A Conversation with Mimicking Mars
Photo By Kylie Raine
Article By Milena Chiari, University Union Editorial Board
Social Media Liaison | Photo By Kylie Raine
Syracuse is home to many young artists, each with their own style and story. One band in particular, Mimicking Mars, is making their mark in Syracuse’s growing music scene. Composed of James Dawson, Jeremy Lanuti, Josh LeVisuer, and Bobby Malone, they have a unique story as one of the only bands writing and performing original songs.
Their story starts back in high school, where Lanuti and Dawson were seniors, and James was a sophomore. Lanuti and LeVisuer were on the same bus and knew of each other's musical talents. Being co-captains of the drum line, Lanuti and LeVisuer grew close and eventually crossed paths and began making music. As graduation neared and everyone would go their separate ways, they decided to remain a band and keep making music, only virtually. Eventually, everyone ended up at Syracuse University, and Mimicking Mars became a hit on campus.
Late last summer, Mimicking Mars released “Janky Jones & the BlackJack Blues,” which comprises all of the songs that they believe best fit them. They were inspired by their first original music show.
“If you listen to the full 37 minutes of this album it will tell you all there is to know about us,” Lanuti said.
Jeremy noted that creating an album was something that they always wanted to do and making their music was a dream of theirs. The band focuses on creating a song they wish existed, and does not adhere to a genre or specific sound.
“When you are writing lyrics, sometimes you want to tell a story, but other times it is more abstract,” Lanuti said.
The band notes that Janky Jones & the BlackJack Blues add a lot of feeling, and it means a lot to them when people relate to the lines.
“It feels good when people come up to you and tell you specific lyrics hold meaning to them and impact them,” Lanuti said.
They want to be respected and to create something meaningful. Whether it is your favorite or least favorite genre, you will agree that it is well done, and made with passion and love.
When asked about what advice they have for new artists just starting, Mimicking Mars explained that you just have to do it.
“If you suck, do it and suck and you will get better.”
As noted by Dawson, there is always room for improvement and you shouldn’t let being bad at something discourage you. No matter how good or how bad you start as, sometimes you need to be bad before you become good.
Mimicking Mars’ First Album “Janky Jones & the BlackJack Blues” is available now wherever you listen to music.
