Collegiate Times

Manassas-based band The Momentary Prophets finds itself somewhere between memory, dream and prophecy. Or at least this is what the band has said describes its sound.

“Those three things are what we are writing about,” said band member Ted Parker, “about the memory of an emotion, about our dreams that both happen as we sleep as well as what we imagine happening. The feeling of prophecy is not in a grand religious context, but just that we envision the world as better than it is right now.”

Packard and his other two band members, Jake Hull and Logan Byrd, are all graduates of Christopher Newport University. The three were originally brought together by a shared interest — not in music, but Frisbee.

“Ted and I met freshman year,” Hull said. “Within the first week (I) starting playing Frisbee with a group of people which then became a more concentrated group of friends. We decided to live together junior year and that’s when we started interacting musically.”

Although each played music individually, the collaboration did not happen initially.

“It took an outrageously long time for us to play together,” Packer said, “but really as soon as we did, it was obvious that we were really good together. We went outside and played guitar beneath a tree and something awesome happened.”

With the addition of Byrd, the group’s lineup was cemented. While on the road, the three band members play an assortment of instruments such as the acoustic guitar, ukulele, sitar, accordion and organ when performing. But each got his start musically with different instruments.

“I played the clarinet in middle school,” Byrd said. “My parents gave me guitar for Christmas in high school, which was a lot cooler in my mind. In recent years I’ve discovered how amazing piano and clarinet are, and I wish I’d been inspired by them in the same way I am with guitar.”

The variety of instruments speaks to the band’s dynamic nature, offering a unique experience for audience members each show.

“During shows we’re always switching instrumentation,” Hull said. “Sometimes I’m playing guitar and Ted’s playing mandolin, then he’ll switch to hand drum. At this point it’s really exciting because we officially have songs where we all play stand-up bass.”

Having a passion for music all their lives, playing professionally together was always a dream for the members.

“It was something I knew I would like to do, but I was always intimidated by taking that chance,” Byrd said. “When the situation presented itself I knew it was the right one.”

Three years ago, The Momentary Prophets formed and began to pursue a serious career in music. The decision to be professional musicians was based mostly on the reception the band was receiving from its listeners.

“What pushed me really was the people we play for, as much as is internally for feeling,” Packard said. “There’s almost no reason to make a career out of this were it not for  the incredible meaning it has for people who are touched by it and moved by it. I conceptualize it as part of our responsibility. We have this ability to generate emotions in people through music. It’s the most humbling and absurd thing.”

For its return trip to Blacksburg, the band will be playing a show at Gillie’s Friday night and is excited to share its music with others.

“We want to get more students to come out so we can collaborate on a really energetic experience that’s going to make everyone happier,” Hull said. “It’s going to be a jubilant concert and everyone will leave stoked about life.”

A version of this article appeared in the Feb 5 issue of the Collegiate Times.