Feature

Even though OneRepublic has been performing for several years, it was not until 2007 they gained mainstream popularity on the national scene with Timbaland’s take on their song “Apologize.” Three years ago, guitarist Zach Filkins probably would have never thought he would be in a band performing to ecstatic crowds in overseas.

“We are finding that the crowds in Europe are into our music and our live show,” Filkins said. “However, we really miss our fans in the U.S.!”

After returning to the States, the guys in OneRepublic will have to get a second wind to embark on the Crocs Next Step Campus Tour along with rapper Fabolous as well as local favorite Ugli Stick, winner of the Crocs Tour Battle of the Bands.

The story of OneRepublic’s rise to fame could be a testimony to artistic persistence, a healthy work ethic and old-fashioned patience.

OneRepublic came about when Filkins and front man Ryan Tedder decided to roll the dice in Los Angeles. It was there they made the acquaintance of Drew Brown (keyboard), Tim Meyers (bass/cello) and Eddie Fisher (drummer). Together, they created a unique, ethereal alternative sound complimented by poignant lyrics. Tedder also became interested in working behind the scenes in the studio and spent his free time learning that side of the business.

After laying down tracks, OneRepublic hit the stage and the public discovered their live show as impressive as their studio sound. Throughout the show, the members would trade instruments yet maintain the quality of their sound.

“We do really like to switch instruments on stage which, we feel, is more entertaining and brings a full sound,” Filkins said. “In the studio we just record what we think will sound right then on stage we try to take it even further.”

Tedder grabbed more time behind the mixing board, eventually taking on the pseudonym “Alias” and working the tracks of many music business heavy-hitters ranging from 2-Pac to Chris Cornell and working with well-known hip-hop producer Timbaland, who became a fan.

While Tedder was making influential friends in the studio, OneRepublic made their presence known. Columbia Records took notice and OneRepublic was signed.

However, the deal went south, and the future appeared bleak until the band discovered MySpace and quickly became one of the network’s most popular bands.

As their Web popularity rose, an old acquaintance of Tedder’s and a household name in the hip-hop business was signing on the dotted-line with Interscope and a new label. Around this time, Meyers left the band and Brent Kutzle was added to pick up the bass and cello for One Republic.

Timbaland quickly signed the band to his newly founded Mosely Music Group, OneRepublic went into the studios and recorded a song called “Apologize.” Timbaland remixed it and included it on 2007’s “Timbaland Presents Shock Value.” The “Apologize” remix was an instant hit.

“Timbaland did help us become international very quickly and we are thankful for that,” Filkins said. “We didn’t work with him in the studio, since our version of apologize was already finished in the studio. He took the final song on his own and did his thing.”

Shortly, OneRepublic released their first full-length “Dreaming Out Loud.”

“It took us forever to get our album out,” Filkins said. “The day we released, we were hit with so many e-mails and text messages from our friends saying they had gone to Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and iTunes and purchased our CD. It didn’t set in right away, but it was one of the best days we had.”

Behind “Dreaming Out Loud,” OneRepublic placed the concept of “What you want versus what you have,” which hits close to home.

“The idea of wanting what you don’t have is a common sentiment in our band,” Filkins said. “During the grind of trying to make something of our band, we felt held back very often thinking we were the only ones not moving. In that sense, the desire to move on is good. Then, I guess, if you give up what’s really of meaning just for useless endeavors, that’s not so rewarding. We’ve seen both.”

When OneRepublic hits the stage at the Mitchell Center, fans won’t be disappointed.

“What we want is to give the best show we can at every Crocs show, and if anyone wants to sing along, that’s cool too,” Filkins said.

As far as another album, they prefer to take their time and reap the fruits of their hard work. Filkins said it will be more than a year before the band goes into the studio again, but they are still writing songs and have a plethora of ideas. Filkins also said fans can look forward to a sound more evolved and innovative than those found on “Dreaming Out Loud,” while maintaining what made them popular.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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