Schubas Tavern was filled with ecstatic energy during the sold out New Year’s Eve concert headlined by Diane Coffee, with opening acts the Voluptuals and Yoko & the Oh Nos. Before the show, Shaun Fleming talked to Elmore Magazine about his music plans and the experiences he’s had on the road. Fleming released his first album, My Friend Fish, under the moniker Diane Coffee in 2013. In September of 2015, Coffee’s second album, Everybody is a Good Dog was released, kicking off a rigorous touring schedule that culminated on Saturday, December 31^st at Schubas Tavern. After a long period of touring non-stop, Fleming is excited to take some time to rest and write new material for his upcoming album. As the new album begins to take shape, Fleming is gathering inspiration from electronic pop and ’80s music (think Tears for Fears), which could influence the musical composition of his new material.

Diane Coffee took the stage around 11:15 pm as the crowd cheered, welcoming Fleming and his band. He entered the stage dressed in a metallic-pearl colored jumpsuit, wearing silver make-up, an element that added to the theatricality of the band’s stage presence. Fleming started his career as a voiceover actor, and learned to manipulate his voice, giving life to all kinds of characters. On stage, Fleming uses that experience, modulating and manipulating his voice when singing. During a few musical interludes, Fleming would go off-stage to change his outfits: a white cape with a sparkly headpiece and a black and gold sequined jacket that reinforced his intense presence.

The pulsating passion of the band and Fleming’s golden voiced renditions of his repertoire contributed to the joyous celebratory evening. During the final New Year’s Eve countdown, Fleming urged audience members to embrace one another as balloons fell from the Tavern ceiling and the crown cheered and celebrated the start of 2017. Diane Coffee resumed the performance with euphoria, interacting with the audience and bouncing balloons throughout the venue. The concert was a high-energy experience that elevated the music to a new level with Diane Coffee’s bold, dramatic and powerful energy.

-Tracy Montes