Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska and described as anything from Indie-Pop-Rock, to “…a refreshing break from the unfortunate fatal accident that contemporary music has had with itself,” (Storm Lake Pilot Tribune), Ten O’Clock Scholars have been making a name for themselves in the renowned Omaha music scene. Together, members Ryan Kosola, Paul Gedbaw, Justin Connealy and Taylor Stein, blend their unique musical backgrounds to create a sound that’s reminiscent of late 90’s radio rock. Drawing from various genres, including indie-rock, grunge, folk, pop, classical, emo, and plain old rock ‘n’ roll, the Scholars use solid lyrics to write memorable songs that catch the ear of the listener.
With their latest release, 2009's "Ten To Close," the Scholars have laid down some of their most elaborate recordings to date, adding layers of instruments on the road tested "Virginia's Waiting," as well as experimenting with sounds in the studio. From the cynical, upbeat opening of "Cheap Shot," to the uplifting farewell "Sunlight," it's apparent Ten O'Clock Scholars had one final round of stories to tell...and they've taken you along for the ride. Aptly titled "Ten To Close," this is the final scheduled album from the Scholars, as the band has taken an indefinite hiatus following its release.
At times, it’s hard to place Ten O’Clock Scholars into a certain category of music: there are times when they rock, times when they roll, and times when they’ll ask you to sit down. Never is this more apparent than with their first full-length release, Bridges and Brighter Days (Onken-Stein Records, 2006). The album, which was recorded at Omaha’s 843 Studios with Curt Grubb of Grasshopper Takeover, is a 10 track disc that showcases the Scholars wide range of musical influences. Much of the Scholars’ songwriting growth can be attributed to the classically trained Kosola and the self-taught Gedbaw. As the main songwriters for the band, the two draw from various genres and when you add in Connealy’s ear for music and Stein’s solid beat, and you have Ten O’Clock Scholars.
During the course of their existence they’ve shared the stage with Deep Blue Something, Marty Casey and The Lovehammers, Jeffrey Gaines, Zack Hexum, The Alternate Routes, The Nadas, Sarah Benck and the Robbers, The Feds, and Anonymous American, and they’ve played festivals with the likes of Toadies, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Sister Hazel, Saliva, Ingram Hill, Green River Ordinance, and Railbenders. After the release of their first full-length album, “Bridges and Brighter Days,” in 2006, Ten O’Clock Scholars began playing regionally across Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado. They’ve played the 36 Hours of Keystone Festival (2006), Northgate Music Festival (2007, 2008), and have played campus events for local and regional universities.
Over the past four years, Ten O’Clock Scholars have had eight different songs played on local radio stations, including their most recent release, “Please Baby Please,” from the Onken-Stein Records compilation CD, “Pulling Focus.” They were band of the week on local television station KXVO in 2006 and 2007. KXVO’s online radio station, The Source, has Scholars music in regular rotation. In September of 2006, the Scholars were the featured band on the Lincoln website StarCityScene.com. If you’re looking for even more information, head over to the Ten O’Clock Scholars website (www.10oclockscholars.com), or myspace page (www.myspace.com/tenoclockscholars).
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