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O.A.R. bass player Benj Gershman discusses band’s future plans, upcoming fall tour

Courtesy of Josh Goleman

O.A.R., also known as Of a Revolution, will play at the F-Shed at the Market on Friday. “The Rockville LP” came out in June, and Benj Gershman described it as the band’s most mature album so far. His favorite song off the album is “Favorite Song.”

By Jackie FrereStaff writer

Rock band O.A.R. will perform at The F-Shed at the Market on Friday night with opening act Andy Grammer. The Daily Orange spoke with O.A.R. bassist Benj Gershman about his time on tour and the band’s new album, “The Rockville LP.”

The Daily Orange: Where did the name Of a Revolution or O.A.R. come from?

Benj Gershman: It comes from a phrase that’s within a story our singer wrote in high school called “The Wanderer,” and there’s another word for “Of a Revolution,” but it’s kind of a secret we’ve kept this whole time. The name is part of a story, but it kind of has to do with a revolution in the music — with planning and being together and making the music itself back then.

The D.O.: How is your new album, “The Rockville LP,” different from your other albums?

B.G.: I think “The Rockville LP” is a mature album. Not that the other ones aren’t, but it’s on another scale. It’s sort of a record that documents coming full circle and a career having started based around having things home, and then growing them out into the other areas, and then kind of coming back. It’s taking a look at what we’ve gone through these past years and putting a story to it.



The D.O.: What’s your favorite song off the new album?

B.G.: My favorite song on the new album is “Favorite Song.” Ironic isn’t it? The vibe of the tune — the feeling of the song — is what I picture how our band sounded when we were beginning to make music.

The D.O.: What’s the mindset behind the tour this year? What can we expect?

B.G.: Keep it fresh and keep it fun. We’re going to have a lot of rock ‘n’ roll. I think peoples’ faces are going to melt because there’s going to be so much rock ‘n’ roll.

The D.O.: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

B.G.: We put on protective gear for all the face melting that’s going to go on, beneath the tight jeans and dark clothing and all of that. That’s the only ritual.

The D.O.: Why did you choose Andy Grammer as your opening act?

B.G.: He is such a talented performer and great guy. We’ve been lucky to meet him throughout our travels and tours. He’s somebody you want to be around. His music speaks for itself. It’s really powerful and we love it.

The D.O.: Where do you guys prefer to play live?

B.G.: I really like playing outdoors. It has this openness and natural feeling to it — just sort of making music for the world.

The D.O.: Where do you see the band going in the future?

B.G.: Probably on tour. As a band we want to keep making music — not only in the studio, but on stages — and we have only plans for that. We’re looking forward to sticking together for a long time.





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