Good Night, States might be the smartest band in Pittsburgh.  I’m not even referring to the band’s music (which is a totally satisfying blend of sugary indie pop hooks and too-smart-for-their-own-good ennui), I am referring to the sheer amount of brain power the local five-piece has in spades.

The fact of the matter is Good Night, States had the bright idea and technical know-how to flip the whole concept of audience participation on its head by introducing a way for crowd members to add their own synth touches to the group’s live show.

Through the use of a little hand held synthesizer app for Apple iPhones and iPod Touches called Noise.io, anyone with the desire (and pretty decent understanding of music in general) to literally contribute electronic music through the monitors at one of GN,S’s live shows will now have that capability.  The band has provided instructions and self-made video tutorials to help any fan put their own stamp on this truly unique and thoughtful concert going experience. 

Unfortunately, my phone is about as technically advanced as a small DVD remote control, so I don’t think I will be playing pretend Brian Eno for a day anytime soon, but the whole project is very intriguing.  How well everything will work (including the musical competence of the fans who are actually participating) remains to be seen but the Noise.io app does seem to be a pretty intuitive and simple based on the video tutorials.  Here’s to hoping Good Night, States have started a new era in concert going.

The first show you can officially try out this new technology will be this Friday, July 17th at Mr. Small’s, along with local rockers The Takeover UK, Vesta and Composure.  In the mean time, here are some tracks from the group’s last full length Short Films on Self Control.

Good Night, States – The Family Dark

Good Night, States – Spring is the Winter’s End (Down to the Heart)