Surrounded by a portrait of a regal-looking man, an old map and an unmade bed, Other Lives eclectic and comforting personalities match its music studio.
This laid-back style reflects in the members’ close friendships and composing techniques.
Jesse Tabish, lead vocals and guitar, said the band’s “orchestral folk music” genre is “what we naturally fell into.”
Explaining the style, “it is an organic, less synthetic sound,” said drum player Colby Owens.
As naturally fitting as the genre, almost all five members of Other Lives grew up together in Stillwater and “have played together for five years,” said Jonathon Mooney, pianist, violinist and guitarist.
Relaxing and reminiscing, their close friendship is evident. Owens discloses Tabish’s infatuation with street performers and grinning Tabish said, “I go broke giving them money.”
Cellist, backup vocalist and pianist, Jenny Hsu sums it up saying, “We’ve watched everyone grow and change in good times and bad, but we all stuck together and helped each other through. We are more like a family.”
This close knit group cooperates in all aspects of composing the music.
“Jesse writes the initial idea” Owens said, and whoever is in the studio at the time adds lyrics or musical ideas.
“It naturally grows,” Tabish said.
Although it comes naturally, melody and lyrics are critically studied.
“Every note is composed,” Hsu said.
Tabish said before officially playing, the band wrote for four years.
Because of the extensive number of instruments in their repertoire, composing is especially significant.
Josh Onstott, the fifth member of Other Lives, plays the bass and organ and sings backup vocals.
In total, the group uses seven instruments.
Other Lives’ hard work has been paying off.
Their song “Black Tables” plays at the beginning of ABC’s season premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
As the music continues to impress, Other Lives is taking over the Internet. Recently, they were MySpace Music’s headline musicians.
Excited about the new CD, Tabish said the groups EP debuts Oct. 21 on TBD Records.” The full-length CD will follow next year.
It is the band’s first record as Other Lives. The group was previously called Kunek.
“After a member left the band, a new name was a fresh start for us,” Tabish said.
Other Lives will play at Eskimo Joe’s on Wednesday about 10 p.m. Listeners can buy a prerelease of Other Lives’ EP at the show.
Eager to go on tour, Tabish said, “We hope you enjoy our new songs.”
Other Lives in concert
Where: Eskimo Joe’s
When: Wednesday 10 p.m.
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