Improvising anything: New band sees no rules in song writing process

There's a new band in town, and it's likely you know the members. Especially the group's biggest contributor: creativity.

Improv of 7 Dying Men — a collaboration of members from local groups Fists of Phoenix, Slow Riot, Emaciation, Frogsweat and Bundle Theory — originally started as a acoustic side project for Fists of Phoenix vocalist Daniel Seabaugh, who was just looking for a way to express himself outside of his band.

"Improv was an experiment that I've had in mind for a couple years," Seabaugh said. "I was originally planning on making a record on pure impulse. One hundred percent improvised music with seven guys playing anything and everything, creating disturbing noise and driving people to insanity. Somewhere along the lines of The Boredoms. However, after many confused stares and blank responses, I decided to record some acoustic songs I had written and release them under that title. Everything clicked so we went with it."

Seabaugh said the group, like its music, is still a work in progress, with influences coming from anywhere and everywhere. That means writing songs with no rules or boundaries and involving musicians from opposite musical backgrounds.

"Well, at this point we're all just plugging in and writing songs," Seabaugh said. "Many of which are turning out very eerie with a lot synth keys and droning guitars. Others are just simple structured rock songs originating from an acoustic. Anything goes at this point, we're just having fun with the toys that are available. We can pick up flutes or trash cans and create music with no questions asked."

The five men behind Improv of 7 Dying Men are Seabaugh, guitarist Nick Barwick, bassist Sam Carmack, JJ Seabaugh on drums and Scooter Mize on keyboards. They have plans for a November release of the band's debut album, which is to be produced by Brandon Drury at EchoEcho Studios. Drury has worked with a wide variety of musicians from the Southeast Missouri area including Mike Renick, Drivin' Rain, Catatonic, Fists of Phoenix and Promise to Burn.

Improv has two upcoming shows Aug. 21 at The Rude Dog Pub in downtown Cape Girardeau with Fill and Rockface Barband, and Aug. 29 at The Bluebird in St. Louis.

For more information and show dates visit www.myspace.com/improvof7dyingmen.