CE to TUS

For anyone who has followed The Uglysuit from the beginning, you know they originated as a band called Corban Eldra in 2004.  Stephen Carradini from Independent Clauses wrote that their "live shows are nothing short of amazing. The chemistry between the two guitarists, rhythm guitar/vocalist, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist is amazing, and their explosive indie rock songs leap off the stage as barn-burning epics. Songs such as 'A Constant Explosion' and 'Kansas' are nothing short of rapturous when played live, as the many pieces of their puzzle fall together in a yearning, passionate wall of sound. The guys in Corban Eldra are my favorite indie-rock songwriters right now- if somebody were to ask me what good indie-rock sounds like, I’d describe CE’s sound."  

Evidently, these guys musically worked well together.  But all I knew when I married Dustin in the Spring of 2009 is that he was formerly in a "screaming band" where his head-banging friend, Kyle, could easily touch his chin to his gut during a show.  Being four years older than Dustin, I'm not sure if I was that impressed.  Little did I know that years later I would be gladly experiencing this head-banging up close and personal, and Kyle would be referring to himself as my sister wife...keeping in mind, he still likes girls, but has better hair than all of us.


Corban Eldra split when Dustin went to work in the audio/video installation world, and soon after, Jonathan Martin joined the remaining four musicians forming The Uglysuit...another bandmate with GREAT hair.  By the time I truly became acquainted with The Uglysuit, they had already released their hit, "Chicago", signed with Touch & Go, were touring worldwide, an were labeled by The All Music Guide as having "one of 2008's most promising records".  All I could remember at that point, in the midst Oklahoma City's rising music scene, we were proud to call them some of our own.


The guys within The Uglysuit formed their friendships in high school, and it was a pleasure to have them over for cookouts or parties, they were some of Dustin's oldest buddies.  But I specifically remember one night when the the band was over for dinner--it was around the summer of 2009.  Colin was telling us how they had been in-and-out with bassists for awhile, and really needed someone to commit to touring nationally, and even internationally.  Sitting by my newlywed husband, I knew he had been nostalgic for band-life, and I sensed his ears perk up when Colin mentioned a bassist opening.  As the three of us spoke, Dustin eyed me for sign of approval, and I gave a nod.  He then said, "Jenn and I would have to talk more, but I'd be willing to play bass."  


At that point, it was intriguing to see The Uglysuit come full-circle with it's members, even if it was to be short-lived.  On our end, it was a chance for Dustin to follow a life-long musical dream of his, and I could only offer my full support as a wife and fellow music artist.  On the band's end, they reunited with an original bandmate who was ready to give them some stability and the devotion they needed to embark on their journey amongst the music industry.  Now with this major kink worked out, it was now time for tour...


JEM