The Observer, April 13, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 24
OK Go set to storm campus for Annual Springfest
One-night stands, obsessions with a new crushes, nervous breakdowns, and late night binges; the subjects of OK Go's new album, Oh No, make up the perfect soundtrack for the ups and downs of a college student's life. Last Friday, I sat down with the Grammy-winning band's bassist, Tim Nordwind, for an interview on OK Go's past, present, and future.
OK Go is made up of Damian Kulash (vocals and guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass), Dan Konopka (drums), and Andy Ross (guitar and keyboard). Before embarking on the journey to becoming rock stars, they were all college students who graduated and got regular day jobs. But all the while they were forming a band. When it came time to pick a name, the choice was obvious. When Kulash and Nordwind were at an art camp as kids, a camp counselor strung out on psychedelics would hover over them as they painted, saying, "OK, OK, OK… go." Over the years the phrase became an inside joke and then the name for their successful band.
The four musicians were, according to Norwood, "music dorks." They eagerly consumed all music that came their way. According to Norwood, their major influences are the Pixies, T.Rex, Cheap Trick, The Cure, Fugazi, Arcade Fire, and oldies like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
OK Go's style has since strayed from these bands into a style that has been called "geek rock." Of this label Nordwind said, "It is what it is… I don't really believe in that label, or any label. It's saying something, I'm just not sure what."
No matter what the genre, OK Go has toured with a diverse array of headliners such as Panic! At the Disco and Snow Patrol, on whose tour The Philadelphia Inquirer claimed "OK Go outshined Snow Patrol," and this summer they will tour with the Fray. Nordwind explained that they pick their tour mates based on the audience that the headliners will bring, but always tour with bands whose music they admire.
With regard to their newest album, Oh No, Nordwind explained that all the members have a hand in the writing process. They all come together with lyrics and music in mind, though sometimes the roles are broken up. "There is no set process…it's more of a collaboration," said Nordwind. Damian Kulash usually does most of the writing, but the band goes through a voting process in order to decide which song will make the cut.
After choosing 13 songs from 60, they recorded for three months in Sweden with legendary producer Tore Johansson (he has also worked with Franz Ferdinand and The Cardigans). Johansson's dry sense of humor and intensity made this "probably the best creative experience" for Nordwind.
If you've gotten this far, you probably already know that OK Go doesn't need much more introduction beyond "the band with the treadmill music video." Indeed, OK Go's music video for their hit single "Here It Goes Again" has launched them to success with a Grammy in tow.
So are there any more catchy dance videos on the horizon? "That box has been checked," said Nordwind. A problem with these videos, which have become such a sensation, is that many people don't take the band seriously or, even worse, don't know that these guys are an actual band. Of this Nordwind said, "The most important thing is that people listen to the music…That video has gotten people to care a lot more and listen to the music." He went on to say that it's hard to sell records, so any help (as in attention from YouTube) is great.
Another great video and song to check out from OK Go is the "Do What You Want" video. In the video, many people in camouflaged paisley suits do strange physical tricks on a background of matching paisley prints. In fact, the band uses paisley prints in most of their merchandise and clothing. "We just like the way it looks… It makes getting dressed a challenge and it's a pattern that transcends time," said Nordwind.
Norwind was quick to explain that the band has yet to have a "we've made it" moment. According to Norwind, "I hope we never have that moment. Your career is over when you have that."
With all this success behind them, it's time to look to the future. OK Go will tour with The Fray this summer and then it's back to the studio to record their third album, which will be released in the spring or summer of 2008. The band will be releasing a new album, but the state of music is drastically changing. Indie-rock bands are on the rise and many more musicians are being noticed due to sites like YouTube. Nordwind expressed his opinion that the modern music industry is due for a change. "Labels are starting to crumble and that's good for small bands. Bad for the label, but good for the small band. You no longer have to be part of a corporation to be heard, especially with the Internet. If you're good and your stuff is out there, people will find it," he said.
OK Go will be at Case's Springfest on April 28. Nordwind couldn't divulge too much information about the concert, which could mean any number of fun surprises during the performance. "I'm a big fan of smaller, college shows; they usually get pretty rowdy… We put on a pretty big party in hopes that it feels like a party," he said With a band like OK Go, how could it not be fun?
