Chicago-based Pleasures' 'psyche-sexy' jazz is one route to more acceptance, community in the local scene

Chicago-based Pleasures opened for Girl K at the Empty Bottle Aug. 18.

If you've ever cracked open a PBR Easy, gotten comfortable at a table in the back of Cafe Mustache and just existed alongside the space-jazz music playing over the speakers while simultaneously overhearing the Esoteric Math Circle talk about how astrology and cults would be in the same category, you might have experienced what it feels like to listen to Chicago-based "sexy" jazz band Pleasures.

Three members of the local band Pleasures met me at Cafe Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave., Tuesday evening, right around 6:30 p.m. The member who also manages the band, Colin Smith, arrived slightly earlier. I recently met him officially at the Burr Oak house show Aug. 2. We chatted for a bit, only to realize later on in the night we already had been following one another on Twitter for a while now. I find my life so humorous. It's a cliche to say the world is so small.

The interview began once everyone arrived, grabbed some beers and got situated. Starting the recording, the band introduced themselves: Smith on guitar, keys and auxiliary percussion, bassist and vocalist Camden Krusec and guitarist and vocalist Michael Hennessy. Jazzy, soothing tunes played over the speakers in the cafe. There was no music more fit as a backdrop for the interview.

Smith, Krusec and Hennessy took turns answering each of the questions. The mellow mood of the conversation early on with very detailed, fully thought-out answers revealed how the rest of the interview would go. At times, it was more intimate than I could have even asked for; all good. After answering one of my questions early on during the interview, the band members simultaneously reached for their beers and took a sip. I laughed at the fact and thought about how those were the moments that would make it into whatever story I decided to write.

Self-proclaimed seventies-inspired jazz band Pleasures—also including band members Manae Hammond on keys and guitar and Jack Lickerman on drums—take pride in the fact they are trying to differentiate themselves from most of the local music being released. Most bands in Chicago might be doing the "pop-punk thing," Krusec explains, but Pleasures aims to be more "psyche-sexy," an approach not many bands are taking in the local scene. Smith says that it's a feeling they collectively aim to project to the audience and listeners through their soft and intimate, lo-fi-ASMR music. Something about the atmospheric, psych-rock just makes people feel sexy. Could there be a better goal for a band?

"We definitely conceptualize the sound early on, just in terms of what we've listened to and what we want out of the music," Smith explains about the process of writing their music. "Having sort of a sexy vibe—a groovy sort of thing." Hennessy adds their music is birthed with many influences in mind, one being the thought of making music for James Bond movies or as being influenced by modern soul bands like Chicano Batman. Overall, each member of Pleasures tends to go down a rabbit hole when creating music, Smith says, adding they're all kind of "music nerds."

"It's been fun to combine our different interests and influences."

"Damn, a lot of people dance to that music; I wish people would dance to our music," Krusec says, which was a thought that once crossed his mind when considering what type of music the band would put out. "That's kind of what we're aiming for—music that energizes people." Pleasures' latest and only single released yet, "Airplane," definitely has that soothing and oozy feeling to it. Listening again, especially after chatting with the band, the single takes from the seventies for its riffs, groovy synth and relaxed drumming. That ongoing sense of commotion and a step into the void. The synth slowly intensifies toward the end of the track, pushing the listener back into emptiness. It wasn't their intention to create a growing sense of loneliness in this track, maybe, but there is a story to it.

Jack Lickerman on drums Sunday night at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 

"Take me away, airplane," the song rings. Groovy yet dreary guitar riffs cry; this is a song you would probably get high to. I've never smoked, but now I want to. The riffs continue to cry, increasingly more sad, higher pitched humming from the jukebox in the back of the bar. Hennessy adds later on during the interview that he doesn't necessary think their music is sexy. Maybe that's the only thing they don't all agree on as a band.

The band wants to produce disco-dance, lounge-jazz music that can be played live in an atmospheric, refreshing and pleasing way. They aim to eventually be able to put more thought into each detail on stage for their shows, the band explains, referencing Girl K's impeccable sense for creating consistent, aesthetically pleasing experiences for listeners and show-goers. Decorating the stage with plants is one unarguable goal for Pleasures. "We're a concept band," Hennessy says.

Pleasures aims to create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for future shows, like Girl K did for their show Sunday night with balloons, a Girl K banner and no lack of energy.

As a band, Pleasures is also focused a lot on growing that sense of community and creating a welcoming environment in the local scene. Inviting people in for house shows, which tend to be more intimate, and actively working to make DIY spaces safe for everyone involved, not accepting any bullshit, is the number-one priority for this Chicago band. Everyone has a different perspective on how it might feel to become a part of Chicago's music scene; while for some it might be easy, for others it can be daunting, Krusec explains. Because Pleasures' manager is actually in the band, it has been easier for them to get involved, book shows, make more connections, etc.

It can be a lot of fun to meet new people through local music, Smith says, as well as to build stronger relationships with existing friends. In order to make it less daunting for newcomers, being more personable is huge, Krusec says. Also, allowing a wider range of ages to be a part of local music with house shows, rather than 21 plus venues and such, pushes that agenda. There are a lot of ways to grow the community, Krusec explains: "We met at house shows, or we were drinking really cheap beers at Cole's, and that's how our friendships began." Pleasures plans to continue making space for everyone in the future.

The band's goals post the Girl K single-release show Sunday night, Aug. 18, at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., are to create and release more music, take a break from rehearsing and practicing and focus on other things, such as getting band photos and talking to music writers. With the single they do have out already, as well as several local shows as of late, Pleasures is off to a sweet start. Sexiness embodied. Listen to their single now, and follow Pleasures on Instagram to stay up-to-date on new music, shows and other happenings.