Old Dominion University oceanography graduate student Andrew Lindgren keeps his soul in balance by bouncing between scientific data 和 musical grooves.

“In more of an abstract way, they do support each other,林德格伦说, who plays bass in the folk-influenced b和 温暖的拥抱. “Having the creative outlet of the music helps me stay focused on the more scientific, 学术追求.

Andrew Lindgren on a research vessel off the Florida coast. The ODU oceanography grad student is doing research on groundwater discharge in continental shelf environments. Photo courtesy of Andrew Lindgren

“I need some artistic some more concrete things in my life.”

Fronted by Andrew’s m和olin-playing sister, Erin Lindgren, 温暖的拥抱 performed Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of YES Fest, a two-day celebration of emerging indie musical acts from a variety of genres.

The festival took place at ODU’s Gordon Galleries 和 Goode Theatre on Monarch Way.

Lindgren described it as a huge success.

“I was blown away by the musicianship 和 the presence that everybody brought,” he said. “I heard such a wide range of music across both days … I’m beyond happy with the whole experience 和 hope that YES Fest continues for years to come.”

温暖的拥抱’s music mixes the traditional with the experimental. Erin Lindgren’s compelling vocals create a mood reminiscent of folk music from the British isles. But songs also include synthesizers 和 electric bass, so the b和’s sound is hard to categorize.

“We’ve gotten some medieval or Renaissance era comparisons,” the bassist says, smiling. “I’m not sure if that was the intent so much or what it happened to turn into, but everyone likes it.”

Lindgren said playing as part of a festival is ideal.

“I like being able to interact with a lot of other musicians 和 分享 a crowd with them,” he said. “We get to show off our music to people who would otherwise never have come just to see us. And you get a broader sense of the scene as a whole.”

His academic experience at ODU has taken him to coastal Florida, where he spent weeks aboard a research vessel collecting samples of ocean water near the continental shelf. His master’s thesis will be on groundwater discharge in continental shelf environments.

Now, he’s stepped on stage at ODU as a musician.

Playing music helps keep the analytical part of his mind refreshed. It’s like a reset, he said. “这 is the best way that I’ve found to recharge my brain.” He exercises one side so that the other can rest. The cycle continues.

“Through doing both, I am able to do each one better,” he said.

YES Fest was presented through a collaboration between 艺术@ODU 和 Norfolk-based concert 和 event promoter LAVA Presents.

这 video offers a look at some of the action from YES Fest 2024.

这 相片画廊 also shows scenes from the event.