The Followers of Otis

Posted on 17th Jul 09 by Aoibheann Maguire | 0

The Followers of Otis have been together for just over a year and already they’ve produced three impressive E.Ps . Their sound is one of breezy, effortless melodies that rests somewhere between folk and pop: their influences range from Bob Dylan to The Beatles.

As a band they are a breadth of fresh air: they’re intent on letting their music find it’s own path. That’s not to say that this bunch, having just released their third E.P Pennies on the Pavement, are going to rest on their laurels.

The Galway natives aren’t letting dust settle, on their recording equipment, as they work on yet more songs. When they aren’t busy making records, while the sun shines, they can be heard at some of Ireland’s most working class summer festivals. Drop-d caught up with the mysteriously named Brother Eoin and Brother Brian to find out what makes the band tick.

When it comes to the stage when you’re employing some kid in central China to add friends onto your MySpace page then you know you’re in trouble!

Drop-d: Firstly, who is Otis and who are his/her followers?

Brother Eoin: Someone you already know, but haven’t met yet. Anyone can be a follower.

Drop-d: You’re based in Galway. Tell us what’s the best thing about living in Galway?

Brother Eoin: We were all born, and grew up, in Galway so we definitely have a very strong connection to the city and its surroundings. Living beside the sea is one of the best and most influential things about living in Galway.

Brother Brian: I like the intimacy of Galway; the narrow streets and the buskers. There’s a lot of really interesting characters around. It just has a completely different feel from bigger cities, there’s more of a sense of community.

Drop-d: Describe your sound in three words?

Brother Eoin: Big, green, grape!

Drop-d: You’re an unsigned band, so how have ye been working at getting your songs out there?

Brother Eoin: We just try to record and play live as much as possible. I know that may seem a little over simplistic and old fashioned, but there are far too many bands in today’s world pushing and forcing their music on people through the internet. Don’t get me wrong, we use the internet just as much as any other act but when it comes to the stage when you’re employing some kid in central China to add friends onto your MySpace page then you know you’re in trouble!

Brother Brian: The most important thing for us is making music – playing gigs and making records. We always try to keep moving forward, always thinking of the next venture ahead. Some people in radio have been kind enough to play our music and have us in for live sessions in their studios, so that’s always helpful too.

Drop-d: How long has the band been together? And why did ye decide to form the band?

Brother Eoin: We formed Just over a year ago

Brother Brian: Because making music is fun!

Brother Eoin: I’d like to think as well, why not form a band? The amount of genuine friendships we have made through music is enough to justify playing in a group in the first place. I think that’s a point that people often overlook or miss out on. A band goes way beyond just music. The community made within and between other bands is something very special.

Drop-d: Is there any record that unites your tastes as a band?

Brother Brian: We’re all very fond of The White Album by The Beatles

The best thing about festivals, as they say, is the unexpected acts. I’m looking forward to seeing the bands I’ve never seen before

Drop-d: Are there any Galway bands that you always have to see?

Brother Eoin: Compared to a few years back, there’s a huge growth in original music in the town. We try and go and see as many Galway bands live as we can. The great thing about Galway at the moment is that out of the emerging bands, there’s so much great diversity in sounds and genres. Everything from Music for Dead Birds to Tenaka to A Band Called Wanda and everything in between, it’s all good.

Drop-d: Any tips for festivals this summer? Who are you guys going to be checking out?

Brother Brian: Well we’re playing at Castle Palooza, and I know Brother Eoin and I are both looking forward to seeing The Lost Brothers and So Cow, but I suppose the best thing about festivals, as they say, is the unexpected acts. I’m looking forward to seeing the bands I’ve never seen before. We’re also playing at a DIY festival in Mayo soon, that our mates from Vamos have organised in a field by their house, with some really great bands coming over from the UK. It should be good fun.

The Followers of Otis play the Dead Monkey Festival, secret location, Mayo: free July 18, 2009.

The Cellar, Galway Arts Festival: July 22, 2009.

Castle Pooloza, Charleville Castle, Offaly: August 1, 2009.

The Followers of Otis Myspace

Tags: A Band Called Wanda, Bob Dylan, Castle Pooloza, Dead Monkey Festival, Music for Dead Birds, Pennies on the Pavement, So Cow, Tenaka, The Beatles, The Followers of Otis, The Lost Brothers, The White Album, Vamos