“To see where it’s come from… it’s come so far.”

Respirator, a band hailing from Bowling Green, played in the second Live & Loud production of the fall semester following Upon the Ether. 

The band originated in 2021 as a duo consisting of Carson DiSalvo and Nico Kvalheim, both freshman Media Production students at the time. They bonded over their love of music, and the pair of friends began playing and recording together in their shared dorm room. 

“We had an album that we put out, and it was actually only Nico and I that had recorded every instrument,” said DiSalvo, lead guitarist. 

Citing their original muses as jazz rock and neo-soul, the band agreed that their most recent inspirations stem from emo, shoegaze, math rock, and alt-rock. “Compared to where the sound is now–it’s completely different.” Kvalheim said. 

Kvalheim and DiSalvo spent almost two years making music under Respirator as a pair. “For a long time, since it was just us two, no one knew how to play drums.” The duo went on to buy a drum kit together and learn the instrument. Laughing, Kvalheim said “It was just easier to get a drummer.”

Fast forward to the summer of 2023–Sam Batty, drummer and CMA student, joined Respirator, and then Matthew Bowlus, bassist and Fine Arts student. “I dragged Matt along… we needed the low end,” said Batty. 

As a completed four-piece, the band has gone on to play their first shows at Howard’s Club H, and is in the process of recording and producing a full length album. Their first single “Northern Lights” can be found on all major streaming platforms. For news and information about their music and upcoming shows, check out the band’s social media.  

Respirator’s 3-song set can be viewed on the BG Falcon Media YouTube channel.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lkBb9KZ6Rys1Wy0U570Ed?si=Wkh_GdNdT7Oi80km4ea6kw 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respiratorband?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Respirator Linktree: https://linktr.ee/respiratorband