I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
Party In The U.S.A.
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fraggle Rock
Fraggle Rock
Fraggle Rock
Each day's a party if you hadn't noticed
Confetti's flying every single moment
That's why we splash and swim and clap our feet
Don't wanna miss this special celebration
For Matt the traveler from out space and
A party for some pants
Whoop-ee and then we'll dance so bring your radish hat
Yeah
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
O-kay
And Everyone's invited to the most perfect kind of day
At least since yesterday
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
I'm always twirling, diving let's get going
I always keep it zen, stay in the moment
I'm an adventurer, I lead the crowd
I'd rather do laundry
I love my friends I'll say it loud
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
O-kay
And Everyone's invited to the most perfect kind of day
At least since yesterday
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
Let's party down today
Let's party down today
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
The lyrics to On the Rocks's song "Party In The U.S.A." seem to blend elements of the Fraggle Rock television show with the theme of celebration and unity. The repeated phrase "Fraggle Rock" could be a reference to the beloved children's show, creating a sense of nostalgia and joy. Each day is portrayed as a party, with confetti flying and everyone fully immersed in the festive atmosphere. The idea is that when you are a Fraggle, a party becomes an essential part of life.
The lyrics also mention a special celebration for a traveler named Matt from outer space, emphasizing the inclusivity and universality of the party. There's even a mention of a party for some pants, which adds a playful and whimsical element to the song. The invitation to bring a radish hat, a playful and slightly absurd item, further reinforces the lighthearted nature of the party in Fraggle Rock.
The singer describes their enthusiastic participation in the party, twirling and diving, and always staying in the moment. They embrace their role as an adventurer who leads the crowd and expresses love for their friends. The overall message of the song appears to be about enjoying life's celebrations and cherishing the connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Fraggle Rock
Fraggle Rock is the joyful and lively place where all the fun happens
Each day's a party if you hadn't noticed
Every day in Fraggle Rock is filled with excitement and joy
Confetti's flying every single moment
There is constant celebration and vibrant energy in the air
That's why we splash and swim and clap our feet
We express our happiness and enthusiasm through playful activities like splashing, swimming, and dancing
Cause when you're a Fraggle a party's just the thing you need, whoopee
Being a Fraggle means always craving and enjoying the festivities and celebrations
Don't wanna miss this special celebration
We don't want to miss out on this unique and extraordinary party
For Matt the traveler from out space and
This celebration is dedicated to Matt, an extraterrestrial traveler
A party for some pants
We are celebrating and having fun for no particular reason, even for something as simple as pants
Whoop-ee and then we'll dance so bring your radish hat
After the celebration, we will dance and have a great time, so don't forget to bring your unique accessories like a radish hat
Hey o-kay it's a party down in Fraggle Rock today
We are enthusiastically announcing that today is a party in Fraggle Rock
And Everyone's invited to the most perfect kind of day
All are welcome to join in this joyous and ideal day
At least since yesterday
We have been eagerly waiting for another amazing day like this since yesterday
I'm always twirling, diving let's get going
I am constantly moving and enjoying the thrill of life, so let's start the party
I always keep it zen, stay in the moment
I maintain a peaceful mindset and live in the present, embracing every second of the party
I'm an adventurer, I lead the crowd
I am an explorer and I inspire others to join me in the celebration
I'd rather do laundry
Even the most mundane tasks like doing laundry can be enjoyable and add to the festive spirit
I love my friends I'll say it loud
I have deep affection for my friends, and I proudly express it
Let's party down today
Let's celebrate and have a great time right now
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Hey, Harvey jr. Mason, Sam Ramirez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Đăng Reus
this is not a joke, it is a high level performance by legends
Thalisson gamer
Verdade
mini mimi
i think so. this is full of talent
hello
Hi VN nè
stormer_34
it looks funny
shoturdayfilmss
Indeed
Rain
The fact that they show so much emotion here and they are not afraid to get laughed at is amazing they are legends!
Ana
Agree. They totally enjoy themselves.
Nash Lanbert Naperi
That's the point they did it, to make everyone laugh
Damien
I guess they acapella group and often perform in the public, and that's why they had no fear at all.