Album Notes

ONESIDE

“banjo-sweetened music that ranges from indie-flavored jangle pop to straight-out newgrass.”

Ned deBary – Lead vocals; Guitar
Chris Hersch - Banjo
Jake Brooks - Drums and percussion
Grafton Pease – Bass; Vocals


In a time when banjos, fiddles and mandolins are often used for excessive jamming, Boston, MA-based band ONESIDE puts them back in the framework of concise, well written songs. While ONESIDE offers up plenty of solos and tasty licks, the band’s songs are also chock full of carefully crafted hooks. The leads are there to serve the song. This organic variety of music has been fondly dubbed "Electrified Yankee Roots/Rock" by lead singer/songwriter Ned deBary. “I see many bands with banjos, fiddles etc… playing strictly “old timey”,, bluegrass and traditional songs. I love those types of songs and love to play them, but I don’t see us being limited to one style of music just because of our instrumentation. I think all these instruments fit very well in the context of a modern pop/rock song.” Critics have likened ONESIDE’s music to that of Wilco, The Shins, and early REM, but with a stronger basis in Americana.

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 and fiddle, even though most of our songs are under four minutes long," says deBary. "Also, our style is sometimes too much of a hybrid for the Bluegrass purists and too fusion for the ‘Indie Rockers’. So it’s taken some time to find our niche." The inherent challenges of a stripped down format have been the catalyst for the band’s rapid musical growth, as the sparse arrangements have propelled deBary’s songwriting to the next level. But the band members don’t like to spend too much time categorizing their music – they prefer to just play it.

In 2005, 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 consistent 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.”

The band’s 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/rock band The Damnwells, and newgrass sensation Railroad Earth. In August 2006, ONESIDE released a self-titled eP, featuring advance tracks from the band’s forthcoming debut full-length release (planned for 2007).


QUOTES

"Could ONESIDE be the first modern rock band to discover how catchy the sound of a banjo can be in a pop song? If this doesn't make them distinctive, then their inherent intelligence does. Smart stuff, fresh on the ears."
-Buzz McClain (Washington Post, No Depression)

“ONESIDE’s got some good hook-filled songs and they keep their playing tight…this quartet promises much.”
-Mick Skidmore (KyndMusic.com)

“’Vibrant’ is the first word that came to mind when I listened to Oneside. Words that followed were ‘melodic’, ‘rootsy’, ‘smart’ and ‘progressive’. Oh, and can I make up a word? OK, then, ‘banjoadelic’. DeBary's vocals get it done quite well. There's a time and place for banjos, and Oneside has chosen well”
-Aimsel Ponti (Portland Press Herald)

“With precise musicianship, tight harmonies, and enough energy to forget it was a Wednesday night, this quintet tore through their original material with confidence and attitude that belied their youth. These guys should be around for a while and are sure to turn some heads.”
-Northeast Performer

“Their sound is rich and unique.”
-Insite Magazine

Learn more…
www.ONESIDEMusic.com
www.MySpace.com/ONESIDE