By Josh McBee
pop writer
Ethol Red formed in July 2005 and wasted no time writing, recording and self-releasing "Amalgam," a 12-song debut album in April. The next logical step was to book and play as many shows as possible at which to sell said album: check. (Members say "Amalgam" has sold more than 1,000 copies to date.)
Along the way, band members Jeremy Tooman (vocals), Oren Lever (bass) and brothers Spencer (drums) and Travis Bryant (guitar) have appeared on The Buzz (listeners can request their music 8 to 10 p.m. Sundays) and other such stations. Here, Ethol Red talks about growing up in a small town, putting in work and their plans for the future.
pop: I read that Enid is the birthplace of Ethol Red. How has growing up in small town Oklahoma influenced your music?
Travis Bryant: I do credit the small town for my influence. There was nothing else to do. There was so much time on my hands and music was something that came natural to me. I started playing in a band at my small school when I was 13. I came up with the idea and brought it across to my buddies in seventh grade. And I said, "I am playing the guitar in this band."
Well, in small towns, things like rock bands don't really stick too well. By the time I was in high school the band was over, but never really had a run at anything anyway. They all quit playing, but I continued to practice and write songs. And now Ethol Red has formed 10 years later. So, I give all my credit for playing to that small town. It molded me into the player that I am.
pop: Travis had told me something like 1,000 CDs were sold in the first two weeks after your album came out. To what do you credit the album's success?
Jeremy Tooman: I would have to credit the whole band for getting this album to the public and self-promoting.
Spencer Bryant: I think the music speaks for itself, but it is hard to sell albums as an independent band. Many people automatically put the stereotype of "amateur" on you if you are a local band, but if they ever get the chance to listen to the album they will realize this is the real deal. We have taken our time and perfected our talents to put out a respectable CD. It also doesn't hurt selling the album for $5.
pop: Your band has gained steam relatively quickly. Was there a detailed plan you had in mind from the beginning for how you wanted to make Ethol Red work or has it been more a seat-of-the-pants-type thing?
JT: It was really hard to get the ball rolling. We didn't have a plan going into this. We did find out quickly what it takes and what venues look for to get shows booked. This is one of those things you have to jump in with both feet and just grab the bull by the horns. If you make good music and have the confidence in your band, it will happen.
pop: What would you like to see happen in the future for Ethol Red?
TB: Future? One day at a time, one stage at a time. That is how I am taking it. I am living each concert as if it were the biggest and best show we have ever done. I live for this, man.
SB: I would love to see us get recognized nationally, but right now, we are just playing music and having a blast doing it.
Ethol Red will play May 26 at Bricktown Ballroom with Fist of Five, Infamous and Navigator. Tickets are $8. For more information, visit myspace.com/ etholred.
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Ethol Red
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