Ominous Seapods – Interview – Thanks for Asking!
Written by Staff on January 29, 2025
Ominous Seapods – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: Music genres are difficult for some artists. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?
OS: We grew up hearing and being influenced by so many genres of music. For us, nothing is off limits. Our center is Americana with a North Country twist because of our start in Upstate New York, but we hover around rock-n-roll, funk, country/blues, bluegrass, southern rock, acid rock, Frank Zappa (a genre unto itself) and of course jam bands.
RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.
OS: Hands down and hands up P.B. Finnan’s (The Monopole) in Plattsburgh, NY. The room is oddly shaped, the stage is low, but the vibe is palpable. You are so close to the audience you feel like everyone is part of the show. Sharing beers and conversations between songs and the occasional fan/friend joining us on stage to immerse themselves in the music and the vibe is a unique experience for sure.
RRX: In the universe of music, anything can happen. Bizarro doppelgangers can walk down the street in feather boas. Who would be your musical opposite and why? What do you think the “anti-you” band would sound like?
OS: Any great polished cover band with musicians that have monster ears and can play their instrument just like the person on the record. When it comes to covers or playing just like someone else, we suck! But it led us down the path of writing unique songs and playing covers with our own take on it. We just didn’t have the skills to do it any other way.
RRX: Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Or so they say. Whether you’re off the wagon, on it, or never been, there’s something you got a thirst for. What are some of your basically harmless vices?
OS: We’ve been a band for 37 years and counting. We lived the rock and roll lifestyle for many years, but it’s not sustainable (something to be learned from the 27 club). We always loved hiking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, concerts and in our later years we added cooking, meditation and evolved writing songs.
RRX: Would you rather have one of your songs blow up and make you a one-hit wonder and household name, or would you rather have all your songs be solidly received, but no chart-climbers? (You have to pick one or the other here.)
OS: Solidly received. The fan base is more organic and loyal, we “get” each other. The live shows are more fun from start to finish and about the journey of the whole show, not disappointing fans until you finally play your hit at the end of the night. I would imagine the rush of quickly rising to fame is amazing, but it’s fleeting.
RRX: What instrument would you add to the band if you could? Is there anything you are trying to do musically that would be helped with one or more additional players?
OS: I would love to add horns, specifically Trombone, Sax & Trumpet. I started hearing horns in my head on some of our songs recently and begun educating myself on how that is done. I am awestruck by the Band’s Last Waltz and the horn section they added for those shows.
Link to Ominous Seapods music on Spotify: