Want to go?
WHAT: The Werksgiving
WHERE: Oddbody's, 5418 Burkhardt Rd, Dayton
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 25, Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
COST: $10 Pre-Sale / $15 Door
INFO: Website | Facebook | Call (937) 813-4272
Before you go into an tryptophan-induced slumber on the couch, huddle around the television to watch the parades or football games, or take your position within the lines to catch those Black Friday deals, one of the most-anticipated shows will be taking place Wednesday night at Oddbody’s.
Hometown rockers The Werks will be stopping where it all began as part of their fall tour, aptly titled, "TWERK TOUR". "The Werksgiving" as its being labeled, will also include special guests The Goods.
On top of that, The Werks will be celebrating their latest studio album release, Inside a Dream.
I spoke with the band’s drummer Rob Chafin and here's are five things that I learned, about the band, during our conversation:
1.) The Werks just celebrated their tenth year as a band
Taking their name from ordering a dish with “the works”, the band began in 2005. The Werks was launched after its members met at a battle of the bands on the campus of the University of Dayton. Since the initial setup of the band, there has been a few changes within the lineup. Two of the founding members remain in the band -- Chafin and guitarist Chris Houser. Bassist Dino Dimitrouleas was also at the battle of the bands, playing in his band titled The Maji. Keyboardist Dan Shaw joined in 2014.
2.) Six years ago, The Werks became more than just a local band
Chafin mentioned that there was a moment when everyone in the group knew that The Werks had to be more than just a local band and decided to go all in. “It was great. We slept on couches and ate Ramen Noodles,” Chafin recalled, during the early days of being on the road. While that may not be the life that most would want to live, Chafin added that it was essential. “You do it. You gotta sleep on floors; put yourself through the ringer. The ones who stick it out get to travel the world and play music. That’s what we inspire to do.”
3.) Don’t label The Werks a “jam band”
The library of music The Werks have crafted offers listeners a beautiful musical landscape. The members of the group all encompass varying degrees of musical influences. Psychedelic riffs, the humming of the organ, funky bass, synthesizers and modern dance beats allow The Werks to just go. While it’s not entirely a knock on being labeled as such, The Werks continuously get tagged as being a jam band. As for Chafin and the rest of the band, they feel that they fall within a different style. “We’re definitely a rock-ordinated band. Rock and funk.”
4.) The Werks have their own yearly festival
Known for touring rather heavily throughout the year, The Werks can be seen at several festivals. One of the most unique festivals that the band performs at each September has been taken place within the picturesque Legend Valley Concert Venue & Campground in Thornville, Ohio-The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival. With experience of booking gigs, Chafin transferred his passion into coordinating the event. Bands that perform during the party comprise those whom The Werks shared the stage with during the year. “It’s cool to have our own annual party to bring all of our friends together and celebrate life,” Chafin declares. Artists are encouraged to participate by bringing their own work; jugglers, fire spinners also have been known to come and showcase their craft.
5.) The Werks latest is already generating positive buzz
Recorded in Oranjudio Recording in Columbus the fourth studio album from The Werks is titled Inside a Dream. Chafin revealed during our conversation that the recording of the album was done all throughout the year. The conceptual vision of the album is to have a musical voyage through the heart of a dream; into their own hopes, fears, and aspirations. Inside a Dream is being viewed as The Werks best and most mature album to date. As for the band themselves, they are thrilled with the end result. "Even though it took almost a year to make, but I feel that it helped," Chafin says. "I feel that it helped. It was a good habit to listen and work on it for a while. It's definitely our best songs yet."
To learn more about The Werks, check out its Facebook page.
About the Author