became fierce and exciting - making crowd movement basically compulsory. Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of Eli Josef was their unique ability to simply enjoy themselves on stage. In the middle of their hit Broken Bones, the instruments died down as the members joked amongst each other. Unexpectedly, they began to play Creep by Radiohead. Not just one verse – the entire song. By the end, the band was at their loudest. During the height of the musical chaos, one of the members threw himself into the crowd, forming a moshpit that engulfed most of the audience. Just as quickly as the band transitioned into the Radiohead rager, they took a breather -- changing tunes and finishing out the final verse of Broken Bones.
By the end of the show, both the band members and audience were exhausted in the best way. Eli Josef and other bands playing on Paper Tiger’s second stage serve as a reminder of what music is really about: expression, freedom, and comradery. Those looking for an authentic indie-garage rock experience should look no further than the second, lesser known stage at Paper Tiger.
And don’t forget to check out Eli Josef’s music at Elijosef.com!