Murmurband
Based in the indie-alternative and pop-rock genres, Murmur takes the influences of The Replacements, The Refreshments, and Radiohead, and mixes it with the sounds of Ween, Weezer, and Wilco to create a new sound across genres. With clever lyrics, solid songwriting, and the use of lap steel, mandolin, banjo, cello, and complex backing vocal arrangements, Murmur achieves a unique sound in modern independent rock.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The birth of Murmur is a modern hi-tech reality tale...
The bands beginnings can be traced to Chad Kouse and his drumming brother Chris. The two had been working on a new band and met guitarist Sam Haschke through an online music site in the spring of 04. The trio quickly realized the need for a bassist, however, and Sam brought in Nakesha Volk, whom hed met online a few years earlier.
Shortly afterward, however, Chris left the band, and Chad, Sam, and Nakesha grew more frustrated as a second drummer came and went as well. They placed at DaytonBands.com in the fall of '04, and Nathaniel Jobe joined that winter. In the meantime, Chad had been talking with the multi-talented Tim Staley, whom hed met at CincyMusic.com, and Tim officially joined the band shortly after Nat.
With the line-up complete, the 5-piece quickly began shaking off the cobwebs through covers by artists such as Matthew Sweet, the Kinks, and Daytons own Guided By Voices. Murmur began writing original music and practices quickly moved from Nats attic to Chads basement studio, where the band recorded four initial demo tracks.
Murmur then entered the Dayton Band Playoffs at the Canal St. Tavern, and began rehearsing for their June 2nd debut. With their initial demo recordings and a little steam behind them, Murmur is now booking shows for the summer and plans to return to the studio to complete their recordings for the fall.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, we play live. Lately all we have been doing is playing live, and it is always an interesting experience. We've played venues large and small, top notch and very shady. But any venue that lets you play your own music, and pays you for it is good.
Your musical influences
Ween, Weezer, GBV, Big Star, Beatles, The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, Neutral Milk Hotel, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Beulah, Teenage Fanclub, Bright Eyes, The Police, Genesis, Matthew Sweet, Counting Crows, The Shins, Belle & Sebastian, Spoon, Old 97s, Over the Rhine, Paul Westerberg, Coldplay, Marshall Crenshaw, Neil Young, Death Cab for Cutie, Beck, and many more.
