Based out of Portland, High Step Society fuses jazz and electronic music, bringing high-energy, big band vibes. Known for its innovative sound and dynamic beats, the band creates an inviting space for dancing and celebration. Ahead of the group’s upcoming show with Moontricks at Midtown Ballroom on Thursday, Jan. 23, the Source Weekly spoke with Anthony Meade, producer and trombonist for High Step Society, about the band’s influences, memorable moments and dream dance party location. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Source Weekly: High Step Society combines jazz, EDM and big band energy. How did you develop this unique sound and what drew you to these genres?
Anthony Meade: High Step Society was heavily influenced by bands like Caravan Palace and Parov Stelar back in the mid-2010s. Since then, we’ve moved away from the traditional electro-swing sound and infused more blues, West Coast bass and American big band styles.
SW: You’ve performed alongside artists like Beats Antique and The Polish Ambassador as well as burlesque performers worldwide. How have these collaborations influenced your music and performances?
AM: Writing and playing music for a specific dancer or circus performer brings a unique sense of focus. It’s a collaborative effort where moment and sound align to create something greater than the sum of its parts. We’re especially inspired by the path Beats Antique has paved for live instrumentation and performance in the festival scene.
SW: After nearly a decade of touring and being festival favorites, what’s been one of your most memorable moments as a band?
AM: The moments when everything goes wrong often become the most legendary. In 2019, we played at Volcanic Theatre Pub and the fire alarm went off mid-set. We finished the song, started another with the alarm blaring and eventually improvised a song to match the alarm’s rhythm and key. The audience joined in, singing along to what we called “the fire alarm song.” Moments like that are so special because they’re spontaneous and authentic — something you just can’t replicate.
SW: If High Step Society could throw the ultimate dance party anywhere, what would it look like?
AM: We’d pave over a section of the playa near Black Rock City and throw a dapper, roaring ’20s, Great Gatsby-themed steampunk party.
This article appears in The Source Weekly January 16, 2025.
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