From the Pipeline

    - Scott Osika

Otherwise, one of Plattsburgh Pipeline’s featured artists, has been in the making for the last five years. The band finally found its completion about a year and a half ago with the addition of Matt Beckett and DJ Lock Mess, who brought together the band’s unique sound. The name “Otherwise” was chosen because it leaves room for the bands musical evolution and also references the band’s genre without being too specific.
Otherwise blends the sounds of Reggae, Hip- Hop, and Electronica. They are based out of Vernon, Connecticut and are a well rounded group. Otherwise brings together diverse talents to create a seriously unique vibe that is really worth checking out. Otherwise recently visited the Monopole in downtown Plattsburgh and if you missed the bands performance check them out on April 25th! Some of the bands major influences are The Marley Family, The Black Eyed Peas, DJ Shadow, 311, The New Deal, Aphex Twin, Daft Punk, Pink Floyd and there are many more.
Otherwise band members include Dan Porn on Vocals and Keyboard, Gabe Spector on Guitar and Vocals, Travis Zuidema on Drums and Electronics, Matt Beckett on Bass and Vocals, and DJ Lock Mess on the Turntables, Samples, Electronics and Vocals!
I asked, “What is the biggest challenge as a band you’ve been confronted with, and were you able to overcome that challenge?” Gabe Spector replied, “Our biggest challenge is not taking on too much at once. Otherwise runs two Connecticut festivals: Festivus and Uberfest. Now that we’ve learned how to balance our event planning with our main focus (writing and performing our music) we’ve hit what feels more like our true stride.”
The main themes of the songs written by Otherwise deal with what each band member experiences as they all contribute with the writing process. Gabe says, “We write about love, relationships, hardships, victories, the ecstasy of communal musical experiences, politics...” He adds, “These topics will change, but they also seem to evolve as we change, and our learning helps us to see things in a new way.”
Otherwise hopes that the listener will find truth within their music. They hope listeners can identify with the thoughts, feelings and emotions expressed through their music. Gabe says, “We play lots of original songs like Persuasion, Propaganda Wars, This Beat, and Rise, as well as a cover or two including a remix of Sun is Shining by Bob Marley and Deep Sun by The New Deal.”
Otherwise has played all over New England and the band says, “some of our favorite venues are Sully’s Pub in Hartford, Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, Monopole in Plattsburgh, Rhinobar in Newport, Bill’s Bar in Boston, and Crash Mansion in NYC. We’ve also played Camp Bisco and Wormfest, amongst many other festivals, including our own of course.”
Otherwise is releasing their second full-length album, “Come with Music,” this spring! They say, “We’re very excited about this CD, and we feel like it is a collection of songs that encompasses our club/ reggae/electronica genre-bending tactics.” The new album will be available at their live shows, as well as on amazon. HERE! You can also purchase Otherwise’s EP (available now) at otherwiseband.com.
The band says “We hope that our friends, fans, and friends/fans to-be will come out and rage with us at the Monopole in downtown Plattsburgh on April 25, and also at Club Metronome in Burlington on April 24. Cheers!”