PHOTO/MICHELLE GRITTMANN
Volunteers assembled their first album with mixed emotions. Nicole Anderson, the mother of Tyler Anderson, New York City senior and Volunteers guitarist and vocalist, paid for the production costs. She had lung cancer and wanted to see the band fulfill their dream of making an album. Volunteers spent about two months on their album, which they recorded at Chapman Recording Studios in Kansas City, Mo. Nicole died five days after the album's release.
Because the album was privately funded, the band created a sound entirely their own without a record label having any say in what kind of music they should make, Anderson, the vocalist, says.
"We got lucky. We got to make a professional album, and we didn't have a record deal," says Kissel, Montgomery, Ala., senior and Volunteer guitarist.
Volunteers describe their style of music as alternative folk rock with catchy hooks and killer harmonies. The Zombies, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, The
Shins, and Elliot Smith are a few of their influences. Anderson, the vocalist, writes the songs with Kissel, the guitarist.
Some of the songs strike an emotional chord for Anderson. "Heaven" is a song he wrote to cope after his grandfather died. "When I play music everything that is on my mind is out the window," he says. "It's a natural high. I've been going through some crazy shit, and it all goes away." Anderson says.
Making the band
Volunteers played their first gig in 2005 at the Farmer's Ball, a competition sponsored by KJHK Anderson' made an electronic CD and was asked to perform. Leonard, the bassist, and Kissel, the guitarist, accompanied Anderson for the show.The drummer,Austin
Sinkier, Lawrence senior, joined the band after the Farmer's Ball and became the missing link.
Volunteers made their first appearance as a complete band at the Jackpot Saloon and Music Hall,843 Massachusetts St.Playing live is one of the biggest perks of being in the band.They've made a lot of friends, been able to get into other shows for free, and there's always an abundance of booze, Kissel, the guitarist, says. Not to mention, the rush."It's like
The band was nameless until Anderson, the guitarist and vocalist, was on a road trip to South Carolina and noticed a stranger wearing a hat with the logo "Vols" printed across the front. He didn't know what it meant, but he liked the style and discovered "Vols" was an abbreviation for the brand, Volunteers.
The band credits Justin Ripley, a member of another local band, The Pomonas. Because The Pomonas already established a name for themselves in Lawrence, Ripley got them shows with his instruments, Kissel, the guitarist, says."He got us a lot of bigger shows where we should of have had an album to get."
Scoring a record deal
playing a sports game where you're always winning," Kissel says.
Volunteers have a show about once a month in Lawrence or Kansas City. But getting gigs didn't always come easy. "No matter how good you are, it just matters who hears you," Leonard, the bassist, says.
The band is assembling press kits to send out to labels, booking
Volunteers are currently talking to a DJ at KJHK to get their CD in rotation. They are also hoping to secure a spot at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas this spring. However, if making it big isn't in the cards for Volunteers, they won't be disappointed." We would like to get to a place where we can survive," he says. "I'd be happy if we can make $15,000 a year and make music and do nothing else."
"We're at a spot where we want to see if we can go on a big tour, and get a booking agent. We're willing to put school on hold," Leonard, the bassist, says.
agents and radio stations. The press kits include articles written about the band, their CD, a biography, photos and contact information.
Tyler Anderson, New York City senior, Andrew Kissel, Montgomery, Ala. senior, Rustine Leonard, Olathe senior, Austin Sinkler, Lawrence resident, make up Volunteers.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Fatso's, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.
Jackpot Saloon, Nov. 29, 10 p.m.
The Hurricane, Dec. 7, 10 p.m.
The Replay Lounge, Dec. 9, 10
p.m.
For more information on Volunteers, visit their Web site, www.volunteersmusic.com, and MySpace page, www.myspace.com/ thevolunteersmusic.
11. 30.2006 JAYPLAY
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