Q: Your recent show in Orlando (at House of Blues) was completely sold out. While picking up my credentials I saw many people in line hoping to purchase tickets. When you come back to Orlando what are the chances the band will do two shows?

BG: Well, selling out the Orlando HOB was a big thrill and great success for us and to think someone besides us is considering two shows as a viable possibility puts a big smile on my face. That’s just gonna be one of those things that we are going to have to wait and see what happens. Our next run through Florida is still up in the air so the actual chance is probably about 50/50.

Q: A lot of artists go the major label route. O. A. R. chose the Indie label route. Can you tell us why the band made this decision?

BG: Well, O.A.R. chose the indie route first and years later combined the indie and major label route in order to team up the best of both worlds. We stayed independent with Everfine for a long time because we felt it made sense to be with an indie label based on our touring numbers and record sales, but as both of those increased, we thought it made more sense to combine forces and take a new approach in our growth as a band. Lava Records helped put our music in front of a broader audience, so at this point, having that and the ability to release records independently (hence 34 th & 8 th) is a WWF tag team dream.

Q: 34th & 8th is your newest album. When will it be available and can fans pre-order it?

BG: 34 th & 8 th is available right now at pretty much all major retail stores. Before it came out we did offer a pre-order option with Limited Edition packaging for anyone who was interested through MusicToday.com. (Ed. Note: You can also purchase music by O.A.R. by clicking on the link to the top left of this page.)

Q: What extras are included in the album?

BG: In the album there is an 8 song live performance DVD which we shot at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. We were damn happy to be able to include something like this in the album, as it’s pretty irregular to pull off. So with any luck, those who check out 34 th & 8 th will appreciate it.

Q: How did the band get involved with Musicians on Call?

BG: I believe our relationship with Musicians On Call started a few years back when they were looking for artists to entertain sick children who were in hospitals. Marc volunteered to go in and hang with them. I remember him saying how it was difficult to see kids who weren’t doing well, but how happy music made them and that it felt nice to be a part of that.

Q: O. A. R. usually picks a charity for its fans to donate then matches their donation. What is your charity for this tour?

BG: We’re still donating a good amount of our proceeds to a charity called Miracle For Madison which is an organization raising money for research on Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Madison is a girl we met in Columbus, Ohio and we want to do anything we can to support research for her health. Lately though, we’ve been talking more about donating our time rather than our money. I’ve been going to a music therapy class for kids at the Potomac Ridge Behavioral Institute and just hanging out with them. Some of these kids just need to be reminded that they’re just kids and not people who have different problems, whether emotional, physical, or drug/family related. Also, during Thanksgiving we’re planning on going into a soup kitchen for a few hours.

Q: How does the band decide this process?

BG: We pretty much just talk it out. Everyone usually has ideas and depending on what/who we feel could benefit from our donations the most, usually determines where we donate.

Q: What's your opinion of crowd surfing?

BG: Crowd surfing is only cool until someone gets hurt. And that is usually under 30 seconds, so I’m not really a fan of it. I think when people go to a concert they should respect those around them. Actually when people go anywhere they should do that, but especially somewhere crowded, so its just really tough to watch people floating over a crowd kicking and screaming while countless individuals are getting knocked around in the process completely against their will.

Q: What are your thoughts on censorship?

BG: This is America. Censorship defeats the purpose of the freedom of speech. If you want to censor something, start your own republic and dictate law. Until then, beat it.

Q: Do you recall the first concert the band ever played and how the band has changed since that first concert?

BG: Surprisingly I remember it clearly. We played first out of three bands. The headliners were Marc’s older brother’s band, Foxtrot Zulu. They let us open for the opener at a club that is now closed in College Park, MD called Terrapin Station. The club wouldn’t let us play after doors opened, so they let our friends in (about 20 people) before doors and we played four songs. Richard didn’t have his strap so I played bass while sitting down. It wasn’t rock n’ roll yet, but we were on our way. The shows have changed a lot since then. We have a full crew, we carry sound and lights, and we actually write set-lists. It’s crazy these days! A lot is the same though, we play for those we consider friends and we have a great time, every time.

Q: What are some of your personal favorite songs to perform live?

BG: One of my favorite songs to play live is Missing Pieces. It’s just a fun and happy song. Musically it’s simple so I mess around with the bass line almost every night. That’s probably what I like about it, the fact that I can change it up at will and still have it sound like the same song. I also love seeing a room light up when we play Poker, its nuts to watch people’s faces…

Q: Where do you see O. A. R. in Five (5) years?

BG: In five years, O.A.R. will be touring and writing more positive music. I’m pretty sure of it.

Q: Does O. A. R. have a street team and how can a person join your street team?

BG: O.A.R. does have a street team, the guy to talk to is ben@everfinerecords.com, he can hook whoever up with whatever. He’s the man.

Q: What's the best thing about being a musician?

BG: To me, the best thing about being a musician is that I do something I love every day, and somehow it’s considered a career. I’m stumped I tell ya.

Q: How do you think Ohio State will do in Football this year?

BG: OSU will win the national championship, it’s a foolproof certainty.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans of O. A. R.?

BG: Thanks for all your support. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. And also, stay positive and VOTE. Your vote will make a difference. Don’t think it won’t.

Inteview by Michael Montes - © 2004 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.