OBB is an American pop rock band made up of the three Oswald brothers, Zach, Jacob, and Nich. They come from Atlanta, Georgia, where the band started making music in 2008. They have released four extended plays, 3 in 2011, Live, Life, Loving in 2012, OBB in 2013, and Feelin‘ like Christmas in 2014. The group have also released one studio album, Bright Side in 2014, and an independent album, Ready Set Go in 2009. OBB has played to over 3 million combined audience members through hundreds of shows. One of their most popular songs “Mona Lisa” has acquired over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, and was featured in a Google Chromebook ad and an episode of “Dude Perfect.”
I got the chance to sit down and chat to this global phenomenon, and talk about their latest music release “Close By”;
1.) Welcome guys to OLC! So before we get started tell everyone a bit about yourselves and how you became OBB?
We are three brothers from Atlanta, Georgia – we grew up playing music, but not as a band. One day our dad signed us up for a Battle of the Bands to play together as the three of us, and we loved playing together, so that started our band.
2.) How did you gravitate to the pop genre, was there anyone growing up that influenced this?
We grew up listening to pop music and also classic rock, so we have a lot of influences. Just to say a few: The Police, Rolling Stones, U2, Coldplay, and many more! We are just huge music lovers.
3.) What goes into the band’s songwriting process and traditionally where are your stories derived from?
We almost always write together, all three of us, and try to write about things that are real to us or stories from our friends. We love writing about real life.
4.) “Is This A Thing” EP was a huge success for you guys, did you expect it to get as much positive reactions as it did?
We worked really hard on the EP and tried to be very real with our fans, so when we saw the songs really connecting with people, we were so pleased – we never knew it would connect as well as it did. It’s always scary when you pour your heart into a project and not know how people will respond to it.
5.) Your new single is called “Close By”, what’s it about and who did you guys work with on the song?
“Close By” came from this idea about how, when we go on the road, although we have a ton of fun and love touring, sometimes we can feel alone and want our significant others with us. It’s about how magical and special it is when we are close by. We did the song with Dave Aude and Clare Reynolds.
6.) Are there any producers/writers/artists that you would love to work with?
We would love to work with Post Malone, Julia Michaels, Lauv, or Ryan Tedder.
7.) What’s been the most memorable moment of your career?
We had the honor of playing the last concert in the Georgia Dome before they tore it down, and being from Atlanta, we grew up going to Falcons games and concerts at the Georgia Dome.
8.) Where have been the best venues for you to perform at, and what has made it an experience for you?
Again, playing the Georgia Dome was the most amazing experience so far.
9.) Can we expect any new EP’s or albums in the works, and if so anything you can tell us about it?
Yes! We’ve spent the last year and a half writing new music and recording songs that we’re very excited about. Coming out soon!
10.) Thanks for you time guys, but before we go is there anything you’d like to say or share with your fans out there?
We love all you guys! Thanks for supporting us and our music. We hope you love the new music we have coming.
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
