It isn't rare for a young band to set out to make great music with honest intentions and a love for what they are doing, but it isn't often that a young band gets past the struggles, fights, and tireless hours on the road to become what they set out to be.
"It seems like two minutes ago we were playing Monday night for five people in a dive on campus," says vocalist Brian Frank, "and I guess five years isn't that long in the big scheme of things, but I think we have come a long way."
Fatkid Dodgeball has been over the bumps in the road and is stronger than ever because of them. Forming from the ashes of Columbus bands Choda and Solar Tear, Brian Frank (vocals, bass) and Brian Turnbull (vocals, guitar) set out to make some noise. "We had no idea what we were doing, but we did it anyway. We never set out to play this type of music, or that type of music, we just played." That spirit set the groundwork for an accessible, yet original sound that sets Fatkid Dodgeball apart from the pack.
Originally formed in 2001, FKDB went through a string of line-up changes before they even recorded a demo. "We were very young and it was tough to find that cohesiveness that you need to make a band work," Bull admits. Casey Potts (guitar) joined FKDB just before the recording of their self-titled release in 2002. Fatkid Dodgeball played all over the local bar scene playing at festivals in Chicago, Kentucky, and Cleveland. "High Above" and "Take Your Time" were receiving airplay in the Columbus area, but creative differences led to the departure of original drummer, Jon Lawrence. "We were left with a dilemma that most bands face at some point; Call it quits, or keep on keepin on," jokes Potts. "We loved playing music so we played acoustic shows for almost two years trying to find someone who had the same fire we did," said Turnbull. After auditioning a handful of drummers Fatkid Dodgeball was on the brink. "I was almost at the point of giving up when we met Ryan. We were at a dead end, and then this guy messages us on MySpace. Of course I was skeptical," said Frank, "But what the hell, let's give it a shot." After one audition it was apparent that Ryan Eisert, formerly of Red Wanting Blue, would be the drummer for Fatkid Dodgeball.
Fatkid Dodgeball has just released their latest EP “Admission of Guilt” recorded in NY with super producers Tomas Costanza & Anthony Santo (HOLLYWOOD RECORDS, EPIC RECORDS, COLUMBIA, ETC.) at the world famous Killingsworth Recording Studios.
FKDB is poised to be the next breakout band from the region and is proud to announce the release of their latest single "RUN" from the highly anticipated follow up to "Burn It Down" which is seeing airplay across the region. FKDB recently won Best Indie Band on Vote the Music and is featured among the top 5 regional acts on MTV2. They have logged serious miles, building a strong following across Ohio and beyond, and will appear on Alternative Addiction’s V.9 compilation this January. Most notably and a highlight was their track "17 Forever" airing on MTV's hit series Laguna Beach in September. This growing, loyal following knows what many will soon; Fatkid Dodgeball have only just begun.
"[Fatkid Dodgeball] is a study in contrasts: acoustic riffing and electric leads, vocal harmonies and pop-punk energy, and gentle melody over hard-hitting beats," writes D.X. Ferris of Cleveland Scene Magazine. This contrast is what sets them apart. Give them a listen and you'll hear for yourself. Go to a show, and you'll get it. I don't doubt him one bit when Frank sings, "If we can't take this town, then we'll just burn it down," in the single "Get It." I can almost hear the sirens...
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