In a world over-saturated with illegal music downloads, generic carbon-copy pop-rock bands, and actors-turned-musicians begging us to take them seriously—there is something to be said for a handful of youngsters toughing it out on today’s music scene. Brothers Spencer Grimes (17; lead vocals, guitar), Mack Grimes (16; vocals, bass), Dave Grimes (21; vocals, drums) along with Dallas Erdahl (19; vocals, guitar) and Corin McHargue (19; synth, programming) make up one of our most ambitious and level-headed local bands—Whosah.
Creating music that teeters on the edge of pop, indie and electro, Whosah simply wants to be heard. “We all have a very realistic outlook on the future. We know how hard it is to make it in the music industry, and even so—we haven’t adopted a sink-or-swim attitude towards the goal of ‘hitting it big.’” Dallas says. “We are looking to bring a positive message to anyone who wants to listen, and we know we don’t have to be big stars to brighten someone’s day.”
Whosah’s outlook on the fate of their success is refreshing. Not only are they aware of the challenges they will face, but they are also cognoscente of other duties to which they are bound. All of the boys are involved in activities outside of Whosah; sports, jobs, and school. “As a whole, we are some of the most laid back, yet incredibly busy kids you will ever meet,” Dave admits, pointing to Spencer as a prime example. “He’s a member of NHS, president of Engineering Club, a private guitar instructor, frontman of Whosah, and all the while upholding a 4.0 GPA in high school.”
While the amount of energy and motivation it takes to keep up with their demanding schedules is admirable, the boys of Whosah are the first to admit how hard it can be. “At times, the band can feel like a needy friend in the midst of triple-booked calendars,” Dave says. But Spencer adds, “We just have to figure out how much of a commitment we’re actually willing to give. What will we give up in order to play together? Miss a track practice? Skip a class? Sometimes we do. But other times, Whosah is the thing that has to be sacrificed.”
And it’s with that responsible stance that has given the boys their parents’ blessing all along. Without a second’s hesitation, the guys consider their mothers and fathers among their number one fans. By setting the expectation from the beginning that the guys should have aspirations apart from being in a band, the parents of Whosah are able to fully support their talented offspring. “They come to almost every show, wearing Whosah shirts and everything,” Dave says. “We couldn’t have asked for more supportive parents.”
Underneath Whosah’s practical approach to life as a band, lies a raw passion for music that is intoxicating to anyone who crosses their path. It’s a rarity these days to find a band that truly appreciates the bare bones of music; of what music means and how it affects people. Dallas sums it up best. “Feelings cannot simply be described—they can only be felt,” he says. “Music is a medium in which we can express our feelings to others; a way to let others feel the way we feel.”
In the upcoming months, Whosah will be focusing on enlarging their online presence, adding new songs to their set list, and securing gigs at nearby bars and restaurants, all the while keeping up with the other daily activities that demand their attention. But when it comes down to it, there seems to be a permanent spot in each of the boys for Whosah. “Being in this band with these people has become a big part of who I am,” Dave says. “There’s just something so organically us about the music that doesn’t get expressed in any other avenue of life.”
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For information on upcoming Whosah shows, visit the band’s website, or find them on Facebook. Whosah’s music can also be found on iTunes and YouTube.
