Sense Datum

Sense Datum is characterized by sweeping, unexpected changes, expansive dynamics, different time signatures, and the mixture of multiple styles and textures coming together to create a unique style that in a sense isn't a style at all. Our music is generally on the hard, or intense side, but not restricted to that alone, by any means. In fact, changing between the different intensities and styles is what creates our unique sound.

Sense Datum has been in existence since the summer of 1996, but the actual beginning of the band was three friends writing music for fun in early 1995. The beginning trio was Eric Underwood, Jason Overby, and Josh Schipkowski. None of which had any idea of how to write music, or let alone how to play their instruments with any kind of proficiency. Jason and Eric played guitar, and Josh played bass. Each of them took a stab at writing lyrics and music. In late 1995, Josh switched to vocals. The first drummer that the band had was Joss Shields. Shortly after he joined, Phil Landau filled the bass position. At this time the band was named Souls 37. They wrote many original songs and cut a 3 song demo at the Cabin studio in Edwardsville, Illinois. Before they ever had the chance to play out, some lingering problems with Joss became too much for the band to handle. They found new drummer, Erik Bailey, in the summer of 1996. The band continued to write new music, and in 1997, under the name Core, released their five-song EP entitled “Vision of What’s to Come”. Not long after the CD’s release, some problems arose with Jason. In February of 1998, the band became a four piece when the persistent problems of the guitarist/ backup singer couldn’t be resolved. Josh picked up the second guitar and Erik took up backup vocals. The band was now moving well again. They started to play out on a fairly regular basis, and began to record their first full-length album at Too Relaxed studios in O’Fallon, Missouri. Then, with two songs nearly completed, and another two in the works, Phil had to quit the band for personal reasons. They changed the name for the third (and hopefully final time) to Sense Datum after new bass player, Mike Pilato, was acquired in the summer of 1999. The pieces have all come into place. Sense Datum is a powerhouse of new music, and vast talent, ready for the opportunity to erupt into the ears of anyone that will listen. It’s a far cry from the three guys playing in a shed, with no clue of what they could become. It is now a reality, and Sense Datum is ready to share what they’ve learned with the world.

Though we are looking to branch out more regionally, we've enjoyed currently playing such St.Louis venues as Mississippi Nights, Pop's, Creepy Crawl, and Three-1-Three. Within the last 5 months, Sense Datum has been opening for national acts like Dope, Tapping The Vein, Zug Izland, Nothingface, and Ra.

We are influenced by such bands as: Alice in Chains, Metallica, Tool, Rush, Yes, Stir, Dream Theater, and Audioslave.

Eric Underwood: (Guitars) - B.C. Rich Mockingbird, Seven String Ibanez, Hamer Sunburst Artist Archtop, Fender Stratocaster, Laney VH 100R Half Stack, Lexicon MPX G2 Processor, (2) Tubeworks 12 3/4Cabinets, 200w Crate Power Amp, D’Adarrio Strings, and Fort Underwood (also often referred to as The Mothership) which Consists of a Crybaby Wah, Lexicon MPX R1 foot controller, Q-Tron, and a Digitech Whammy Wah. Mike Pilato: (Bass) Peavey Cirrus 5-String, Hartke 5000, 2 4.5 Cabinets, Boss Chorus Pedal. Josh Schipkowski: (Lead Vocals/Guitar) Ibanez acoustic/electric guitar, Samick 7-string electric guitar, Laney 2-12” combo amp (acoustic applications), Marshall Valvestate amp (electric application), Laney 4-12” cabinet, Shure Microphones. Erik Bailey: (Drums/Percussion) 7 piece Pearl Export Drum Set, Ludwig Snares, 6 Low Pitch Tama Octobans, Drum Workshop Pedals, 2 Wuhan Cup Chimes, 36" Wuhan Wind Gong, 2 Rhythm Tech wind chimes, Sabian HH and AA series Cymbals, Sabian Mike Portnoy signature splashes and MaxStacks, Vic Firth drum sticks, Gibraltar Rack and Stands. Erik endorses and uses Attack Drum Heads.

“I think that this band has always just been about writing quality music, and having fun doing this thing we all love to do more than anything. Music is more than just a job or a hobby for us, it’s a passion. We fully expect to take this as far as it can go. I guess our main goal is to be heard by as many people as possible, and we hope that those people experience and relate to the music in a profound and new way. And that the music has a value and a life to them that is comparable to the heart and soul that has been put into writing it.” -Josh Schipkowski