Young rock band sees swift climb to the top
UpRoot is going up, up, up! The band, playing together for a mere year, has landed the opening act for Ian Beert, beginning 9 p.m. tonight, at The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St.
“So many amazing bands have played at The Fox. This means everything to us. I’ve been to hundreds of concerts there and now I’ll always be to go back there and say I’ve played here,” said Greg Fisk, a junior communication major and the newest addition to the group.
The original band members met in the dorms during their freshman year at CU and the rest was history. Since then, they have played at local parties, philanthropies and Greek events. But tonight marks a new chapter of their career.
UpRoot produces a fresh mix of reggae and rock music. The band’s name reflects the blending genres of hip-hop, jazz, blues and rock.
“We want to make a new sound that everyone is going to enjoy,” said Evan Urman, a sophomore film major and the UpRoot drummer. “We really enjoy playing so we hope that people really enjoy listening to it, too. The cool thing about our music is that people who like all different kinds of music can enjoy us.”
Hanging out with UpRoot is like hanging out with your big brother and his cool friends. The band is laid back, confident and fun to be around. When they start playing, the band members bounce their heads and tap their feet to the rhythm.
Complementing the energy of the band, UpRoot’s tunes are catchy and easy to listen to.
“It’s such an awesome feeling when I hear people singing the lyrics. Everyone catches on so quick to the words,” said Jesse Gawlik, a junior business major and member of the band.
Gawlik writes the band’s lyrics along with fellow band member and senior history major Peter Eichar.
“I usually wake up at 3 a.m. and start scribbling lyrics down. The music comes from what I’m feeling in my own life,” Eichar said.
Besides the catchy tunes and fresh sound, the band has a certain connection that takes many bands years to find.
“We’re still new, but we have this amazing chemistry. I hope we keep progressing and writing great songs that we can just bust out,” Gawlik said.
UpRoot practices several times a week in one of the band member’s basement. Stairs lead down to the hot and cramped room where there is just enough space to fit the band’s awesome enthusiasm. They have recorded six songs, but there are many more in progress.
During Thanksgiving Break, the band will be in Portland, Ore. recording their demo album.
And if they could have dinner with any band?
“Sublime,” Gawlik said, “We worship the ground they walk on.”Young
