By Kate Bartlett
The Necessary Experience is a dynamic family rock band known for their highly energetic, multi-generational live performances. Based in Dunkirk, NY (formerly Titusville, PA), the band has crossed over 3,000 live shows, growing a loyal following along the East Coast. Necessary Experience will perform in Ellicottville Labor Day Weekend, on Saturday, September 12 as a special addition to the Gazebo Concert Series at 1pm.
Led by father, singer, and guitarist Matt Necessary, the core lineup is a family affair featuring his sons – Jack (24, guitar/vocals), Jude (17, bass vocals) and Jobe (16, percussion/vocals) – alongside bassist and singer Fred Colvin (Freddie C). Their unique sound is an upbeat blend of rock and roll, pop, funk and reggae designed to get audiences moving. “We play music because we want to see people smile,” remarks Matt. “It’s an underlying thing that I just enjoy. I watch people walk in with their worries on a Friday or Saturday night, but you watch it disappear. It gives us a lot of satisfaction to see the impact our music has on people.”
Matt earned his first guitar with his first paycheck in high school. “I played a few bands in high school, but my first real band was after I graduated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,” explains Matt. “We played a lot in Myrtle Beach, and after it ran its course, I moved to Myrtle Beach to start a band with my brother. We called ourselves The Necessary Brothers.”
During their first year, Matt and his brother Mark played 262 shows in various venues in and around Myrtle Beach. “We learned a lot from the older guys who taught us the ‘the good stuff’ from the 60’s and 70’s. They’d say ‘if we want to be great, you’ve got to go back and learn from the best. We learned Motown, British Invasion type music, 60’s and 70’s rock and roll. It’s kind of where my roots came from.”
The Necessary Brothers played as a house band at The House of Blues and at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for 3.5 years. Matt met his wife in Myrtle Beach and had their first child, Jack, before moving back to her hometown in Northwest Pennsylvania, where they had Jude and Jobe. He met Fred Colvin, aka Freddy C, current band member, around 2012 and kept active in several bands.
Music had always been a part of Matt’s life, but he never pressured his children to play. “I’ve been a professional musician their whole life, and our children have always been around music,” explains Matt. “Anytime we played family festivals we’d have the kids on stage, but it was only if they were interested. I saw the talent in my kids, but I didn’t want to force anything.” Matt would leave instruments around the house and taught his sons when they were interested. “I never pushed them too hard. I always wanted them to enjoy music and I wanted them to find it for themselves.”
During the pandemic, Matt and his sons became much closer and practiced together frequently. “My boys really grew as musicians during this time and they started asking to play gigs,” explains Matt. “At first, I thought they could join me on some shows I already had planned, then I stopped in my tracks and decided it was time that they stepped up. I saw the opportunity for them to not just accompany, but really make the band better.”
Matt challenged each of his boys to become better musicians. “I really have to credit them; they’ve put in the time and effort to improve and become who they are today,” explains Matt. “Yes, I gave them the opportunity, but as anyone in the music/arts world knows, you can’t just fake it, you have to earn it. I can show you the road but you have to walk it. They’ve each put in an incredible amount of time and energy into their music, and I’m proud of them not just as their father, but as a fellow musician.”
Freddy C has been an integral member of the band not only for his musical talent, but for his mentorship with Matt and his sons. “I have to give a lot of credit to Freddy,” explains Matt. “He came from a big musical family with 6 siblings with almost all of his brothers and sisters playing professionally.” Freddy’s mom was a professional bass player and trained Freddy and his siblings to be a professional gospel group. Freddy started preforming at church at 4 years old, but had dreams of becoming a carpenter, or anything besides a musician. “His mom was hard on them, and I think because of that he’s really taken to my boys. He’s been a part of their lives since they were very young. He’s Uncle Freddy and when he talks, they listen. He’s been a great mentor to them, musically and otherwise, and helped cultivate who they are today.”
The Necessary Experience has played over 3,000 shows along the East Coast, including many near their former hometown of Titusville, Pennsylvania and their current home in Dunkirk, NY. The band has played weekly at Trattoria Partenople on the Lake in Bemus Point and will play in Ellicottville for the first time on Saturday, September 12 at the Village Gazebo. “We’re excited to play here,” explains Matt. “We’ve never been and we’ve heard so many great things. We are looking forward to playing to a new audience and experiencing Ellicottville. When people see us for the first time, they don’t know what to expect. We’re a pleasant surprise, I think, for most people.”
Matt describes their sound as fun, funky rock and roll. “We’re eclectic; we play a little bit of everything, including our own original music. We’re high energy and we love to get the crowd smiling, dancing and singing along. We’re rock and roll fans that love Motown and reggae.” The band has no set list; Matt calls the songs as they go making every show unique and tailored to the crowds’ energy. “Every night that we play, we might be a different band. No two shows are the same. We aim to please the crowd and match their energy, making the best experience for everyone. We don’t even know what to expect, which is cool.”
For more information and full list of upcoming shows, visit necessaryexperience.rocks and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Experience their first Ellicottville performance on Saturday, September 12 at the Village Gazebo at 1pm. The show is free and open to all ages.