Spring Break
Coming to the Scene: Run Side Down
Madison-based band receives national attention due to copyrighted name
Tara Bannow
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Scene
Two years ago, a band called Space Camp set out to create funky grooves at jam sessions and woo audiences into subservience at crowded shows.
NASA had other plans. In objection to the band's name, NASA sent the musicians a 14-page document warning them to change it - or else. Apparently, the North American Space Association is the rightful owner of the copyright to Space Camp. Bummer. But what could have spelled disaster for some became a gateway to success for this Madison-based band.
"We couldn't afford a lawyer, we had to change our name and just go with it," said Dan Plourde, bassist, vocalist and manager of the band. The conflict over the Midwest jam band's name produced the biggest publicity-payoff a little-known band could have hoped for, said Ploude. As soon as the press got wind of NASA's gripes, the story was printed all over, and word of the band spread far and wide.
A new name, two members down and one keyboardist later, Run Side Down was born.
"It produced a rejuvenated outlook on music," said Plourde. "We started fresh with a whole new band, whole new name."
The band's eclectic sound is sprinkled with periods of psychedelic guitar solos, reminiscent of Phish.
"We definitely pull from a general rock-and-roll fence," said Plourde. "We grew up on classic rock."
The band's music is heavy-laden with colorful instrumentation, a collection of restrained, laid-back groove periods contrasted with progressive, energetic drum-set segments.
"We try to infuse the styles we've learned over the years: jazz, funk, fusion," said Plourde. "What you're going to get is a rock-and-roll core which can be funky and a little jazzy."
The music is triumphed by a voice whose dynamic intonation brings the music from a laid-back state of happy reflection to a more delirious, kinetic high. Run Side Down's music may call to mind big-names like moe or Widespread Panic, said Plourde.
"We like to promote the atmosphere of a party," said Plourde. "Fun for everybody.
NASA had other plans. In objection to the band's name, NASA sent the musicians a 14-page document warning them to change it - or else. Apparently, the North American Space Association is the rightful owner of the copyright to Space Camp. Bummer. But what could have spelled disaster for some became a gateway to success for this Madison-based band.
"We couldn't afford a lawyer, we had to change our name and just go with it," said Dan Plourde, bassist, vocalist and manager of the band. The conflict over the Midwest jam band's name produced the biggest publicity-payoff a little-known band could have hoped for, said Ploude. As soon as the press got wind of NASA's gripes, the story was printed all over, and word of the band spread far and wide.
A new name, two members down and one keyboardist later, Run Side Down was born.
"It produced a rejuvenated outlook on music," said Plourde. "We started fresh with a whole new band, whole new name."
The band's eclectic sound is sprinkled with periods of psychedelic guitar solos, reminiscent of Phish.
"We definitely pull from a general rock-and-roll fence," said Plourde. "We grew up on classic rock."
The band's music is heavy-laden with colorful instrumentation, a collection of restrained, laid-back groove periods contrasted with progressive, energetic drum-set segments.
"We try to infuse the styles we've learned over the years: jazz, funk, fusion," said Plourde. "What you're going to get is a rock-and-roll core which can be funky and a little jazzy."
The music is triumphed by a voice whose dynamic intonation brings the music from a laid-back state of happy reflection to a more delirious, kinetic high. Run Side Down's music may call to mind big-names like moe or Widespread Panic, said Plourde.
"We like to promote the atmosphere of a party," said Plourde. "Fun for everybody.
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