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The National
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It's a question many local artists likely have at least had cross their minds at some point: "Are my chances of 'making it' better if I didn't live in Cincinnati?"
Artists from the Isley Brothers to L.A. Reid and Babyface simply outgrew the city and never looked back. But in recent years, of the bands that have scored major label deals while working out of Cincinnati, only Over the Rhine have managed to keep their contracts. It's not impossible to score the "big deal" and survive "out of the loop." But a breakthrough success by a Cincinnati band hasn't been seen since Blessid Union of Souls stormed the Pop charts several years back. The track record for bands that go the independent label route isn't much better, though bands like Pearlene and The Ass Ponys have earned a national (and international) reputation without completely abandoning their home base. In the past couple of years, some artists have left and returned, while others (like electronic wiz Boom Bip and Glam/Industrial rockers Vegas In Space) have headed west to pursue their dreams.
The circumstances are all wildly different, but below is an overview of some of the relatively recent restless natives who decided it was time for a change of setting.
THE NATIONAL
Cincinnati connection: All the members of this dented, dark "Americana-via-Nick Cave" band were raised in Cincinnati. (The National returns to the area on Tuesday for a show at the Southgate House in Newport.)
Where they stay nowadays: The National members moved to Brooklyn six years ago to pursue other professions and eventually got together and formed the band.
Claim to fame: The band's superb sophomore release, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, has gotten glowing reviews from big time press outlets in the U.S. and Europe, where they've been enjoying extensive touring success.
Fun fact: The French love them! A full-page article about the band in the newspaper, La Liberation, has made them the toast of the nation.
Could they have "done it" staying in Cincinnati: Possibly, but the Big Apple's thriving music scene has helped shape The National. "While I can't say we are necessarily 'influenced' by other New York bands, it certainly motivates us to work hard and take ourselves seriously," says the band's Aaron Dessner.
KENNA
Cincinnati connection: He was born in Ethiopia, but his family moved to the States to go to school and work. His father got a job at the University of Cincinnati, which brought the eclectic singer/musician here for a brief stay.
Where they stay nowadays: Mostly on the road, but Virginia Beach, Va., is closest to "home."
Claim to fame: There's been loads of high-praise heaped on Kenna's unusual Rock/Hip Hop/Synth Pop debut, New Sacred Cow, which was released by Columbia this year.
Fun fact: He befriended Chad Hugo of The Neptunes in high school in Virginia (Hugo co-produced/co-wrote the new album). And limpbizkit's Fred Durst initially signed Kenna to his Flawless Records, but the deal ultimately didn't pan out.
Could they have "done it" staying in Cincinnati: Considering he moved to Cincinnati when he was 4, the chances are slim he would have ever ended up here anyway.
CREEPER LAGOON
Cincinnati connection: Co-leaders Ian Sefchick and Sharky Laguana grew up in Cincinnati and attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Laguana spent time with local band The Rottweilers.
Where they stay nowadays: Laguana moved to San Francisco in 1990 to start Creeper, and Sefchick followed him a few years later. Their inventive 1998 album, I Become Small and Go, was an amazing slice of deep Indie Pop that stands as one of the best of the decade.
Claim to fame: The band signed a deal with Dreamworks for the slightly less effective Take Back the Universe and Give Me Yesterday LP, which was rumored to have eaten up over a million dollars in studio costs.
Fun fact: Sefchick has left the band, taking his amped-up Power Pop tendencies and forming On the Speakers (an EP is in the works). Laguana retained the name as well as the band's moodier side and released an EP on Arena Rock Records earlier this year with an all-new line-up.
Could they have "done it" staying in Cincinnati: Well, San Francisco isn't exactly Hollywood, but, pre-Indie Rock fame, the band's profile was likely raised by not being from Cincinnati.
WHY?/DOSEONE
Cincinnati connection: Beat poets for the Hip-Hop world, Why? and Doseone grew up in Cincinnati where they laid their avant-garde stylings down on 4-track bedroom recordings. (Why? returns to town with several cohorts on Sept. 19 at Top Cat's, supporting the new, The Early Whitney EP.) The two met at UC.
Where they stay nowadays: Bay Area.
Claim to fame: Why? and Doseone are both key members of the anticon. collective, one of the more amazing "umbrellas" in the creative world of Undie Hip Hop.
Fun fact: Doseone faced Eminem at an early Scribble Jam MC freestyle battle (he lost, but claims Em had his lyrics plotted out beforehand). Both rewired poets have separate careers, but they collaborate (with Odd Nosdam) under the moniker cLOUDDEAD.
Could they have "done it" staying in Cincinnati: In today's more cohesive Hip-Hop scene, maybe. But the Bay Area's amazing underground Hip-Hop front is certainly more conducive and undoubtedly inspirational.
FIREBALL MINISTRY
Cincinnati connection: Rev. James A. Rota II and Emily J. Burton met in Cincinnati and began writing songs together.
Where they stay nowadays: The local "Stoner Rock" scene isn't exactly thriving, so the powerhouse moved to Los Angeles.
Claim to fame: A favorite on the "stoner" and Metal circuit in the U.S. and Europe, the band has gotten tremendous support from MTV, who featured the band on its You Hear It First and Headbanger's Ball shows. After recording albums for the Bongload and Small Stone labels, the band's latest effort, The Second Great Awakening, is due Oct. 7 from Nuclear Blast.
Fun fact: They took the band name from an Appalachian religious group they saw on Cincinnati cable's public access.
Could they have "done it" staying in Cincinnati: Nah. The pot's better on the Coast.
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