Ska isn’t something that you hear everyday, even when ska was big there were only a few band that really breached the mass public. I had heard of Target For Tomorrow and the Horns of Destrction for sometime, but had never seen them live nor heard any of their music as it has only been recently that they added selections to their myspace page. As I understand though, ska has been alive and well throughout the Oregon State University campus and much of that is owed to TFT and their unique brand of ska.

For those that don’t know what ska is, I think it is best explained as a melding of elements of punk and swing/big band. Within this genre there are those bands that are heavier to one side or the other. As with all things, there are those elements that are ransacked by pop or other genres, not always to the benefit of the ideal. Target for Tomorrow and the Horns of Destruction is both and neither – they were heavily punk influenced even at times angrier than most ska bands that I have heard (or even some metal/hardcore bands of late) while utilizing the horns to bring the music to life and creating opportunities for solos within each element.

While ska as a whole may not be making a mass comeback, TFT is certainly relevant. TFT is a band you can bob, slam and skank to, so there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t attend their next show. Check out their Myspace page to get a taste of what they are offering and keep an eye out for local dates throughout Corvallis and beyond.

So, OSU:BOB ’09 (Oregon State University Battle of the Bands – see our earlier post here) is fast approaching, just 6 days away [Friday, May 29th, 2009]. Pseudoboss is legitimate rock and roll that has been constructed with a heavy influence of classic rock but isn’t afraid to color outside of the lines. Based out of Corvallis, Oregon, I look forward to seeing this gathering of seasoned local artists perform live in their latest incarnation. My gratitude to Noah of Pseudoboss for fitting me in for a MySpace interview.

HC How long has your band been together? What inspired the name of your band?
PSDB The band played it’s first show on November 21st, 2008. The name of the band is inspired from my days in North Dakota where my best friend and his family had an obsession with Ford Mustangs. His cousin rebuilt a ’69 Mustang to look and have the guts of a Boss Mustang. Because it wasn’t a real Boss he called it a pseudo-Boss. I had since been looking for a reason to use it as a band name.

HC How would you describe your musical style?
PSDB We are a rock band through and through. Fortunately, that genre is deep and wide, so we can explore all elements of what it means to be a rock band. We hit on old school blues all the way to modern post-rock.

HC I noticed that your local roots were as a Zeppelin cover band, do you still throw in some covers at your shows?
PSDB Pseudoboss has yet to play a cover song. Mostly because we can’t find one that we want to play yet.

HC How did you get involved with the Oregon State University Battle of the Bands?
PSDB All of the members, except Conner, have played the OSU Battle of the Bands multiple times. Chris and I played with bands Enterleave and Maryspeak, while Matt has won the event twice with his previous band Sweater Club.

HC Where are you at currently in terms of writing and/or releasing an album? Are you planning any tours in the near future?
PSDB I’d love to be able to put an album together in the future. We currently have the material to do so, but probably are a ways off to make that a reality. A tour is always in the future. Whether that is “near” remains to be seen.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
PSDB Our Myspace page is currently the only way to find out anything about us. As we start becoming more active playing shows, the page will be updated more often.

HC Would you say that your band/music flows from a central theme (i.e. religious, political, philosophical, etc)?
PSDB Rock and roll by definition was inspired by going against the grain. I could write an essay on this, but in short, why must you sell your soul for rock and roll? Because the Devil is master of going against the grain. The music isn’t trying to push any ideologies, but we do possess them, so I’m sure they come out in the music and lyrics at some points.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration and/or frustration from and how has this been affecting your music?
PSDB There is inspiration to be found in anything that provokes an emotion. I’m trying to start paying more attention to these things. There are opportunities to write great songs at any moment of every day, but only if I’m ready to seize them. It’s a skill that needs to be developed. I’m still at the novice level.

See Pseudoboss perform live as they compete against 12 other local acts (wide variety including metal, indie, reggae and ska) in the OSU:BOB ’09 [here for more info]

SPECIAL EVENT – OSU:BOB ’09

:: May 29, 2009
@ Oregon State University
Memorial Union Quad
2501 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
541-737-6872
> OSU Battle of the Bands 2009
4:30PM – 11:30PM
Event Contact info: Raphiel Carter (541) 737 6872

*THIS EVENT IS FREE*

12 local bands, offering style samplings from rock, punk, folk, indie, celtic, reggae, hardcore, pop, funk, jazz…a little bit of everything for every taste. These bands are top notch and home grown, come support local music as they battle each other to be crowned supreme for 2009.

FINALISTS, to appear in this order (starting at 4PM):
One Third Kosher
Target for Tomorrow
Reggae Rockers
Of Saints & Shadows
Poitin & Stout
Oxbow Drive
Break as we fall
Pseudoboss
Stateside Traffic
New Mecca
Blue Ember
Honest to Empire

Nancy Raskauskas of The Entertainer has posted videos of the tryouts on her blog link here

I am working to get interviews with each of the bands so that you can get more of the background before the battle. Keep checking in for more info as I already have 2 local interviews lined up and will post them as soon as I get the feedback.

Promote, RSVP and link to OSU:BOB ’09 on Facebook click here