Life on the road may not be glamorous for Red Wanting Blue, but endless weeks of touring have helped the band develop its own sound, described on its website as "a savory plate of Americana."
A concert by Red Wanting Blue, an independent band from Columbus, Ohio, will kick off University Program Board's Welcome Week events.
Jordan Habayeb, program director for UPB, said the band's pop rock music is something that reflects the general population of students.
"It's what people want," he said.
The concert will take place at 8 p.m. at John R. Emens Auditorium. Tickets are free for students and $1 for guests.
BAND'S BEGINNINGS
Red Wanting Blue was created 12 years ago by the band's lead singer and songwriter, Scott Terry.
"The name was born from the wreckage of some of my earlier writing," he said. "We've found ourselves writing red, but wanting blue."
The analogy isn't political, he said. It just means the group is always striving for something more; it's like the idea the grass is always greener on the other side, he said.
Terry said the band has been touring for more than 10 years, usually making a circuit from Nebraska to the East Coast and stopping in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday nights to refuel for a new week. However, since the re-release of its first record label CD, "These Magnificent Miles," on July 27, Red Wanting Blue hasn't had much downtime.
"We're usually home two days a week," Terry said. "It's nice, and it's not. It's nice to sleep in your own room, but it reminds you of all the things you have to do."
"These Magnificent Miles" is the band's eighth album, but its first on a record label, Terry said. The band released it as an independent album, and then re-released it with Fanatic Records (EMI/Caroline) in July.
"That whole thing has been surreal, to know my parents in New Jersey can go to the store and buy a record," Terry said.
The band signed on with Fanatic Records in March, and Terry said he's pleased with the record deal.
"They shared our sentiment to be very mom and pop," he said.
HARD KNOCK LIFE
The band faces day-to-day problems while on the road. Last week, Terry said the band was driving through the night from Nebraska to Indianapolis. They didn't get any sleep, and they had to change a tire on the side of the highway.
"That wasn't the only time this has happened," Terry said. "It wasn't [even just] the 10th time."
Days like this make him question his way of life, but at the end of the day, he knows it's the right thing to do.
"I love it," he said. "It's one of the only things I do that I know I'm supposed to do. It makes me sure."
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GO
Terry said he's excited to be giving a concert at Ball State in the middle of the band's concert circuit; they'll be packing up Monday night to give a concert near Lake Superior in Michigan the next day.
"Universities are one of our favorite places," he said. "They're a hotbed of people with open minds interested in listening and learning."
At the concert, students can expect to be blasted with lyrics describing the band's life on the road. Merchandise such as CDs, T-shirts and foam (middle) fingers will be available for purchase.
After spending so much time on the road, the music and the lyrics start to take the shape of the road, Terry said.
"I started in a band as a boy," he said. "Life becomes a blur, and sometime, somewhere, I became the person I wanted to be."
Who: Red Wanting Blue What: Concert, part of the "Three Magnificent Miles" tour
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Emens Auditorium
Cost: Free to students, $1 for guests
Check the group out at vimeo.com/13088531
Welcome Week Lineup:
Monday - Concert, Red Wanting Blue, 8 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
Tuesday - UPB Meeting: Find out what UPB is all about, 9:30 p.m. at the Student Center Bowling Alley
Wednesday - Comedian Dan Mengeni, 9 p.m. at Pruis Hall
Thursday - Scramble Snacks, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Scramble Light
Friday - Quad Bash, including slip 'n slide, live band, inflatables, games and free Papa John's Pizza, 6 to 11 p.m. at The Quad. The first Friday Night Filmworks of the year will take place at Quad Bash, an outdoor screening of "Iron Man 2."
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