Come Backstage With The Happy Fits

Nov 30, 2022

We caught up with The Happy Fits backstage before their show in Columbus, Ohio.

The trio, comprised of Luke Davis (drums), Calvin Langman (cello), and Ross Monteith (guitar) are some of the most chill and kind humans we've ever met. The first time the band ventured out to Columbus, they played at a much smaller venue known as Skully's to which they paid to play to a crowd of single digits.... But much has changed since then, now the band is playing in the historic Newport Music Hall to a packed and boisterous crowd. We asked what has changed since MUD has last spoken to them, "not a lot - well we are playing new, different music in larger venues to more people - so actually maybe things have changed a bit." — Photographer: Lucy Jones

The Happy Fits made a recent stop to Columbus, Ohio on their "speed run of the Midwest" as a part of their Under the Shade of Green Tour. We got the chance to meet up with the band backstage before their performance to get a glimpse inside their pre-show routines.

A bit over a year ago, MUD chatted with The Happy Fits about releasing new music and their band story - check it out here!

The trio, comprised of Luke Davis (drums), Calvin Langman (cello), and Ross Monteith (guitar) are some of the most chill and kind humans we've ever met. The first time the band ventured out to Columbus, they played at a much smaller venue known as Skully's to which they paid to play to a crowd of single digits.... But much has changed since then, now the band is playing in the historic Newport Music Hall to a packed and boisterous crowd. We asked what has changed since MUD has last spoken to them, "not a lot - well we are playing new, different music in larger venues to more people - so actually maybe things have changed a bit."

The band has a pretty tame pre-show routine, Calvin and Luke painted their faces with glitter, mostly just for fun and a cool way to play off the *insane* lighting during their set. The boys are also quite the mixologists and whipped up some pre-show drinks for themselves, prompting a then thorough review of the ice provided in the greenroom and a serious discourse of the various merits of different kinds of ice; Calvin has some particular opinions regarding nugget ice. Ross pulled out his Gameboy Color for a bit - which was a gift from Calvin and Luke - and Calvin talked shop about his newfound passion for videography. Calvin actually helped produce the band's recent music video for their song "In the Lobby" off of their most recent album. It's a masterpiece and you can check it out here.

While a formal interview wasn't conducted - here are some highlights: None of the band is forklift certified, but Luke has previously driven one - please don't tell the authorities. A LaCroix sponsorship for the band would be greatly appreciated. Calvin will in fact sit on the counter every time. Luke has a conspiracy about the mafia and glitter but we'll let him give you the deets on that... Oh and both Calvin and Luke truly admire Ross' "smexy ankles," smankles if you will.

The camaraderie and love The Happy Fits clearly share for one another is indisputable, their riffs off each other and evident joy simply being around one another translates incredibly well on stages elevating their already electric performances. The Happy Fits aren't just coworkers, but a tangible family. The guys are incredibly down to earth and have blinding passion for what they do, there is zero question for the success the band has exponentially received over these past few years.

The Happy Fits know how to throw a party, check out our coverage of the show here.

Experience backstage with The Happy Fits below with photos by Lucy Jones.