Spotlight on Local Music: Rellen

From the classrooms of School of Rock to the stage of The NorVa, Chesapeake’s Rellen is on its way to being a local music success story.

We got to know the band a little bit better. They’re headlining tonight’s showcase at The NorVa along with One Among Us and One 80 Out.

AltDaily: The band came together at School of Rock. Tell us about that experience — what did you learn there that you’ve taken with you?

Brittany Harkins, singer: I had a great experience at School Of Rock! It allowed me to interact with other musicians, which was great. It also helped me find a great balance between having fun on stage while also focusing on the technical side of singing.

Any particular music teachers that you would like to shout out, and why?

Joshua Odom, bass: Steve Archer for sure! His personality broke me out of my shell and allowed me to interact with musicians in a way I thought I would never be able to.

I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t also shout out my parents, Tommy and Cynthia Odom. They’re both AMAZING musicians and while they didn’t necessarily teach me hands on, I inherited my love for music by growing up in the musical environment they set forth and that instilled in me the passion for music.

Where does the word “Rellen” come from?

Joshua Odom: While Rellen is the street name that we first met and subsequently practiced on, it also is the Dutch verb for “riot,” which is pretty rad.

Desert island. You only get to bring three records. What do you bring?

Shane Murdock, guitar:

Boston – Boston
Live At Royal Albert Hall – Joe Bonamassa
Nothing Was The Same – Drake

Brittany Harkins:

Back to Basics – Christina Aguilera
any album – Evanescence
Black Diamond – Issues

We say Chesapeake music scene, you say ______________________.

Joshua Odom: Underground. The music scene is there, but it doesn’t always feel as welcoming as one would hope the scene would be.

Brittany Harkins: A lot of great talent, but in need of a spark.

Will rock and roll ever die? How does a band likes yours “succeed” in this new music business environment?

Chris Skrip, drums: Rock and Roll will never die because, like myself, there will always be Rock and Roll fans forever. A band like us succeeds by conquering a massive fan base that supports us and spreads our music to their friends. A band can only do so much, but people talking about us to other people will spark more interest than any Facebook post or picture on Instagram.

What can you tell us about the other bands on the bill? Who are you excited about playing with, and why?

Brittany Harkins: I’m excited to play with One Eighty Out for sure! We’ve played a gig with them before and they’re definitely kick ass! I love female leads in rock bands. I’m also excited to hangout/play with One Among Us! Not too familiar with them, but they’re from out of town which is always cool. It’s interesting to interact with out of town artists and see their style and point of view on music.

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And here’s a taste of One Eighty Out: