History: Cyclical Proportions
Words: James Ferreira
Photo: James Kilby

History’s origins can be traced back to the ashes of two of Orlando’s most revered indie rock outfits, Sound the Alarm, and My Hotel Year. While the influences and styles of their former bands can still be felt, the direction History has taken is fascinating. By using two keyboard players as well as an added female presence in a traditionally male dominated post-hardcore genre, they are breaking new ground. “The keyboards and synths add a degree of freedom as to what we can do with the music, beyond a traditional setup. At the same time, the keyboards are incorporated in a way that is no more foreign than adding, say, another guitar. It is less about fit, and more about doing what you know and being happy with what can be accomplished as a band,” Scott Ososky (keyboard) told me.

“I don't know how many times I've been asked before we play if I'm really in the band, or just a girlfriend or merch girl. So, woman in rock are definitely a minority, but I'm extremely proud to play an unexpected, male dominated genre. While it may catch some attention, I hope we incorporate more of our talent than our gender,” Kenzie Pause (bass) expounded.

“When I joined as a second keyboardist, it took some time to find where I fit musically. I always kept in mind I was there to add an atmospheric layer to the music, but now we work together like two guitarists. We trade off melodies, chord progressions and leads. It’s really fun, actually. As far as being a second girl in the band as well, I think Kenzie and I add that approachableness element to the band. We’re technical and really like to ‘rock out’ if you will, and I think being a girl in this type of genre has made it more accessible to other women. You know? Like it’s not just metal-y rock music for dudes anymore,” Melissa Parker (keyboard/vocals) added.

The upcoming month will feature a series of shows in both Tampa and Orlando for the band as they celebrate the release of their first full-length album. With an increasingly rabid fan base, I inquired as to why the hell it’s taken so long for us to get our hands on something we could take with us and listen to. “I’ve always said that we are slow moving at times. We tend to do things at our own pace as opposed to rushing through things. We had the luxury of working with Andy Strickland at his house and he was kind enough to dedicate six months of his life to the record. At the end of the day, even though it was a long process, we got something that we are happy with,” Matt Caron (guitar/lead vocals) told me.

“It was taking a long time because we did it all ourselves at the beginning and were planning on just putting out ourselves. So, after recording we had a great record and no means to put it out,” Patrick O’Neal (drums) explained.

The band has come a long way over the past two years and has really seemed to embrace the opportunity of playing together with such talented individuals. As they continue to evolve, it’s only natural to wonder what direction their music will take. “The more we play together, the more we will write and progress in that writing. We are all so influenced by different things that it affects not only the music, but the ideas for promotion, shows, and touring,” Patrick said.

Kenzie added, “We've never set out to do any certain style of music. What comes out is History. I think the longer we play together, the more we learn each other's styles and how we can work together with those different backgrounds. The music will take its own course and we will follow.”

One of the most interesting facets behind History is their understanding of the scene itself through experience and their respect for the local talent here in Florida. They have also been some of the most vocal in terms of support (or lack thereof) from the local fans. I inquired as to whether or not they see things improving and if their future may lie in another part of the country. “As far as support goes, we're getting it from the people that matter to us right now. The press, promoters and others have showed support. We have some hardcore dedicated fans in a bunch of cities, and it’s great to have them come out over and over and bring friends.  Hopefully that will continue to grow,” Matt said with a chuckle.

“We'll be on tour so much; it won't matter where we live. I think every "scene" goes through a down period every few years. It happens in everything. Right now, I think music scenes everywhere are in a slump compared to where they were six years ago. It's frustrating, but it happens every few years. For the most part though, I think the Florida ‘scene’ is at a stalemate right now compared to some places we've played.  All you can really do is not give up and keep doing what you can to support other bands and independent venues,” Patrick said.

Scott added, “The scene is probably not where it should be in the sense of community. However, it only takes a few intrinsically motivated people to get things back on track. Central Florida is long overdue for a resurgence.”

As previously mentioned History’s debut full-length album Ghosts in the City will be made available in the upcoming weeks. A driving force behind its release has been the Tampa based label 24 Hour Service Station. I asked the band what their involvement and relationship with the label has been like. “They've done everything the way a label is supposed to do, which says a lot right now.  Most labels are suffering or just not supporting their bands. They have been nothing but supportive to us and all we can do is support and promote them as much as they do us,” Patrick explained.

“It is comforting to know that we are not the only people who believe in what we are trying to accomplish as a band,” Scott told me.

“It's been a nice surprise. We're really lucky to be a part of 24 Hour Service Station. The album is finally ready to come out with the help of Marshall and the label stepping up to help us, we finally can get it out and have something tangible in hand,” Melissa added.

Please be sure to catch History’s CD release parties where you will finally be able to pick up a copy of their debut album Ghosts in the City.

historyband.com
24hourservicestation.com