New Sound, new attitude, new success!

The Outer Vibe is currently a six-piece band from Grand Rapids, Michigan coming at you with a no-nonsense approach to music. You couldn’t actually call them unknown and they’re certainly not new, but to say they’re "up and coming" is an understatment… and here they come! 

For a few reasons, defining this band turned out to be a task. There’s a lot to them and it simply cannot be summed up in a few words. Saying they’re simply a "rock" or "alternative band" would be doing them an injustice. Even saying they’re "a rock band with a twist," or "something more," doesn’t seem to do the band, nor their sound, the justice it deserves. What’s more is; somehow they seem comfortable with that. They don’t really want to be defined or pigeon-holed into some overflowing category.

Perhaps their fan base is a little more evolved but ultimately you have to ask, “If you’re enjoying the music, who needs to categorize them?” The music gets you up and doing what the band wants you to do: dance and have a good time. At the same time the music is memorable and stays with the listener long enough to want to hear, and know, more. The result is all of the power and energy of classic rock while still being new and different. 

As you will hear, the band uses horns (trumpet and sax) as their lead instruments. They’re certainly not the first band to do this but there is a difference. They seem to do it more naturally than other bands. It just "seems right" all the way around. The songs themselves seem to be demanding the horns.

So here we are, in a day when most music (especially rock, alternative and rap) sounds the same. Althewhile the general public is begging for someone with the guts to do something new and different, to go out on a limb and to remember what music, art and rock and roll was supposed to be. (A voice, a celebration of difference and a rebellion) It was supposed to be "a stand" and a proof that you could do your own thing, that you’d be heard and accepted. – Then it was like everyone lost their courage or everything had been done and said. – Now…. you have “The Outer Vibe” proving to everyone that it can still be done. – If that’s not something to celebrate then I don’t know what is.

In 2000 “The Outer Vibe” was founded by Nick Hosford, who delivers the guitar riffs, Matt Alberts – the band’s percussionist and Sean Zuidgeest –the band’s powerful vocalist. 

Since then there have been a few additions, (Lisa Kacos – trumpet and keyboards, Dan Leonard –bass and sax, Andrew Dornoff – rhythm guitar and bass) a lot of rehearsing, a lot of press, 3 CDs and a lot of shows.  

As they continue to evolve and get better the band stays busy and, as the general public discovers them and demands more, they’re only going to get busier. They are gigging all over Michigan and remain booked for most of July and August. Through it all they are hard at work on their fourth CD. There’s no better gauge of a musician’s success than CD sales. To date the band has sold over 1500. Now with internet sales, and more songs and CDs being recorded, that number continues to grow.  

If that’s not enough to get your attention maybe this will: Over the years “The Outer Vibe” has been flirting with the big leagues. Amongst others, they have opened for REO Speedwagon, Kenny Wayne Shepard and Days of the New.

Most of their press has come from winning numerous band-contests in Michigan. In that area it is us that is different. We simply stumbled onto the band’s MySpace page and liked what we heard, so we had Dan Irish inteview them. Unfortunately, Dan had some health issues and his interview would never be published. From there we went back for another listen and decided to re-interview the band. At some point we decided we’d be fools not to go all the way and feature “The Outer Vibe” in the July issue. 

We know their sound-difference, but there’s also another major difference that most bands tend to overlook or undervalue. In a live setting, the first thing you’ll notice is the band’s image and class. All well-dressed and well-spoken… there is no sloppiness and no drug or alcohol issues lurking within the band. – As anyone who has played music knows, your band is only as good as your weakest member and no member of this band wants to be held back. As someone who spends their life around music and musicians, I can tell you that it’s a refreshing, extremely professional difference that will continue to blaze their path. 

This is not the only difference. The band also videotapes their performances and is constantly critiquing and updating their stage presence. It’s not hard for their fans to see that they’re serious, ready, willing and able. At that the general fan knows they're getting their money’s-worth and everyone is happy.

Reflecting on the band’s success; since building their MySpace page in late 2005 they’ve received 380,000 profile views and more than 8,000 friends with new people coming aboard everyday. 

Five songs can be found and heard on their MySpace page; 

Cut The Small Talk – is a dance song with a New Orleans feel. This song is Jazz-Swing with a perfect horn riff and a lead guitar that’s guaranteed to have the dance-floor packed. 

Fame Train – With it’s Zeppelin feel and conga drums, “Frame Train” starts kind of spooky. The keyboard accents, perfect drum-rolls and echoing vocals launch the song into a category we titled “The Select Few.”  

Anybody Home – Starts with a doorbell that soon gives way to pure, kick-ass rock and roll. The keyboard and Nick Hosford’s lead guitar work comes shining through, while the basswork and Lisa’s trumpet bring it all back home! 

The Looks She’s Giving You – The drumming of Matt Alberts hitting on 2 and 4 gives the song a reggae feel. This coupled with amazing rhythm guitar, the very playful Swing-attitude, a powerful chorus and we have the makings of a hit.  

How Did It Come To This – Another hit if you ask me. Again Matt’s drum work and Lisa’s horn set the stage as Sean asks the inevitable question, “How did it ever come to this?” The hook is unforgettable and the vocals and lyrics are powerful. The slowed quiet bridge builds the drama and then the band comes back more powerful than ever. 

Many more songs, information and merchandise can be found on their official site. You will also find “The Outer Vibe” store which sells their CDs, t-shirts, lighters, hoodies, buttons, stickers and, of course, the official Outer Vibe thongs. 

While researching the band I listened to all of their songs and decided that my personal favorite is a song they named “Balloon”…. The song has a serious “trippiness” and creates some sort of mood that is hard to define. But that’s how we started this article, isn’t it? A band that’s hard to define and a conclusion that we don’t have to define them. Let’s just enjoy “The Outer Vibe” experience.