One More Pill

One strums, the other picks. One focuses on happiness, the other disaster. Together, they hit notes, change rhythms and tweak guitar tones to create the unique sound of Stabilo.

With two lead singers and guitarists in the band, Jesse Dryfhout and Christopher John have two different sounds that are brought together in the album Happiness and Disaster. Naming the album after the song makes the intent and concept of the album clear. It’s filled with positive and negative songs while inspiring hope. The contrast of song styles on the album is clear and perfectly balanced.

“What I really want people to take from the album is the message that it’s not the end of the world if you’re sad,” said lead singer Dryfhout. Although both lead singers think differently they follow similar processes for writing.

“I have to know no one is home when I write,” said Dryfhout. “But both Chris and I are alone with acoustic guitars [when writing].” For many, writing is used as outlet for emotion or in other words, an escape. “When I’m not happy or stuff is messed up, it triggers writing,” he added.

Although exposing your deepest emotions thought writing is a beneficial outlet, it’s allowing the rest of the world to hear them that brings a challenge.

“The most self conscious part is bringing the material to the band,” said Dryhouft. “It’s waiting to see if they like it and what I should change.”

The live shows aren’t always easily done either. “It’s tough, sometimes you do a couple bad shows and you think, why am I doing this? But then one good show reminds you why.”

On October 13th Stabilo headlined a show with Tomi Swick and Suits XL. It was incredible as fans sang along with every song and crowded the stage at Hamilton Place Theatre. As the band performed and joked contently with the fans, they clearly felt at home. Earning an encore the band chose an acoustic song to bring the show to a close. But to many people’s surprise; John was on piano and guitar and also took over lead vocals.

Stabilo perfectly captures the “happiness and disaster” in our everyday lives. Whether you want something fun or mellow to listen to, Stabilo maintains balance and interest with a sound all their own.