www.facebook.com/oddsofeden
From: Massachusetts
Sounds like: Hard Rock
Answered by: Tom Hamel (guitarist).
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Odds of Eden" and is there any meaning behind it?
My music journey started playing folk songs on my mom's acoustic guitar. I guess you could say I had the typical teenage desire to play rock guitar soon after. Convinced my folks to get me an electric guitar and amp, and played way too loud in the house,annoying them and I'm sure some of the neighbors. My sound really comes from years of messing with gear. Again, typical guitar player right? You find what works and what doesn't, and ultimately what you like most.
The name was suggested by a former band mate and it just stuck. For me it represents what an ideal world might be for someone, and how close they come to that reality. What are the odds you reach your Eden whatever that might be.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
One of my favorite parts about odds is the fact that we all contribute to the writing. So if someone connects with a song, the take away would be that they are connecting with all 4 of us. Our music is definitely a personal thing to each of us. We really don't try and go in a particular direction to gain fans. We write what matters to us.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
I would say hard rock but with some wide influence. We all like different styles and it's a combination of those that comes across in our sound.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
That's a tough one. Each one of us will have a way different answer. I could list some of the bands that are my hero types but that's not very realistic. So I would say bands that are a good fit and not super famous. That way any one of us could headline. I think that would be a fun tour.
5. How has Covid affected what you do as a band?
It really sidelined some good shows we had lined up. We had shows lined up with Soul Asylum, Saliva, Cold, Adema, Powerman 5000, Adelita's Way, and Tantric all postponed or canceled just to name a few. But in the end we enjoy playing and writing together, so it was more of a pause. It gave us some time to write and record more material.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Hard Rock?
Tough question to answer. I rarely listen to the radio because it all sounds the same. So that leaves streaming or what I find works the best, friends who turn me on to new bands. There is so much out there it can be overwhelming. I could have a new favorite band every day.
7. What’s the current music scene like locally there in Massachusetts?
The scene is ok. It really depends on what kind of band you are. Right now cover bands do very well. There isn't a big scene for originals like there once was. I am hopeful that things will drift back towards original music again.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
I honestly don't pay that much attention to what's going on with all that. I mostly focus on playing good shows and getting our music out there the old fashioned way. I know that streaming isn't really a good way to make money on some of these services unless you can get huge numbers. For me it's just a sign of the times.
9. What’s next for Odds of Eden?
Hopefully another album release in 2022 and to regain some of the shows that got canceled or put on hold. Playing live is really where it's at for me. Makes all the behind the scene effort and investment worth more to me.
10. Any shoutouts?
Just love to thank our family and friends that support what we do and enjoy our music. Also some of the great New England bands we've met and played with the past few years especially Zero One Zero, Saneless, Living Wreckage, Hero And The Horror, Classified, Twe1ve Step2, Casting Shadows, Dance Cancer, and Ramshackle!
