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ODDSLANE

May 29th, 2012 in Endorsed Artists

ODDSLANE is a uniquely blended mix of driving rock & roll riffs and solid grooves with an overall pop sensibility.They create music that fuses diverse influences from a wide range of styles, but maintains the integrity of what has become their own original sound. The band primarily focuses on the material of singer/songwriter Doug Byrkit, who in 2003 co-founded the group with longtime musical partner Brian Zielie. Doug and Brian’s partnership goes back many years with their first band together while still in high school. Since, they have maintained a close working relationship that has lasted through college and a host of musical projects. Together they can boast such accomplishments as sharing the stage with diverse artist such as Lifehouse, Pete Yorn, and Walter Trout as well as having toured Korea, Japan, and the Pacific Rim. As the core members of ODDSLANE, the pair has formed a creative relationship that blends their broad range of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Tower of Power and Miles Davis, with their years of experience recording and touring. To the outside observer, it may seem that Brian plays a small role in the creative process, but his influence on Doug over the years has been the spearhead to the evolution of his songwriting. ODDSLANE (originally under the name THE BREAKERS) was formed in 2003 out of the ashes of several other defunct St. Louis groups (Zito, Flynova, Nadine, and The LP Outsiders to name a few) to work on selected material from Doug’s recent demo projects. Shortly, they began recording these songs and playing live to a steadily growing fan base. This first line up of the group quickly produced two EP’s. The first of which, THE BOTTLENECK SESSIONS, twice earned them attention from the Memphis Regional Grammy Chapter along with some high profile national and international songwriting contests. It also caught the ear of those at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Sun Studio, most widely known as the studio that gave birth to Elvis, has been recording legends for years. Along with Elvis, the likes of BB King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more recently U2, Vertical Horizon, Maroon 5, Liz Phair, 3 Doors Down, The Calling, and Better Than Ezra have all recorded at there. ODDSLANE joined these ranks by invitation on the studio’s part as an effort of there’s to promote emerging artist. Both of these recordings were later combined into what became the release simply entitled “SESSIONS”. The follow-up recording, SONGS FOR YOUNG EXECUTIVES, is the group’s first full-length album. Although an unconventional approach, this recording was a collection of the most honest and well crafted songs to ever come from songwriter Doug Byrkit. The album contains 13 tracks loosely based around the theme of corporate greed; a subject Doug had became all too familiar with while working in Corporate America before recently leaving to complete a graduate music degree and to devote more time to music and ODDSLANE. The lyrical content gives a sometimes tongue-in-cheek and sometimes blatantly unapologetic slant on those negotiating the corporate jungle. Even though there are some heavy themes that run throughout, most of the songs are ambiguous enough to be interpreted multiple ways by the listener, thus making the album very easy for a broad range of fans to connect with. Aside from the obvious lyrical message of the record, Songs For Young Executives delivers the pinnacle of Doug’s musical evolution. The album is a mix of musical influences and real world playing experience, which along with the solid groove foundation provided by drummer Brian Zielie, merge into what can only be described as a true representation of ODDSLANE’s own unique rock & roll sound. The album’s single “Miles Away” has been featured on the hit television series THE DEADLIEST CATCH on THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL, and continues to garner attention across the web and other media. The album and single have also gained industry attention, earning a publishing deal from Grammy nominated producer George McClure’s Nashville publishing house as well as several independent film score and web placements. Currently the group performs in and around the St. Louis area in several different forms, from full rock band to acoustic solo gigs. Check the CALENDAR PAGE for a full list of current bookings. They are also busy putting the finishing touches on a brand new full length album due later this year.