PRINT

Interview with Uncommon Ground

From college choir boys to hometown sensation, Uncommon Ground is breaking new ground in the music industry.  This group of guys are as different from each other as day from night, yet they combine to create the indescribable sound on their latest EP, “LiFTED.” With a strong desire to reveal the true artistry in music, Uncommon Ground is sharing their musical masterpieces with Groundsounds and with whoever will take a listen.

Who’s a part of Uncommon Ground? What role do you all play? 

In addition to a live band featuring drums, keyboard, and base guitar we have:

Rivers: backing vocals

Darius: lead vocals; lead writer

Cartwright: background vocals

How did you all meet?

Through the music department at ODU we all met together in Concert Choir at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Va.) We were all dreading classical music together, and found a love for singing. We sort of gravitated to each other’s talent and style of music.

Where did the name Uncommon Ground come from?

We were eating lunch after our first gig and we were discussing names because we felt we needed one. It was the first one we came up with. We all seemed to like the sound of it. It just kind of stuck.

What are the pros and cons of working on music as a group?

Pros? It’s always dope working with your friends. you have a large sound and the fans enjoy the group as a whole.

Cons? We come up with too many ideas and can never use them all. larger groups are a bit slower, and we all have ideas, and everything just doesn’t get picked. Although every decision isn’t considered the “right” thing for the group, coming together as a band helps us to move forward in an even better way.

Would you all consider yourselves to be a “boy band”?

We are more than just a boy band, but for labeling purposes, maybe we are a boy band. We just haven’t found a girl who would fit in yet.

Who is your target audience?

We try to target everybody; the young kids who like good clean music, and the older type of people who want to hear something fresh, but still familiar. and of course everybody in between. We just try to make music that appeals to all audiences, from casual music listeners, to those who study the Art.

How would you define your music? What genre would it fit into?

You’d have to go by just one song to put our sound in a box. Our overall music sound and feel is just diverse. Maybe more experimental R&B, or even alternative R&B.

How do you all promote your music?

word of mouth, social networks and of course, being seen in performances.; really anyway we can. A lot of our fans introduce us to other people, we really appreciate that.

Do you all have an album, EP, etc. released or in the works?

LiFTED the EP! Check it out ! Just released in the spring.

How would you all describe your EP, “LiFTED”?

It’s young and dynamic. The EP is a piece of art; it shows that music can still be art.

What are your goals for the group? Where do you see yourselves in 5-10 years?

Just to see UG grow. Both musically and in the way of popularity. Our music has the power to reach everyone.We all just want to take this thing as far as we possibly can. We’re even putting together a tour coming soon.

What sets Uncommon Ground apart from any other music group?

What sets us apart is our belief in using music to reach and entertain people. We’re just a group of guys who still do music simply for the art of it. The music biz is surely a big side of it, but we do this to connect with people and to have a good time. I think the fans can buy into that.

http://uncommonground.bandcamp.com