River Gibson (left) & Paul Martin (right) opening for Gavin Degraw Photo Kevin Ste Marie

River Gibson (left) & Paul Martin (right) opening for Gavin Degraw Photo: Kevin Ste Marie

Four Lafayette, LA natives came together in 2012 to form a pop rock band that quickly grew a large fan-base and has recently been opening for big names like Gavin Degraw and Hinder.

The band is made up of four friends who are looking to, “Help people have a good time and

be happy,” according to lead guitarist Kevin Trosper.

The band has played many local shows since its formation, but has recently had the opportunity to open for big name artists.

“We’ve been trying to take gig opening for larger bands so that it ensures a larger possible

Kevin Trosper from TANDEM Blue Bayou Summer Concert Series

Kevin Trosper from TANDEM Blue Bayou Summer Concert Series

fan base,” said the band’s lead vocalist, River Gibson.

For Tropser, the experience of playing with bigger bands has been surreal.

“We drove by Blue Bayou and saw our name come up on the electronic sign with Gavin Degraw. It’s nice to have your name on the same sign as these big names.”

Wherever the band is playing, they make it a point to bring lots of energy to their live performance.

“We have a huge live stage energy.  That’s what sets us apart. We’re very interactive in the crowd. We have a stage chemistry that’s hard to come by,” said Gibson.

Crowd enjoys TANDEM's River Gibson in the crowd.

Crowd enjoys TANDEM’s River Gibson in the crowd.

While the band works hard to bring their A-game to every performance they also invest a lot into the recording process.

“It’s really interesting. A lot of times I’ll sit down at home on an acoustic guitar and I’ll think of everything by myself. I’ll start banging on my drums and playing on my guitar. Or River

Kirkland Middleton on drums in Baton Rouge, LA Photo: Kevin Ste Marie

Kirkland Middleton on drums in Baton Rouge, LA Photo: Kevin Ste Marie

may be alone trying to think of these things. When we put the band together to practice everything, a lot of times it’s different then how we envisioned it. Everyone gives their input and it all crosses and becomes a final product,” said Trosper.

One member of the band has recently thrown his name into the ring for a contest that could put the band on the national radar.

To Gibson the possibilities for the band are limitless.

“The sky is the limit and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Tandem’s next live performance will be on August 30 at Luna Live in Lake Charles, open for 12 Stones at The Station LIVE in Broussard, LA

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Below is TANDEM with an acoustic performance from Balcony TV in New Orleans, LA

TANDEM from The House of Blues in New Orleans, LA