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Dishwalla made its
debut in 1996, breaking out into mainstream radio play with Counting
Blue Cars. The Santa Barbara rock group took the world by storm, as
Counting Blue Cars became one of the most widely requested songs of
the mid-1990's. It was almost impossible to listen to the radio without
hearing, "Tell me all your thoughts on God, because I'd really like to
meet her."
Not only did Counting
Blue Cars top Billboard's charts, it also won Rock Song of the Year.
Their follow up single, Give helped their album, Pet Your
Friends sell millions of records, assuring the band members they
would never have to work a day job for the rest of their lives.
The remaining tracks on
Pet Your Friends never gained as much attention, as they were
heavier, grunge-like songs released toward the end of the grungy
alternative movement when the alternative became the popular, mellowing a
bit. However, the combination of JR Richard's smooth vocals complimented
by Rodney Browning-Cravens' melodically screeching guitar solos and the
groovy bass of Scot Alexander won over the hearts of many fans.
A few years later,
Keyboardist Jim Wood expanded the band's sound for Dishwalla's
second release, And You Think You Know What Life's About.
The album was released to low promotion with a record label set on
trimming fat in an uncertain music business. After all, many similar bands
from the mid-1990's were one hit wonders like The Nixons or
Naked. It was expected that this sophomore album was an obligatory
formality, and wasn't promoted. A&M Records met its demise soon after.
Dishwalla endured,
signing with Immergent Records for their third album in the wake of George
Pendergast's departure, the band's original drummer. Pete Maloney,
formerly of Tonic fame joined the band as they headed into the
studio to re-define their sound. Previously known for their melodic
crunch, Opaline broke barriers for the band. A much more
mellow album, Opaline features many acoustic guitar-based
songs, laced with ambient keyboards and think layers. Its lead single,
Somewhere in the Middle achieve popularity through a decent amount of
radio play.
The album was a success,
and Dishwalla toured Opaline for two years, including
an extensive tour for active military in the middle east. A year and a
half later, Live...Greetings from the Flow State, the band's
first live album was released, the title referring to the state of being
musicians tap into during performances where the music flows. Speaking of
names, Dishwalla comes from the Hindi them: "Dish-Wallah,"
the name satellite TV hacker.
Three years
later, Dishwalla released their fourth studio
album, self-titled as Dishwalla. Recently signed with
Orphanage Entertainment Group, this latest album is the culmination of
their entire music career, blending the harder rock sounds of their
earlier albums with the melodic ambiance of Opaline. The
first single off the record, Collide, is entering rotation
nationwide and only time will tell if Orphanage will be able to promote
Dishwalla to the extend they deserve.
However this record is bittersweet for the
band. As the tour got underway, Scot Alexander stepped down as bassist for
the band, desiring more time with his family and children. Dan Lavery of
Tonic fame has joined the tour, teaming him up with former band
mate Pete Maloney. While Dan travels the road with Dishwalla for
the time being, his heart is still set on producing, rather than
performing. Time will tell who will step into Scot's shoes...and they are
pretty big shoes to fill. |
