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A common misconception about rap and hip-hop is that it’s nothing but gold chains, flat-billed hats and rolling with a crew who contribute little more than nothing to the music during a live performance.
Andy Bothwell, front man for Astronautalis, has proven to skeptics that hip-hop is about rich musical integrity, invigorating performance and a gentlemanly sense of style and wit.
Bothwell is unlike any other rapper you’ve heard. He has a raw, unadulterated passion you can hear on his albums and see in every performance. His voice can go from a gritty growl reminiscent of Tom Waits to a calming croon during songs like “Measure the Globe.”
When Bothwell made his appearance at the Launchpad last week, he engaged a crowd of fans and first-timers with his signature style of rap that infuses indie, hip-hop and the talking blues.
His musicality is great, but the most compelling aspect of the show was Bothwell’s stage presence. Watching his movements and mannerisms was like watching an amplified version of David Byrne.
Rarely do you see a rapper singing and rhyming with so much effusive energy that he is red in the face after each song.
He worked his way through a set list composed mainly of songs from 2011’s “This is Our Science,” taking breaks between each song to share comedic anecdotes about being on the road and being in Albuquerque. Apparently he was scorned by local fans on Instagram for posting a photo at Waffle House rather than going for the green chile upon his arrival in Albuquerque. However, he reassured fans that he knew quite well about our state’s staple as he lead into “Contrails” by saying, “This song is about green chile.”
Needless to say, it roused a roar from the crowd.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the night was the crowd interaction. From getting the audience to shout in unison for the chorus of “The River, The Woods,” to asking for topics that he would then flawlessly freestyle about — Bothwell made it apparent that he vibes heavily with his fans.
The freestyle is something he does at every show, exhibiting his roots as a battle rapper. Grins grew larger as he touched on each of the five topics, which included someone’s bong, a murder of crows, getting married, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a renaissance fair.
Closing up the show, Bothwell said he wanted to perform a new song that he wrote while touring Europe. His only request was that nobody put it on the Internet; it was only for those who were at the show.
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Though you may have missed his awe-inspiring performance this time around, worry not. Astronautalis told me he’ll be back soon — so now you know the treat you’re in for.
