Getting personal with O.A.R.
By Blair Mathias
Writer
O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is an American rock band who has performed, recorded and remained a strong group of musicians for more than 10 years. The band returns to the University on Nov. 15 for what should be an exciting live concert.
The band’s music is widely distributed, especially throughout college campuses. O.A.R. is notorious for their exhilarating live performances—they sold out Madison Square Garden in 2006. They have sold millions of albums worldwide, and their new album, “All Sides,” debuted this year. I received the rare opportunity to speak directly to Chris Culos, co-founder and drummer for O.A.R., in a phone interview on Oct. 22.
Bucknellian: First, I know you’ve been to the University before. Are you excited to come back?
Culos: Yes, we’re definitely excited to come back to Bucknell. It’s going to be a different kind of show this time so we look forward to it.
Bucknellian: You were a founding member with Marc Roberge back in 1996 in Maryland and then went on to Ohio State University. Do you return to play shows there?
Culos: Yeah, Columbus will always be a special place for us. When [the band] first got to school there was a huge venue. We had a goal to play there before we graduated, and we did. We’ve played several shows [at Ohio State University] since. We’re going back to play before the Michigan vs. Ohio State game. It’s going to be great.
Bucknellian: Do you enjoy playing college campuses?
Culos: The college crowd draws a different kind of audience, and we love it. We will play at any venue but campus tours are always fun.
Bucknellian: What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Culos: We all listened to a large spectrum of music, which is a good thing. It brings a lot of different sounds to the band. Marc [Roberge] and I once watched a Genesis show.
Phil Collins on the drums and the dynamic of a band like that really stuck with us and changed the way we operate on stage. You see, we draw from a lot of different inspirations.
Bucknellian: Where did the name, Of a Revolution, come from?
Culos: The name came from a short story that [Roberge] had written. In fact a lot of our early lyrics and titles come from his short story. The name sounds very “lefty” but it isn’t a political statement; it’s about our own personal revolution in the band.
Bucknellian: You’re kicking off the Campus Consciousness Tour, featuring live music and promoting the message about environmental awareness. Are you glad to be a reminder to college students of the importance of environmental sustainability?
Culos: Absolutely. The future is in our hands.
Bucknellian: How is life on the road?
Culos: We’re best friends. It’s great to travel with your best friends and do what we love.
Bucknellian: I’ve seen you before live and you’re fantastic. What do you like best about performing live?
Culos: We started this band in my basement and after many years, live shows are still such an incredible experience because I’m onstage with my best friends playing to a different audience each night. Making a connection with the audience is the most important part.
Bucknellian: Your new album is great. “This Town” and “War Song” are two of my favorite singles from the new album. So what can the University expect on Nov. 15, album-wise? A lot of new stuff? Maybe some “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” or “Love and Memories” or “City on Down”?
Culos: We like to mix it up—old favorites, rare songs, new music. Every night is different. Our set list won’t be the same as the night before. For our live shows we improvise a lot, too.
Bucknellian: You took a United Services Organization tour in Kuwait and Iraq in 2007. How did that affect you guys in the band?
Culos: That was an incredible experience overall. After seeing young men and women working hard for your country I felt proud. No matter how you feel about what we are doing there, the sacrifice that those people are making is amazing. We weren’t there to spread a message; we went to entertain and let our music take the audience out of the situation for a few hours.
Bucknellian: You’ve obviously developed a strong, committed group of young fans. What message do you hope your music sends to them?
Culos: It is an honest, positive message. There is a constant bombardment of negativity out there, and we want our music to send a different message.
Bucknellian: You’ve built a strong career. What’s next for O.A.R.?
Culos: Everything. We are busy. The goal is continuing to widen our audience and open new doors.
Bucknellian: I’ve got to ask. The election is coming up. Are you particularly aligned with anybody?
Culos: I am an [Sen. Barack] Obama (D-Ill.) supporter. I am a registered Republican, but I voted this morning. We have early voting here in Illinois.
Bucknellian: So, Nov. 15, do you plan to go out into Lewisburg after the show? Maybe with some of the University students?
Culos: We are always in and out when we are on tour. We aren’t often able to stick around long but it’s been known to happen.
