Prairie Ridge grads form Pixel Grip

CRYSTAL LAKE – It starts with “a sound.” For Prairie Ridge graduates Rita Lukea, Jonathon Freund and Tyler Ommen, that sound is dark, electronic pop. Analogue synthesizers, samples, old and new sound blending and improvised and unique vocals come together to make “a sound.” That sound, is Pixel Grip.

“The confounding element is improvisation,” Lukea said. “The two or three of us will get together and jam out and improvise something and work around a song structure.”

Influenced by bands such as Little Dragon and Daft Punk, as well as the Chicago house and French electronica scenes, Pixel Grip is not just a band, it’s a sound experience.

Ommen plays drums, Lukea sings in a range of vocals and does a loop station, reverb and plays keyboard and Freund contributes an array of synths, a drum machine and some vocals. Each member plays his or her part to come together in one complete, almost cosmic sound.

“We like to have a dark, yet colorful kind of stage setup,” Freund said. “We try to incorporate some choreography and stage moves, mystery and suspense, a lot of moments of being really loud and being really quiet and being able to explore all moods sonically and visually on stage.”

The group released its first album, “Heavy Handed” on April 12. The 11-track album offers unique sounds that move you through high and low beats and vocals that make you move, whatever your definition of move may be.

“We want people to feel a range of emotions,” Freund said. “We don’t want one dimension. We want to give an experience with a lot of variety and color and mood. We want the album to reach as many people as possible so people can hear our recordings. We’re really proud and confident in it and we’ve received a great response.”

The bandmates are now Chicago-based, immersing themselves in a city known for music that does not look to put a label on the definition of what makes a great sound or fan base.

“Growing up and listening to some of my favorite records, I always dreamt of seeing some of my favorite bands play live,” Ommen said. “I still remember downloading whole concerts on LimeWire to experience it. I want to take our album and create a really great live experience in a great place because that was always something I was excited about.”

The live experience of Pixel Grip is one that surely won’t disappoint. Lukea describes their live shows as a place where music lovers from all walks of life can feel safe and included, creating an environment where you can let loose and have a good time whether that includes dancing, screaming or moshing. It’s an opportunity to let go.

Pixel Grip’s “Heavy Handed” is available on vinyl, CD and for download. For purchase options, visit https://feeltrip.co.