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Five O'Clock People
Biography
Five O'Clock People
five o'clock people are not your standard issue alternative band. To a musical landscape that seems littered with pre-fabricated music, the members of five o'clock people bring a commitment to intelligent, thought- provoking lyrics and a quiet resolve to express themselves using only the tools of acoustic instruments. All of which is amply displayed on their debut. The Nothing Venture. "It kind of started by accident," recalls Alex Walker (vocals, guitar), of the band's launch in 1995. "Friends getting together and playing. There's a thriving acoustic scene in the Northwest and I really enjoy that. We wanted to stay acoustic, and so you embrace the challenge of coming up with different textures and arrangement ideas without plugging anything in." The bands' instrumentation and arrangements, which often feature non-traditional rock instruments such as violin, mandolin and accordion, add a certain depth and expanse to their music that normally comes from electric instruments with effects and trickery. The band features three different vocalists which lends to diverse harmonies and arrangements. The three voices weaving in and out of one another adds more dimensions to the band. Alex, Drew Grow (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Tetreault (guitar, vocals, violin, mandolin), while taking turns sharing lead vocal duties, also all play guitar and add percussion and other sonic nuances to the music while Kris Doty (bass) and Andy Uppendahl (drums) hold down the rhythm section. Although regional success has caused five o'clock people to outgrow many of the cafes and coffeehouses that nurtured its early career. Drew Grow says smaller venues are still the group's preferred platform. "It forces you to be completely honest. You can't get away with hiding behind a performance. We've always kind of championed the idea of talking to the audience, keeping things relaxed." five o'clock people spend a great deal of time touring; in fact. Drew says, the band prefers road life to home life. "The shows are the thing. Being home is actually less restfUl than touring. The interaction, the connection with the audience is the energizing factor." The band has a strong desire to build up their audience in a very organic way, patterning themselves after Dave Matthews Band and Phish, who attracted a devoted following by playing as often as possible, wherever possible, five o'clock people would much rather connect with audiences than seek fame and fortune. The bands' extensive touring resume includes two U.K. tours, as well as sharing the stage with a diverse group of artists, including Jonatha Brooke, Vigilantes of Love, Pedro the Lion and Sixpence None the Richer. Prior to The Nothing Venture's release, five o'clock people self-released three independent albums which sold remarkably well despite having no distribution. The band merely toured incessantly and sold them at their shows. Their new release The Nothing Venture continues to take their artistic endeavors to new heights, or more aptly, new depths. The album includes songs such as "Sorry," "So Far Gone" and "Same Old Line," which address broken and troubled relationships with an almost brutal honesty. Their way of not pulling any emotional punches seems to be one of the strongest ties between the band and their audience. Producer/engineer Joe Chicarelli, noted for his work with artists such as Beck, Tori Amos and U2, was impressed with the band's passion and commitment to making artistically accomplished music, and signed on to the project. "The first time I heard 'Sorry'," said Chicarelli, "it struck me as one ofthemost unique things I'd heard in years"Marvels Alex. "He was able to listen to our music and suggest elements and ideas that never would have occurred to us." With The Nothing Venture making waves across campuses and coffeehouses, their audience is growing into a following that sometimes travels miles and states for shows. Seeing this devotion only strengthens five o'clock people's resolve to be as devoted in return and give performances that prove this. Artistic, emotional, and relational integrity remains their highest goal. This is five o'clock people's venture. |
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