Today’s song is “Snowglobe” by Owel. This song is off the NJ-based quintet’s self-titled album released earlier this year. The band was featured on SPIN’s Must Hear Music CD sampler with My Morning Jacket, OK Go, Dawes, Other Lives and frequent airtime on local New Jersey rock radio station, WRAT.
Although Jay and drummer Ryan Vargas grew up in the same county of Middlesex, New Jersey, it wasn’t until late 2010 that the two would collaborate musically. It didn’t take long before the two realized that they were on the verge of creating something special. During this time, Jay was attending the Institute of Audio Research in New York, and met fellow student and guitarist Seamus O’Connor. Before even hearing him play, Jay suggested that Seamus join him and Ryan in their new musical venture. He explains,”Seamus and I would both take the same train into the city, and we would just talk about music the whole time. I knew, (or at least seriously hoped) that we both understood what we wanted to create.”
After playing a few shows under the name Old Nick, they felt something was missing, not another guitar, but maybe something more organic. That’s where violinist/keyboardist Jane Park would fit into the picture. A childhood friend of Jay’s, Jane noticed that Old Nick was playing a set at her local Brooklyn venue, and decided to stop by, after years of lost contact. Again, even before hearing her play, Jay knew that she was the missing piece of the puzzle. He says, “She had just played a show herself, so she had this violin strapped to her back like a rifle.”
The band released an EP in 2012, I’ve Seen Colors, but shortly after, set out on a search for new bass player. Pat McGee would become the final member of the quintet, who then took on the new name Owel.
The band has a unique approach to instrumentation, which incorporates orchestral violins, cellos and glockenspiels, over traditional guitar, drums and bass. This music speaks to the listener and draws them in within seconds of hearing their music.
Watch below and for more information check out their official website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.