We recently had the opportunity to interview the Cleveland based Indie rock band Ottawa. The band consists of Jeremy Barnes, Timothy Czajka, Dale Delong, and William Hooper. Will, the guitarist and backup vocalist of the band, was kind enough to chat with us about the band’s new single, “Strangers” (which is available now), the band’s overall songwriting process, what inspired the band name, and more! Check out our interview here:
Better production, better lyrics, better song structure, much better bass playing and much better drumming. Overall our new music is much more cohesive.
When you’re not on the road or in the studio, what do you all like to do outside of the band?
I can only speak for myself, but I like to check out local music in Cleveland, collect records and books and watch the X Files.
If you had to describe your music to someone who hadn’t heard of your band, how would you describe it to pique their interest?
Guitar driven indie rock, with a focus on melody. Like early Arcade Fire meets early Oasis meets early Bruce Springsteen.
How has the music scene in Cleveland influenced your music and your band?
We’re constantly inspired by the amazing collective of other artists in this city. There are a lot of big fish in very small pond.
What tends to come first when you create your music – the lyrics or the melody?
Usually the melody comes first, then the musical arrangment, then the lyrics. The best stuff is always organic and natural, whatever sounds best at the end of the day.
Individually, if you weren’t in the band, what would each of you be doing career-wise?
Again I can only speak for myself, but I’d be playing a lot more playing jazz guitar and piano. Also, probably watching a lot more bad TV
Do you have any upcoming shows or tours planned that fans can keep an eye out for?
