The Organics is a local San Marcos band with a variety of music to offer. The band has created a sound that will appeal to everyone. This five man group consists of Robin Friend on vocals and lead guitar, Robert Paul McCartney on guitar, Josh Schaefer on bass, Brian Carlisle on drums, and Max Mukelroy on the trumpet and back-up vocals. The band began as friends and grew from there after a night of a drunken jam session. It originally started with a different guitarist, but he retired from the band after about a year. They found a replacement with Robert McCartney.. Being able to share their artistic expression musically has drawn them closer together as friends. Not only are they friends but they have developed a familial bond.  And on stage it is obvious that they have a close connection as a band.

 

            The band has a unique sound because it incorporates all the moods and personalities of each band member. Each band member is different from the other, yet they mesh together so perfectly. Each song written is based off of an idea developed during a jam session. After they get a sound they each like, Robin incorporates lyrics that best fit the music. The band is similar to Metallica, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, and other older rock band in that they’re music tells a story. The songs range from epic tales to returning to the roots of nature. If the song sounds like an epic tale than Robin will typically write a story about slaying a dragon, or a knight on a quest. If the song is more relaxed than he will aim for more organic themed lyrics. If they create a more metal sound they tend to discuss questioning authority and thinking for yourself. The music is not only enjoyable, but urges you to think about what some of their lyrics say. A lot of the music has to do with nature and technology. Given their name, they are on the natural side of life. The name originated from the video game Mass Effect, which is basically about humans saving the organic life from the “bio-nicle” people. The band isn’t against technology, but they do believe we are a generation that is overly dependent upon technology. The band does of course rely on technology to be able to perform and record, but they say we should stop before humans and machines collide.

 

            In 2010 they competed in the school’s battle of the bands. First prize was $300 and opening for River Fest 2011. The Organics were able to impress the judges the most and this past River Fest they opened for the Ying-Yang Twins. They have also played in the past two WeirdFests in Austin. Their fan base has grown to the point where there is a full crowd at every local show. The crowd of people has grown with a variety of music lovers expanding from their typical crowd base they started out with. The band plays a few times a month locally, and right now they are trying to save up money so they can go on tour and release another album. Their information about dates and venues is up on all their sites. They have “Forests LP” out available on iTunes and available to listen on their band page www.theoranicsband.com or their Facebook page. The funding for their tour and new album relies on people purchasing music and merchandise. Give them a listen, and don’t forget to see them play at MR Fest. They are excited to support KTSW and happy to get the opportunity to play at MR Fest.

-Meghan Cooper

http://www.theorganicsband.com/index.php

http://www.myspace.com/organicpilgrim

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Organics/204876327879

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