Steam Down aim to create more than just music.
Over the last seven years, the jazz collective have built a community through their weekly improvised sessions in Southeast London. The renowned energy at Steam Down Weekly has made entrance coveted by those seeking the forefront of contemporary jazz.
For the first time, the band will bring the spirit of these performances to Australia for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, in a special showcase presented by pioneering UK promoter and label, Jazz re:freshed.
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The band’s six core members are led by saxophonist Ahnansé, born Wayne Francis. His sculpture-like hairstyle is barely contained in the screen when he video-calls from his London home.
“I wanted there to be a space for musicians and for audience members to connect, but it’s more about building community,” he says. “There’s an energy that we all feel when we enjoy music and that’s a unifying thought.
“If we can all feel the same thing at the same time, that’s true unity,” he continues. “That drives the whole thing; ‘How do we maintain that sense of unity and community?’ ‘How does the music facilitate those things?’”
Still buzzing from the band’s performance the night before as part of their weekly series, Ahnansé believes the band gives audiences a midweek boost.
“It’s a space where people can come and let go of all of the stress of the day or the week,” he says. “You can get a pick-me-up in the middle of the week, and I think that gives people some motivation, some energy.”
Aside from occasionally debuting a song, every Steam Down Weekly performance is improvised. “It’s all about finding that moment of creativity,” says Ahnansé, quick to clarify it’s not a typical jam session. “It’s like, ‘how do we write a song or write a piece of music all together in that moment on the spot?’”
“Everybody has that focus in the band, and we trust each other to put the right ideas in,” he continues. “I think you get to the point where the music just tells you what needs to happen next. You have to trust the energy at that point in time.”
All members of Steam Down are from the African diaspora, describing their genre as Afro-Infinitism. “It’s about going as far into the past as you can, as well as going as far into the future as you can, whilst also going as deep into the present,” explains Ahnansé.
“We check out a lot of music from the past, traditional Afro music, as well as thinking about how we can use technology. Like, ‘How can we imagine another sound?’– something that’s fresh to us.”
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The use of technology has led the band to incorporate modern genres like ragga, grime and garage into their music. “It’s less about genres and more about, ‘Do we feel it?’ ‘Does the energy feel right?’. They’re all connected on some level,” explains Ahnansé. “While I grew up with traditional jazz, I grew up with hip-hop… grime… [and] Afrobeat.”
Steam Down have recorded their forthcoming debut album. “I’m so proud of this body of work. All of us are,” Ahnansé beams. “I feel like we were able to authentically capture the energy that we have on the weekly nights. But more importantly, the songs all tell a story.”
The cost-of-living crisis has been an unfriendly inspiration. “We need to come through with some different energy… to change our paths… to find another way,” he emphasises.
“It’s the music of change… to push you forward… to inspire you to make your life better. By extension, to make our lives collectively better so we can do it together.”
The band’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival performance will differ slightly from their weekly London performances, featuring improvised and written material.
“A few people might know Free My Skin or Etcetera or some other tracks,” says Ahnansé. “We can’t come all that way and not give that to the people.”
While the band include slower, more meditative music in their sets, their top priority is to get people moving. “We’re here to have fun, so no statues if it’s time to dance,” Ahnansé says.
“I’m going to get in the crowd to dance with you if you’re not dancing and then we’re all going to dance together.”
Like all but one member, Ahnansé has never travelled to Australia. “From the onset, I’ve wanted to share what we have with other people,” he says. “I love going on the road… touring… making those connections with people I’ve never met. It’s about creating these cross-cultural connections outside of just the music.”
Ahnansé says the band is eager to share the stage while on tour. “It’s also about connecting with other musicians in those spaces,” he says.
“If there are any musicians in Melbourne that [would] like to do a Steam Down Weekly vibe… then shout us out. Hit us up.”
Catch Steam Down’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival show on October 22 at 170 Russell. Grab your tickets here.
