In true rockstar fashion, the band Aftermath is all about giving a memorable performance, jumping on bars and interacting with the crowd. Aftermath formed almost seven years ago and covers 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s alternative and hard rock.

The band consists of four members: Matt Davis (guitar), Franklin Branch (lead singer), Jerry Davis (drums/vocals) and Brian Carter (bass). When Jerry first saw Franklin performing in another band, he stood out so much that he knew right then that he wanted the singer to be the lead in his new band that was to become Aftermath.

Matt says they love to pick songs they know people can sing along to. “The goal is to provide the most fun experience we can,” he says. “We want to bring a concert-style feel to the small venues in the area.”

For lead singer Franklin, “it’s a rush” to run through the crowd while handing out feather boas and anything else that speaks to him during a gig. “He is completely spontaneous. What you see is just him on the fly. You never know what he’s going to say or what he’s going to do,” says Matt.

“It’s not choreographed, it’s not planned. We go by feel and live off the crowd hype too,” says Franklin.

Matt loves that he gets to share the stage with a musician he grew up listening to, his dad, Jerry. The band formed for pure enjoyment — the members all have full time jobs and families, so they only perform at local venues like O’Donnell’s Pub or Railhouse Brewery around once a month.

Matt is extremely tuned into what music can do for mental health. “I know what it’s done for me,” he says. “I hope that other people who may be struggling with mental health issues can just listen and enjoy and just remove themselves from that for a period time.”

The band plans to extend to surrounding areas more this year such as Cary and Hamlet.

As for the local scene and its success, “It’s because of the bands but also because of music supporters,” says Franklin. Both Matt and Franklin mentioned So Pines Scene as a big promoter.

One of Franklin’s favorite parts of being in the scene is seeing music bring different people together. “There’s so much talent and diversity,” says Matt. “it’s great to be a part of it.” Catch Aftermath at O’Donnell’s Pub again May 31, or follow them on Instagram to see where they’re rocking next.

Contact Emilee Phillips at emilee@thepilot.com.