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In today’s world of modern music, it’s hard for any one band to stand out among the rest, due to the internet’s role in the music industry. Sometimes you just can’t tell one band apart from the other. However, when Reedy, West Virginia natives Mitch Boggess and Robert Ashley decided to form their own band in early 2007, they knew that being unique would be quite the task. It seemed possible, since the two had many great bands as inspiration, such as Nirvana, Blink 182, Green Day, and many others. With Mitch playing guitar and taking care of vocals, and with Rob handling the bass, the two wrote some great alternative rock songs, such as “Close Your Eyes” and “Spare”. Recording on Audacity with a $10 computer microphone, Rob and Mitch did all they could to spread the word of this new union.
Unfortunately, it’s hard for two West Virginia University students to make music in a band that had no drummer. After a couple months of searching, the first drummer was discovered. After a couple of hit and misses at a band name, the three settled on the title of Orcadia. Over the period of about five months, the three began to write new material. Songs such as “Blank”, “To Say The Most”, “Whepen”, “Focus Buzz”, “Table for Two”, and a few other songs began to give Orcadia that unique sound they had been hoping to achieve. During the early summer of 2007, the band recorded four demos, the first studio experience for the group. However, the first drummer was removed from the band due to personal issues. Mitch and Rob attained Troy Woods from Spencer, WV as their second drummer. After a summer of learning the songs, the new trio traveled to Bebop Studios in Morgantown WV at the end of the summer, to record an entire album.
The album was finished in early September of ’07, but unfortunately Troy parted ways with Orcadia. The hope of continuing on seemed dim for the only two members of Orcadia. But then their luck turned for the better. Current drummer ,and fellow native of Reedy, Matt Fouty was discovered and given an audition. It didn’t take long for Rob and Mitch to realize that he was perfect for the job. Matt brought an amazingly powerful beat to Orcadia, with his influences ranging from just about everything…especially Metallica. However, it was obvious that to improve the band to a higher level of talent and sound quality, a second guitarist was needed. Luckily, Drew Smith, a guitarist, native of Ravenswood WV, and friend of Rob and Mitch’s, joined Orcadia soon after Matt. With Drew’s influences ranging from Blink 182, to Led Zeppelin, he brought an energy and charisma that had been missing from the band. The four became a solid, outstanding group.
As of now, the four have been working on new material, as well as improving upon some fan favorites. Mitch, Rob, and Drew are full time students at WVU, while Matt works for Dow Chemicals in Charleston, WV. During the early spring of ’08, they recorded at Sweet Sound Studios, creating their first EP “Something Like Life”. This compilation features 4 of Orcadia’s most solid tracks, along with a new track titled “Ideo”.
Now considered Alternative Rock/Modern Grunge, and with a new bass player, Dustin Coon, these four West Virginia Natives have three goals in music: To be unique, to entertain, and to connect with their fans. Letting them know that life can be rough for everyone, Orcadia relies on the belief that we can all get through anything, with the help and support of others. Music represents life. Sometimes you feel like having fun, sometimes you’re hurting inside, and sometimes you just want to enjoy life. Orcadia makes it happen, no matter what you’re looking for.
Announcement:
Working on a full-length album, check back soon!
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