The Communique

Issue date: 4/6/06 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Sara Dunn Cary Judd plays multiple instruments during his show in Iowa Hall.

With only a harmonica, drum and guitar at his side, Cary Judd stepped onto an empty stage in the cafeteria Mar. 30. He performed songs with multiple instruments playing separate musical parts simultaneously, just like any band would - except Judd had no band.

As a modern day one-man-band, 25-year-old Cary Judd relies on his music and not stage presence to attract an audience. The music of the musician from Moose, Wyo. was not for everyone but he managed to impress a small flock of students who stayed until the last song was played.

Between songs Judd spoke to the audience about how he became a musician.

"A couple of years ago I started touring," Judd said. "I left my hometown with $100 in my pocket [to make it on my own] 'cause I realized in like 80 years I'd be dead."

Judd's music was marked by an unusual style, consisting of astral guitar melodies, mixed with loops of bass guitar, soft drum beats and occasionally a harmonica drifting underneath Judd's Emo/Punkish vocals.

Judd, who said he dislikes being compared to Emo artists, classifies his sound as "acoustic new wave."

"Two words I really hate are Emo and one-man-band," he said.

Judd, who said he's been a musician from the time he was a born, hasn't always been a one- man-band.

"I actually had a band at one time but it was hard to get everyone on the same page," he said.

Judd said he'd prefer being backed by a band but added that it's hard to form a band with strangers.

Until he finds a band to work with, Judd said he plans to continue touring by himself.

Judd's main influences are The Cure, Bob Dylan and Bright Eyes. For more music from Judd visit www.caryjudd.com.

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