Hailing from Boston, MA, ONESIDE uses banjo, drums, bass, and guitar to create a unique, organic variety of rock (Fondly dubbed "Electrified Yankee Roots/Rock" by lead singer/songwriter Ned deBary). Critics have likened ONESIDE's music to that of early R.E.M, My Morning Jacket, and present-day Wilco. But with a stronger basis in Americana, ONESIDE really stands on their own and the band has wasted no time making a name for itself in the Northeast music scene. ONESIDE focuses on writing songs that are catchy yet not predictable, and playing them in an unconventional and musically adventurous way-all with a surprisingly full sound. The sheer volume of notes being played on the banjo creates a frenetic pace at fast tempos yet an ambient feel when the pace slows down. Underneath, the drums and bass bang out everything from straight-forward, driving rock rhythms to intricate fusion and funk. Confident vocals convey though-provoking lyrics that flirt between candid and enigmatic, with plenty of sing-along choruses to lodge in the listener's head.
How did all of this get started? "It started when I lived next door to Ian (Knox)," recalls deBary. "He was learning the banjo and I'd hear him practicing through the wall, and it sounded really cool. At the time, I didn't know anyone who played the banjo so of course I invited myself over to jam. After finishing one night of particularly inspired picking, Ian said, 'we have to form a band!' One of our friends took it as 'we are a band' and booked us to open for the Pat McGee band at a benefit concert he was putting on. The show was three weeks away and we really didn't know any songs yet. We wrote and practiced day and night until we had about five decent tunes. At the show, we just got up there and went for it. To our surprise, everyone in the room (including Pat McGee) seemed to enjoy it and we left the stage to surprisingly loud applause. From then on we were hooked on performing live and have been writing and playing ever since."
Of course, ONESIDE has often struggled against others' preconceived notions. "Every one assumed we were a 'wanna-be jam band' just because of the electric banjo… even though most of our songs are under four minutes long," says deBary. "Also, Ian's style is sometimes too 'un-banjo' for the Bluegrass purists and too pop-fusion-jammy for the 'Indie Rockers'. So it's taken some time to find our niche." But the band members don't like to spend a lot of time trying to categorize their music -- they prefer to just play it.
The inherent challenges posed by the band's stripped down format has been the catalyst for a great deal of positive growth. As sparse arrangements propelled deBary's songwriting to the next level, Ian Knox further developed his truly unique approach to the banjo. Citing "The Joshua Tree"-era Edge and "Experience"-era Hendrix as big influences in finding his own sound, Ian's style of creating "soundscapes" via the instrument (working outside of the banjo's more "traditional" sound) continues to amaze new fans at every show. Meanwhile, drummer Jake Brooks has honed his percussive skills, bringing an increased economy and precision to his playing.
In 2004, ONESIDE started taking to the road and bringing their music out to a broader crowd. "When we'd play out of town, we sometimes wouldn't play to as many people, but they'd all buy a CD and ask us to sign it...so we've discovered a high level of enthusiasm in those who do connect with our music," says deBary. "We've also found fans at high schools and colleges - really enthusiastic ones. These kids are open to something really different...they seem downright hungry for it. So the word is spreading."
The beginning of 2005 saw ONESIDE release an eP and bassist Grafton Pease joined the band. As Jake Brooks tells it, "We stole Grafton from another band. We were finding our way as a three piece but Grafton really brought the band its full sound with his melodic bass lines and penchant for funk. Grafton does a lot of 'noodling' and finds interesting bass lines to fit the drums."
Plans for the future include more touring and the 2006 release of a full-length debut album. The band's signature genre-infusing sound allows ONESIDE to comfortably fit onto bills with a range of different sounding bands. ONESIDE has already successfully shared the stage with such a variety of bands as southern rockers Lucero, NYC pop band The Damnwells, and newgrass sensation Railroad Earth.
