The Bio of Otispunk
The name OTISPUNK may suggest to some that this is purely a "punk" rock band - which is simply not the case. In truth, it is only one part of the multi-textural conglomerate of sounds that make up the sound of this high-energy, Philadelphia-area based rock/pop band. It would be more correct to place the emphasis where it belongs - on the word "Spunk."
With influences ranging from No Doubt, Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, and Coldplay to The Monkees and even some slight hints of influence from the worlds of retro pop/rock, classical music and some progressive music, Otispunk has indeed created a unique sound.
The original nucleus of Otispunk is made up of two sisters - Lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Krista; and drummer and backup vocalist, Dana. Growing up in a house together, surrounded by art, music, and a family supportive of their artistic tendencies, they bonded not only as sisters, but, through years of performance. And it was only natural that their love of music would lead to the formation of a band that would allow them to create their own unique music.
In the spring of 1999, Krista chose to transition from the piano she'd played throughout her childhood to the guitar. Dana was determined to take on the drums, starting out on a learners drum kit, purchased out of a J.C.Penny catalog. And in December of 2001, Otispunk was officially born.
Otispunk began to play at many notable Philadelphia area venues, including The Theater of Living Arts and The Pontiac Grille. They were also on a featured segment on CBS 3's "Eye on Philadelphia" and made a live on-air appearance on the Morning Show of Philadelphia's now extinct modern rock station, Y100.
In the Fall of 2002, Otispunk released their five song EP entitled "Look Back and Laugh". Krista's classically trained vocals provided a unique contrast to the driving rock being played by the guitars, bass and drums. These elements helped to create an infectious sound that melds together which is matched by none and is purely original.
In the winter of 2003, Zack (bass) joined
Otispunk. While still maintaining their original energetic and eclectic
influences, the band's sound continued to evolve, pushing their musical
boundaries further. Their most recent full length CD "TRANSLUCENT" ,released in
2005, is a perfect example of what Otispunk has matured into. They continue to write songs, and remain dedicated in their
quest to fulfill their passion for music.
You can catch Otispunk’s music being played on Y100Rocks.com, and
live at many venues surrounding the Philadelphia area.
Venues that Otispunk has
played:
CBS 3 "Eye on Philadelphia"
Y100 Morning Show (Media, PA)
93.7 WSTW "Hometown Hereos" (Wilmington DE)
Theater of Living Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
Pontiac Grille (Philadelphia, PA)
Grape Street Pub (Manayunk, PA)
Chestnut Room (Philadelphia, PA)
Hard Rock Cafe (Philadelphia, PA)
Abilene's (Philadelphia, PA)
The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)
The Sterling Hotel "Girls Rock and Rule Benefit" (Allentown, PA)
The Millcreek Tavern (Philadelphia, PA)
Riverside Barr and Grille (Easton, PA)
Bensalem Battle of the Bands: 2nd Place
Maggie O'Neills (Drexel Hill)
Tom and Jerry's (Milmont Park, PA)
Destiny Brewing Company (Phoenixville, PA)
West End Saloon (Media, PA)
Margarita's (West Chester, PA)
Joclyn's (Media, PA)
Street Road Bar and Grille (Bensalem, PA)
Finn McCool's (Philadelphia, PA)
Chick Orlando's Edgehill Tavern (Bensalem, PA)
Philadelphia University (Phila, PA)
Arcadia University (Glenside, PA)
Lebanon Valley College (Hershey, PA)
Bryn Athen College (Bensalem, PA)
The University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
Wood Lanes "Live Rock and Bowl" (Woodstown, NJ)
Sacred Grounds (Fallingston, PA)
Wood Lanes "Live Rock and Bowl" (NJ)
Colosseum (Wimington, DE)
Red Cross Benefit Concert 9/11 (Philadelphia, PA)