INTRO BY KATARZYNA MONIKA SKŁADANOWSKA
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
Dale DeLong (vocals), Will Hooper (guitar), Tim Czajka (guitar) and Jeremy Barnes (bass) teamed up in 2014, forming a new, unique band – OTTAWA. The band from Cleveland, Ohio, gives us a fresh, energetic sound – and what makes them so outstanding is the fact that Ottawa have created something really different –something that is a reflection of who they are as artists.
This one-and-only indie rock sound is a result of the band’s various influences including The Beatles, Rush, The Killers, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac and others. After releasing an album in 2014, titled "Random Lights” and their EP "Small Talk” in 2017, it’s time for some new music. Their new single "Strangers” was released on the 21st of June.
Dale (vocalist) talked with Unclear Magazine about the beginnings of the band, their influences, "Strangers” (proving us they aren’t any strangers to us at all!) and what he thinks the future holds for the band – and for us their future shines really bright!
How did you guys first come together to start the band?
DALE: "Tim and I met in high school; I knew he played guitar so I kept bugging him to start a band and he didn't take me seriously until Will came on board 3 years after we graduated. I'm still not entirely sure how seriously he takes me ;-). Jeremy joined two years ago when we were looking for a new bassist. It was a perfect fit and we haven't looked back."
How would you describe your music in three words?
DALE: "Ambitious, melodic, catchy."
Who are some of your musical influences?
DALE: "So many, but ones we all agree on would be: The Cure, Wilco, Tom Petty, Oasis, The Beatles."
You recently released your single “Strangers” later this month. Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?
DALE: "It happened super fast - It's one of those ones that wrote it self. I wrote the melody and Tim had an awesome riff. During recording, however, we wrote an entirely new chorus, which also took like 15 min. it's one of our favorite new songs."
Where do you hope to see the band go in the future?
DALE: "It's hard to not be cliché when talking about band goals, but we want it all- SNL, The Tonight Show, Glastonbury, MSG, the whole bit, lol."
Is there anything else we can expect from you soon?
DALE: "More songs, music videos, shows and content galore."